Banek Announces her candidacy for IL Democratic Central Committeewoman, 8/7/2025!
Jennifer Banek is a lifelong Lake County resident, veteran, healthcare leader, and dedicated public servant. A graduate of Mundelein High School, she returned home to raise her family and serve her community.
Since 2020, Jennifer has led with integrity as Lake County Coroner, working across agencies to address public health challenges like the opioid crisis. She is a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and serves on the Illinois Domestic Violence Review Board and the Lake County Opioid Response Work Group—roles that demand collaboration, accountability, and results.
Jennifer’s leadership extends statewide and nationally as Treasurer of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and past president of the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. She is completing her Master of Public Health Administration from George Washington University, building on a career grounded in science, service, and advocacy.
Jennifer is running for Democratic State Central Committeewoman to ensure Lake County’s voice is strong and influential in shaping the future of the Democratic Party in Illinois.
MY VALUES
Service
Dedicated to helping others through military duty, healthcare work, and elected leadership in Lake County.
Integrity
Committed to honesty, transparency, and accountability in every decision and action taken in service.
Community
Focused on ensuring Lake County’s voice is strong, respected, and represented in Democratic leadership.
Collaboration
Skilled at bringing people together across sectors to solve problems and achieve lasting progress.
Leadership
Experienced at guiding local, state, and national organizations toward meaningful and measurable results.
Advocacy
Determined to advance policies that improve health, safety, and opportunity for all Illinois residents.
MY PLATFORM
I’m running for Democratic State Central Committeewoman to ensure Lake County’s voice is strong, respected, and influential in shaping the future of our party. With 80% of the 10th Congressional District right here in Lake County, we deserve a representative who truly understands our communities and will fight for our priorities at the state level.
As a veteran, healthcare leader, and public servant, I’ve built my career on service, collaboration, and delivering results in high-pressure situations. I will bring that same dedication to the State Central Committee - strengthening grassroots engagement, supporting Democratic candidates, and advancing policies that protect health, safety, and opportunity for every Illinois resident.
I believe every woman has the right to make her own healthcare decisions without government interference. As a clinical provider at a Planned Parenthood site, I’ve supported patients through some of their most personal and challenging moments. I understand the medical, emotional, and social realities of reproductive healthcare, and I know how critical it is to protect access to safe, legal abortion and comprehensive reproductive services. My seat at the party table will bring the perspective of a healthcare provider who has seen the real-world impact of restrictive policies, and who is committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and autonomy of every individual.