Dagmara Avelar

Dagmara "Dee" Avelar is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 85th district. She has held the position since January 13, 2021. The 85th district, located in the Chicago area, covers all or parts of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Fairmont, Lemont, Lockport, Naperville, Romeoville, and Woodridge. As of 2025, she serves as an Assistant Majority Leader.

Avelar was elected to succeed outgoing State Representative John Connor, who had been elected to the Illinois Senate.

Early life, education, and career Avelar was born in Quito, Ecuador and moved to Bolingbrook, Illinois with her parents when she was 12. She graduated from Bolingbrook High School in 2005. She has been an active community organizer since 2008. She previously worked at Instituto Del Progreso Latino "as an accredited representative with a focus on citizenship and DACA."

Legislation Several bills filed by Rep. Avelar have gone on to become law. These include an amendment to the Environmental Protection Act that requires groundwater monitoring at some construction sites, legislation that requires hospitals to proactively offer charity care options to uninsured patients, and a statute that requires insurance companies that issue group accident and health policies to offer these policies to local chambers of commerce.

Electoral history

Personal life Avelar resides in Bolingbrook, Illinois. She became a naturalized US citizen in April 2016.