About Jen

Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz brings smart, common-sense leadership to Springfield. A pragmatic and tenacious problem-solver, she has built a strong record of fighting corruption, protecting women’s rights, and advancing environmental protections.

Jennifer isn’t afraid to speak truth to power. She was one of the first members of the Illinois House to publicly call for Speaker Madigan’s resignation and helped form the voting bloc that ultimately led to his departure. She understands that Illinois must meet a higher standard of transparency and accountability to move forward.

Her deep commitment to public service is rooted not only in her legal career, but also in a personal understanding of what it means to stand up for others. Jennifer pioneered the use of pro bono social workers as guardians ad litem to ensure that no child faces the immigration system alone. As the first Director of the immigration law practice at the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, she built programs to serve Dreamers and other low-income families. Earlier, as an attorney at Winston & Strawn, she partnered with the National Immigrant Justice Center to represent survivors of child trafficking and forced marriage. She later co-founded and co-chaired the Illinois Unaccompanied Children’s Task Force, driving critical reforms to courtroom procedures for vulnerable youth.

Jennifer’s personal history is closely tied to her professional values. Her grandparents immigrated from China in the 1920s and were targeted for deportation under the Chinese Exclusion Acts. Through resilience and determination, they eventually gained citizenship, built a small business and raised a family. Jennifer’s father served in the U.S. military and participated in the vanguard of the civil rights movement. Their experience taught Jennifer the importance of perseverance, equal justice, and opportunity—principles that continue to guide her work today.

Gun violence is another issue that strikes close to home. Jennifer lost her cousin and two children in a tragic act of domestic violence involving a firearm. Every month in the U.S., nearly 50 women are killed under similar circumstances. Jennifer is determined to enact common-sense gun laws that keep firearms out of the hands of abusers and off our streets. She has championed legislation like Karina’s Law and Fix the FOID to close loopholes and strengthen public safety and passed the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act (FIRA) to hold gun manufacturers accountable for real world violence.

Jennifer’s life experience gives her a unique ability to bridge divides and bring people together. She knows our democracy works best when all voices are heard, and she is committed to making government more inclusive, accountable, and effective. As State Representative, she will continue bringing communities into the conversation—and lead with the determination to deliver real solutions.