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Meet Demi Palecek
A veteran, organizer, and tireless community leader. Demi is running for State Representative to bring experience, action, and heart to Illinois government as we push back to the cruelties of the Trump administration.
She's here to do the work.
“Demi Palecek is the kind of leader who shows up—whether in uniform, on the campaign trail, or at the doors of her neighbors. She’s a battle-tested advocate with the heart of a public servant and the skills of a seasoned communicator. Demi’s ready to fight for safer communities and a more just Illinois.”
Her Story
Service First: From the Military to Community Leadership
I’m Demi Palecek— I'm a proud queer Latina, a military veteran, a community leader and communications professional. I proudly served in both the U.S. Air Force Security Forces and the Army National Guard, where I learned discipline, teamwork, and the importance of protecting not just our country, but our communities. Those values have stayed with me every step of the way, whether I’m leading a voter outreach campaign or helping shape Democratic messaging in the Illinois State Legislature.
Organizing, Communicating, and Getting Things Done
After my time in uniform, I shifted into the world of communications and community organizing. I currently serve as the Communications Manager for State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, where I’ve had the privilege of working directly on legislation, constituent services, and messaging that impacts families across Illinois. I'm also the co-founder of Gemmes Creative, where we help grassroots candidates and progressive causes build their voices and their movements from the ground up.
I serve as President of the 46th Ward Democrats and as Executive Vice President of the Young Democrats of Chicago—two roles that keep me deeply connected to our city’s neighborhoods and the people who power them. Whether it’s canvassing for police accountability in the 19th District, traveling to Wisconsin to help flip a Senate seat blue, or organizing right here in Chicago, I’ve never been afraid to put in the work.
I'm running for State Representative because I believe leadership is earned through action. My journey—from the military to community organizing to the halls of the Capitol—has prepared me to fight for working families, safer neighborhoods, and a government that truly serves all of us. I’m not here for the title—I’m here to do the work. And I’m ready.
Get Involved
4802 N. Broadway, Suite #200 Chicago, IL
contact@demiforillinois.com
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Demi Palecek is a former member of the US Air Force and Army National Guard. Use of her military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by either branch of service, the Department of Defense or any branch of U.S. government.