Senator Darby Hills Launches Campaign for Illinois Senate
State Senator Darby Hills (R-Barrington Hills), a community leader, former prosecutor, and mother of three, today officially launched her campaign to continue serving the people of Illinois’ 26th Senate District. Since her appointment earlier this year, Hills has emerged as a strong voice for families, and she’s just getting started.
“Families are being stretched to the limit, and it’s not ok,” said Hills. “You deserve better. I went to Springfield to fight for real solutions because, for me, this is personal.”
Raised by a single mother in Cary who worked two jobs to keep food on the table, Hills learned firsthand the meaning of determination and sacrifice. “My mom is an absolute force of nature,” said Hills. “Watching how tirelessly she worked raising us gave me the strongest foundation I could have asked for in life, teaching me the value of persistence and the importance of helping others.”
“I think often about families like ours and how much harder that struggle would be today. How are working families, who are already struggling to make ends meet, supposed to get by when politicians keep piling on new taxes?” said Hills. “Illinois families are already doing more with less. I’ll be a leader who protects their paychecks, supports job creators, and keeps our communities safe.”
In her first legislative session, Hills took a stand against backroom deals, reckless spending, and tax hikes. She voted against the largest budget in Illinois history—a $55 billion plan passed in the middle of the night. She also opposed a series of tax proposals that would raise everyday costs, including a $1.50 delivery tax, a digital ad tax, and new service taxes that would directly impact families and small businesses.
She supported House Bill 1697, a new law aimed at lowering prescription drug prices and protecting local pharmacies. The law brings down costs for Illinois families by ending spread pricing, banning pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from steering patients to their own preferred pharmacies, and requiring that 100 percent of drug rebates go back to patients and plan sponsors.
A former Cook County prosecutor, Hills has built her career on fighting for justice and advocating for children and families. Fourteen years ago, she founded Barrington Children’s Charities, an all-volunteer nonprofit that now provides more than 500 children each week with meals, dental care, mental health services, and other essential support. Her work has earned her a reputation as a dedicated and compassionate leader.
In Springfield, she continues that work. Hills was appointed Minority Spokesperson for the Senate Child Welfare Committee and backed legislation to better protect children from sexual exploitation. She introduced Senate Bill 2381, which would require individuals who secretly record minors in private spaces, when there is clear evidence of sexual motivation, to register as sex offenders. She recently testified on the bill before a legislative committee, emphasizing the need for stronger tools for law enforcement and greater accountability for offenders.
She also passed her first bill, the TICK Act, which is now law. The legislation strengthens public health protections and ensures families have access to life-saving information about tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome.
“People are tired of the chaos and political games,” said Hills. “As a mom, I know how important it is to have leaders you can trust. We need leaders who put families first, protect our communities, and bring common-sense solutions to the table. That’s exactly the kind of steady, responsible leadership I will continue to provide.”
Darby Hills lives in Barrington Hills with her husband and their three children.
Learn more about Darby Hills and her campaign at www.citizensfordarbyhills.com