Darby Hills is a passionate advocate for children and families, a community leader, and the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District. She has spent her life fighting for those in need, rolling up her sleeves to get things done, and making a real difference in her community.

As the founder of Barrington Children’s Charities, Darby leads an all-volunteer effort that provides essential support—including meals, medical assistance, and social services – to more than 500 children each week across Barrington-area schools. Her drive to give back comes from personal experience—she was raised in a working-class household by a single mother who worked two jobs to put food on the table. Her mother was not only her greatest role model but also her first teacher, instilling in her the belief that hard work, perseverance, and generosity are the keys to making a difference. Darby knows what it means to struggle and is determined to make life easier for families facing the same challenges today.

Darby’s commitment to service is rooted in her belief that government should work for the people—not the other way around. As a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board, she saw firsthand how high taxes and wasteful spending placed an unnecessary burden on families. That experience strengthened her resolve to fight for lower taxes, responsible spending, and transparent government.

Now, she’s bringing that same no-nonsense approach to Springfield. Darby is ready to fight for families by ensuring every child has access to essential resources that level the playing field and set them up for success. With rising costs and high taxes stretching families thin, she will work to cut taxes, rein in reckless spending, and bring down skyrocketing property taxes. She knows financial stability starts with opportunity, so she’s committed to policies that help working families keep more of their hard-earned money. Darby also recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and will champion a pro-business environment that fosters growth and innovation—so families can thrive, not just get by.

After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Darby built her career as a Cook County prosecutor and attorney, standing up for what’s right. She’s also a wife and mother of three, bringing both real-world experience and relentless determination to the fight for Illinois families.

Darby isn’t going to Springfield to sit on the sidelines—she’s going to take action. She’s ready to fight for taxpayers, protect families, and bring common sense back to state government. Because for her, this isn’t just about policy—it’s personal.

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