Youth Role Models
Edgar Gonzalez, Jr.
IL State Representative
Bio
Edgar Gonzalez Jr. (age 25) is a community activist and represents the 21st district in Illinois’ House of Representatives. Gonzalez was born and raised in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood and attended Harvard University, where he was a political cartoonist for The Harvard Crimson and a staff writer for the Harvard Political Review. Upon graduation, Gonzalez began working as a constituency services liaison for Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. On January 10th, 2020, Gonzalez was appointed to his seat by local Democratic leaders to replace Celina Villanueva. At the time of his inauguration, Gonzalez was the youngest state representative in Illinois at just 23 years old. He is the youngest Latino state representative and youngest state Democratic representative to ever be inaugurated in Illinois. Learn more about him here.
Find Representative Gonzalez on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
In the News
“I knew I wanted to serve my neighborhood; I knew I wanted to serve my community. I was raised to look out for my neighbors, to look out for my family. I just want to make sure that I’m in the best position to serve my community.”
Special Note: The Center for Youth Political Participation, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University or any of its affiliates, are not directly connected or affiliated with the following individual. This page is to be utilized as a teaching tool for the RU Ready in the Classroom program.