Before public office, she worked as a school social worker, where she saw firsthand the devastating impact of the Republican led Rauner administration’s budget cuts on schools and communities. Karina does not come from a political background or connections but she knows how to step up and fight for her neighbors which lead her to run for School Board in District 33 where she became Vice President of the board, initiated innovative programs and started working to balance budgets. In 2018, she flipped a Republican-held state House seat, and in 2020, she did it again by ousting Republican Jim Oberweis in the 25th Senate District.

Since joining the state legislature, Karina has worked hard to create a balanced budget for Illinois. She was a loud voice for workers rights and protections during COVID, helping small businesses stay open. Time after time, Karina has gone to bat for Illinois families, delivering middle-class tax relief and championing state budgets that invest in schools, expand affordable housing, and lower healthcare costs. Now she’s running for Illinois Comptroller to be the people’s watchdog, protecting every hard-earned tax dollar and ensuring a government as honest and hardworking as Illinois families.