An American politician, Delia Ramirez has represented Illinois’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2023. She made history as the first Latina elected to Congress from the Midwest and is a member of “The Squad,” the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Learn more about the Chicago race riots. Keep reading on chicago-yes.
Biography
Delia Catalina Ramirez was born on June 2, 1983, in Chicago to Guatemalan immigrants who moved to the U.S. seeking a better life. Her mother crossed the border without authorization, hoping to provide her child with a safer and more stable environment. Delia’s father worked night shifts at a bakery and a factory to support the family. Her mother, despite her undocumented status, did everything she could to ensure their children had an education, a roof over their heads, and a future. The family settled near a Methodist church, where both parents actively helped the community by feeding the homeless and supporting the disadvantaged. This religious upbringing, deeply rooted in serving others, became the primary moral compass for the future congresswoman. The Methodist church wasn’t just a place of worship for Delia—it became her first platform. By age 17, she was working as an assistant at the church, and later, she led non-governmental organizations focused on housing, tenant rights, and aid for the homeless. Her faith, much like her activism, was about action, not just words. Her worldview was shaped not by books, but by real life, where injustice and the need for genuine protection were daily realities. These early years gave Ramirez a profound understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants and low-income families, along with an awareness of the need for quality social services and equal opportunities for all.
This early experience fueled her lifelong motivation to fight for minority rights, access to education, healthcare, and social justice. Delia attended Sabin Magnet Elementary School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Northeastern Illinois University. Her career was closely tied to the public sector—she worked at the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, led LUCHA, and directed the Center for Changing Lives, an organization that helped homeless individuals secure stable housing.
In October 2020, Delia married Boris Hernandez, an immigrant who came to the U.S. at age 14. He is a participant in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary protection from deportation for individuals brought to the U.S. as children without documentation. This marriage adds a personal dimension to Delia’s political stance. She’s not just fighting for immigration reform—she lives with its consequences every day.
Political Career
In 2018, Delia Ramirez took a significant step in her political career when she was elected to the Illinois State General Assembly, representing the 4th legislative district. Her election was historic, making her the first Guatemalan American to serve in that legislative body. During her time in the Assembly, Ramirez actively championed legislative initiatives aimed at expanding access to healthcare for low-income populations, developing affordable housing programs, and strengthening women’s rights. She also supported measures to combat inequality and discrimination, consistently highlighting the needs of immigrant communities and the working class.
In 2022, following the 2020 U.S. Census, which led to the creation of Illinois’s new 3rd congressional district, Delia Ramirez announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives. She quickly garnered voter support in the primaries, securing a decisive 66% of the vote among her competitors. In the general election, Ramirez won with 68.5% of the votes, making her the first Latina elected to Congress from the Midwest region. This victory underscored the growing influence of the Latino community in regional politics and solidified Ramirez’s status as an influential political leader of a new generation.
Areas of Focus
Delia Ramirez’s main areas of focus reflect her deep understanding of modern society’s needs and her commitment to creating a more just and inclusive America. As the only member of Congress with mixed immigration status in her family, Ramirez is a fierce advocate for immigrant rights. She actively supports creating a clear and humane pathway to citizenship for young immigrants, known as “Dreamers,” who arrived in the U.S. as children. Delia strives to reform the U.S. immigration system, emphasizing the need to ensure dignity and safety for all migrants and to integrate them into society without discrimination.
Ramirez is a strong proponent of recognizing affordable housing as a fundamental human right. She works on legislative initiatives aimed at expanding programs for building and subsidizing affordable housing to ensure every citizen has a safe and stable place to live. She sees this not only as a social necessity but also as a way to combat poverty and social inequality. Delia Ramirez supports expanding access to quality healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of their immigration status. She advocates for reforms in the healthcare system designed to make medical care more accessible, effective, and fair. She pays particular attention to prevention programs, mental health, and support for the most vulnerable populations.
Ramirez actively fights for the protection of women’s reproductive rights, including access to safe medical services and family planning. She supports legislative initiatives aimed at preventing violence against women and ensuring equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life.
Delia Ramirez considers herself a voice for the voiceless. She frequently speaks about the importance of Medicare for All, as well as providing legal status to millions of immigrants who have lived and worked in the U.S. for decades without full rights.
Committee Work
In Congress, Delia Ramirez serves on several important committees, including:
- The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where she focuses on developing public transit, safer roads, and investments in urban infrastructure.
- The House Committee on Education and Labor—here she advocates for expanding union rights, raising the minimum wage, and accessible education. These areas are directly linked to her campaign platform, which was based on principles of economic equality.
In Congress, Delia is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, a coalition of left-leaning Democrats who support social initiatives. Her allies include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, Jamaal Bowman, and other young progressive politicians. Together, they push for reforms aimed at strengthening human rights, protecting the climate, and combating racism and corruption. Delia Ramirez’s work in the U.S. Congress isn’t about political ambition; it’s about social responsibility. Her story exemplifies how representation can change not only political rhetoric but also the lives of real people.