The following women wield the most influence in Illinois politics. These women are the consummate insiders, movers and shakers, and power brokers in 2011.
*Note: Ranking is in no particular order
1. Toni Preckwinkle (D)
- Cook County Board President
- 4th Ward Alderman
- History Teacher
2. Sheila Simon (D)
- Illinois Lt. Governor
- Jackson County Prosecutor
- Law Professor at Southern Illinois University
- Illinois Reform Commission
3. Arlene J. Mulder (D)
- Arlington Heights Village President (Mayor)
- O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (Chair)
- Illinois Municipal League (Vice-President)
- Executive Board of U.S. Conference of Mayors (Trustee)
4. Lisa Madigan (D)
- Illinois Attorney General (2002-Present)
- Illinois State Senator (17th) District (1998-2002)
- Litigator
- Teacher
5. Anita Alvarez (D)
- State Attorney (2008-Present)
- Former President of the Chicago Bar Association
- National Hispanic Prosecutors Association
- Board of Trustees for Fenwick High School
6. Christine Radagno (R)
- Illinois State Senate Minority Leader
- Village of LaGrange trustee (1989-1996)
- Social Worker
7. Elizabeth Tisdahl (D)
- Evanston Mayor (2009-Present)
- Evanston Township High School Board (President 2003-2009)
- 7th Ward Alderman (2003-2009)
- Boards of Superintendents (Education Research and Development)
8. Karen McConnaughay (R)
- Kane County Board Chairman
- State Senate Candidate IL 33rd District
9. Barbara Flynn Currie (D)
- House Majority Leader
- Community Organizer
10. Carrie Austin (D)
- 34th Ward Alderman
- 34th Ward Committeeman
- Committee on the Budget & Government Operations (Chair)
11. Janice Schakowsky (D)
- Illinois Congresswoman (9th) District
- House Democratic Leadership as Chief Deputy Whip
- Steering and Policy Committee
- Energy and Commerce Committee
- House Select Committee on Intelligence
12. Judy Biggert (R)
- Illinois Congresswoman 13th District
- Lawyer
- Community Leader
- Small Business Owner
13. Judy Bar Topinka (R)
- Illinois State Comptroller
- Illinois State Treasurer (1995-2007)
- Smart Women, Smart Money Educational Foundation
14. Jacqueline Collins (D)
- Illinois State Senator (16th) District
- Journalist
- Editor of the Citizen Community Newspapers
- Minister of Communications for St. Sabina Catholic Church (1987-1999)
- Chairperson of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee (Chair)
15. Dorothy Brown (D)
- Cook County Clerk (2000-Present)
- Certified Public Accountant
- Attorney
- General Auditor Chicago Transit Authority
- Former President National Woman’s Political Caucus of Greater Chicago
*Notables: State Senator Toi Hutchinson, Alderman Emma Mitts, State Senator Heather Steans, Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims, Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy, State Representative Deborah Mell, State Representative Monique Davis, Mayor Kathleen Weaver, Mayor Laurie Barra, Mayor Irvana K. Wilks, Village President Kerry D. Cummings, Mayor Michelle Markiewicz Qualkinbush, Village President Billie D. Roth, Mayor Laurel L. Prussing, Village President Judy Abruscato, Village President Sandy Frum, Village President Linda Jackson, Mayor Nancy R. Rotering
