Nurses PAC is proud to endorse the following nurses running for elected office in Illinois. These candidates bring clinical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to public service. We are also expanding our efforts to educate nurses on running for office and to encourage every nurse in Illinois to vote in this election cycle.
Jennifer Banek, CRNA
Role: Candidate for Democratic State Central Committeewoman, Illinois 10th Congressional District
Link: https://www.banekforillinois.com/ – donation page
Jennifer Banek is a certified registered nurse anesthetist since 2009. She serves as Lake County Coroner and has deep public health experience. She is a veteran, serves in the U.S. Army Reserve, and has led professional nursing organizations including the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Her campaign focuses on strong local representation and healthcare policy. With no primary challenger, Jennifer Banek moves directly to the November general election.
Danielle Penman, MSN, BS, RN
Role: Candidate for Illinois State Senate, District 33
Link: DaniellePenman.com – donation page
Danielle Penman is a registered nurse and holds a Master of Science in Nursing. Her campaign priorities include strengthening access to healthcare and community support across the district. She has a contested Republican primary for Illinois State Senate District 33.
Contact: daniellepenman4senator@gmail.com. Social: Facebook and Instagram @DaniellePenmanforIllinois.
Jaclyn Rodriguez, MSN, RN
Role: Candidate for Lake County Board
Link: Facebook profile – Jaclyn Rodriguez for Lake County Board – donation page
Jaclyn Rodriguez holds a Master of Science in Nursing and works as a registered nurse. Her campaign is rooted in community engagement and bringing healthcare insight to local government decisions. With no primary challenger, Jaclyn Rodriguez moves directly to the November general election.
Contact: jaclynrodriguezlakecountyboard@gmail.com.
Jennifer Levin, BSN, TCRN, TNS, PHRN
Role: Candidate for Illinois State Representative, District 51
Link: https://jennylevin.com/ – donation page
Jennifer Levin is a nurse with specialized trauma and emergency certifications. She focuses her campaign on safer communities, improved public health, and policies that reflect frontline healthcare needs. With no primary challenger, Jennifer Levin moves directly to the November general election.
Karen Battaglia, DNP, RN, CEN, TCRN, TNS
Role: Candidate for Illinois State Senate, District 32
Link: Facebook profile – Karen Battaglia for State Senate and donation page
Karen Battaglia is a doctorally prepared nurse with emergency and trauma credentials. She brings years of clinical and leadership experience to her campaign, emphasizing community health and evidence-informed policy. With no primary challenger, Karen Battaglia moves directly to the November general election.
Nurses PAC encourages all nurses to explore these candidates’ platforms and get involved in building nurse leadership across Illinois. Our training and resources are designed to help nurses prepare for public leadership roles. We urge every nurse in the state to register, stay informed, and vote in this year’s election cycle.