Erica Bray-Parker

Erica Bray-Parker earned a high school diploma from Palatine High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and a graduate degree from Northern Illinois University. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Erica Bray-Parker was born in Wisconsin and moved to Illinois as a teenager, graduating from Palatine High School. She earned a master's degree in Political Science from Northern Illinois University as a James Madison Memorial Foundation Fellow and a bachelor's degree in Social Science Education from Illinois State University.

After the 2026 school year, Bray-Parker retired following a 33-year career teaching high school history, civics, American law, and psychology. As a civics teacher, she inspired students to become informed and active participants in their communities and embrace the meaning behind "We the People."

Elected Wheaton City Councilwoman At-Large in 2019, Bray-Parker has worked to strengthen the city's finances, which have included maintaining a AAA bond rating and avoiding property tax levy increases for 7 consecutive years. She has supported projects that expanded downtown housing, improved sidewalks, enhanced business districts, and increased support for veterans and local economic development.

Since 2017, Bray-Parker has served on the Illinois Education Association Board of Directors and has advised Congressman Sean Casten and former State Representative Terra Costa Howard on education policy. A 30-year Wheaton resident, she is active in the League of Women Voters, volunteers with local nonprofits and her church, and lives with her husband, Jeremy. They have two adult sons who graduated from Wheaton public schools.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Rising costs for groceries, housing, healthcare, and childcare are straining Illinois families. I will make affordability a top priority by expanding access to good jobs, affordable education, housing, and quality childcare while supporting small businesses and protecting seniors. On the Wheaton City Council, I helped maintain a AAA bond rating, balance budgets, and avoid property tax levy increases while preserving services. In Springfield, I will fight for policies that lower the cost of living, expand workforce housing, strengthen senior property tax relief, and protect nutrition assistance for families facing economic hardship. I support state legislation addressing federal cuts that hurt hard working residents.Public safety begins with supporting first responders, preventing crime, expanding mental health services, educating the public and protecting residents from fraud and scams. My seven years on the Wheaton City Council strengthened my commitment to ensuring police, firefighters, and emergency personnel are well-trained, well-equipped, and connected to the community. I proudly support Wheaton's neighborhood outreach efforts, our social work team, and the DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center. I also support common-sense gun safety laws, including the Protect Illinois Communities Act, and will continue working to reduce gun violence while respecting Second Amendment rights.As a 33-year public school teacher, I know strong public schools and affordable higher education are essential to thriving communities. Every student deserves access to quality education and career pathways through colleges, universities, and trade schools. Investing in these opportunities strengthens our workforce, economy, and future. I support fully funding Illinois' Evidence-Based Funding program and expanding property tax relief for families. I will continue fighting voucher programs that divert public dollars from neighborhood schools with little accountability. Strong public schools create opportunity, strengthen communities, and prepare the next generation for success.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Love Your Neighbor: My experience as a teacher, mom, wife, and councilwoman has shown me that families share common priorities: safe neighborhoods, excellent public services, affordable living, and responsive government. I was raised to value justice, mercy and humility. I believe active representation means listening, showing up, and working alongside residents to solve problems—from flooding and traffic safety to strengthening our schools and communities. Guided by the belief that "Democracy is a Verb," I have spent more than 30 years encouraging civic engagement and collaborative leadership. I will continue bringing that same commitment and passion to the people of Illinois' 47th House District.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFL-CIO, Illinois Education Association, Sierra Club, Personal PAC, Equality Illinois, Illinois Nurses Association, The People's Lobby, Congressman Sean Casten, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy, and more