Chicago City Wire

Chicago City Wire recently had an opportunity to interview Patrycja Karlin, the Republican candidate for the Illinois 20th Senate District.

Originally from Poland, Karlin immigrated to the U.S. at age 17. She graduated from Columbia College in 1999 and John Marshall Law School in 2012 and is an attorney. 

According to Ballotpedia, she will face off against incumbent Democratic state Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas in the Nov. 8 general election. Pacione-Zayas has represented District 20 since December 2020.

Q: Why did you decide to run for the state legislature?

Karlin: Illinois is drowning in crime, corruption and fiscal irresponsibility; it is killing the innocence of our children with impunity and depriving parents of any decision-making regarding their children. Businesses are running for cover in other states. Illinoisans are moving away in greater numbers than at any time in the history of Illinois. We can save Illinois! First by eliminating the Democratic Super Majority in the Illinois Congress. That does not happen by itself. District by district, seat by seat, Republicans can take the Illinois Legislature and start enacting laws that will protect all Illinoisans! We can make our state prosper again! It is possible!

Q: How much did you pay for your last tank of gas?

Karlin: Close to $90 in McHenry County where we visited the Illinois Train Museum.

Q: How did you feel about it?

Karlin: Not great. The exuberant gas prices hurt all of us. I dread the moment when my gas indicator falls below half-tank. I am lucky enough to have a spouse who contributes. I can't even imagine what single parents go through. Recently, I read a story about a single mom, who is a teacher, and she has to spread a box of pasta for herself over a four-day period so her son can eat a regular meal. This should not be happening in our country!

Q: What's the first bill you will sponsor in Springfield? 

Karlin: I am extremely passionate about parental rights. The Chicago Public School system and the Chicago Teachers’ Union are taking away parents’ right to have a voice in what their children are taught. These progressive activists oversee our children’s education. I will propose legislation that will enshrine parents’ right to know what is taught in our local schools. I will work to keep the radical ideologies of gender ideology, and Critical Race Theory out of our schools. Given the opportunity, I will introduce the Illinois Bill of Parental Rights.