Nabeela Syed

Nabeela Syed is an American politician and Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 51st district. The 51st district, located in Chicago's north suburbs, includes all or parts of Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Kildeer, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Hoffman Estates, and Schaumburg. She first won election to the seat in 2022, defeating a Republican incumbent, and won re-election in 2024. She is the Democratic nominee for the Illinois Senate's 26th district in the 2026 election, facing Republican incumbent Darby Hills.

Early life Syed was born and raised in Illinois. Her parents immigrated to Palatine from Hyderabad, India during the 1980s. She is Muslim.

Syed said she was inspired to become involved in politics in 2016—when she was a senior in high school—by the anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment in the country at the time, associated with Donald Trump.

Political career In 2021, Syed served as Campaign Manager for Township High School District 211 School Board Member Tim McGowan. According to her LinkedIn profile, she served as a Marketing and Development intern at EMILY'S List.

Syed previously worked for the non-profit CivicNation as an assistant director of Digital Strategy. She is now a full-time legislator.

Illinois House of Representatives Syed ran for state representative for the 51st District in 2022, against incumbent Republican Chris Bos.

Syed said she ran for the House at the urging of her friend. In one of the tightest and closest-watched General Assembly races that year, Syed focused her campaign on abortion access, healthcare affordability, and property tax reform. Bos opposed abortion rights. Syed out-raised Bos nine to one.