Why I'm Running
Putting the 8th FIRST!
"I come from a proud legacy of public service. It shaped how I lead, how I work, and how I show up for my community. But my commitment isn’t just inherited...it’s lived. As a single mother, small business owner, and advocate, I’ve fought hard for working families and the next generation. Our youth deserve leaders who believe in their potential and fight for their future. That’s the spirit I’m taking to Springfield...to serve, to listen, and to fight Republican extremists for the entire 8th District."
What Latonya's Fighting For
Everyday Working Families.
Latonya is ready to fight the policies pushed by Trump-aligned Republicans that often hurt everyday people. Some of these threats include attacking unions and worker protections, cutting funding for affordable healthcare, education, or housing, and even opposing paid family leave, childcare support, or food assistance.
Latonya is not standing for any of it and will stop at nothing to make sure the working people of the 8th District have a fair shot and a voice in Springfield.
Investing in Our Youth
Latonya Mitts believes that every child, no matter their zip code deserves access to a quality education, safe schools, and the resources to thrive. As a single mother who raised and educated two children in the district, she understands firsthand how critical strong public schools are for working families.
Latonya is committed to increasing access to school-based counselors, mental health services, and college and career readiness programs. She knows our young people face real pressures, and she believes schools should be equipped to support the whole child academically, emotionally, and socially.
In Springfield, she’ll fight to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed including parents and educators always have a seat at the table.
Reproductive Freedom.
Conservative lawmakers and the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade fueled a growing movement to restrict or ban abortion access and undermine reproductive healthcare; including criminalizing patients and doctors, limiting access to birth control and family planning, and rolling back comprehensive sex education.
Latonya Mitts stands firmly in support of full reproductive autonomy — the right to make personal healthcare decisions without political interference. She will fight to ensure Illinois remains a safe haven for reproductive rights and continues to lead with compassion, dignity, and freedom of choice.
Defending the Democracy.
Latonya sees the efforts being made to suppress votes, spread misinformation, and undermine trust in elections as a direct threat to the foundation of our democracy. From voter ID laws and gerrymandering that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities, to attempts to overturn fair election results and discredit the free press, these actions erode public trust and weaken civic institutions.
Conspiracy theories and political extremism have even incited violence, putting our democracy at risk. Latonya Mitts is committed to protecting voting rights, expanding civic participation, and defending the democratic process — because she believes democracy works best when every voice is heard and every vote counts.
