Illinois' newest state legislator has been sworn in.
Sara Wojcicki Jimenez is a Republican from Springfield. She was previously an aide to first lady Diana Rauner. Before that she was a spokeswoman for the House Republican caucus.
"One of the things that I learned on staff is that I should definitely keep this brief," she said. "So I am very humbled by the opportunity. I am honored. I look forward to working with everybody in our caucus, and for our friends across the aisle."
Jimenez was appointed to replace Raymond Poe, who left the House to be director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Gov. Bruce Rauner has now had a hand in replacing nearly every Republican representing the Springfield area. Those now-former lawmakers had generally supported organized labor. Rauner has made weakening labor laws a priority of his administration.
Jimenez, 36, resides in Leland Grove. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in Springfield. She also holds a master's degree from the University of Illinois Springfield.
