Laura Hois

Laura Hois was born in DeKalb, Illinois. She graduated from Naperville Central High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in 1980 and a law degree from DePaul University College of Law in 1984. Her career experience includes working as an attorney and business owner. Hois began serving as a Republican Committeeman for Downers Grove in 2010. She served as the elected town clerk of Downers Grove from 2013-2017. She has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Illinois Family Institute

Illinois Freedom Alliance

Awake Illinois, Co-Chair Downers Grove Chapter

Downers Grove Township Republican Organization

Lisle Township Republican Organization

Belmont Bible Church

Community Christian Church

Caring Network

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of DuPage County and an attorney with 30+ years' experience as corporate counsel, in private practice at law firms and my own law office in Downers Grove representing individuals and business owners in real estate, estate planning, corporate and local government matters. I served as the elected Downers Grove Township Clerk 2013-2017. I am married, a mother, and have been active in civic and community organizations for many years.

In 2021, I began attending local school board meetings at Downers Grove Community High School District 99, where I helped organize community members around education-related concerns. I founded WakeUpD99, a citizen group focused on school governance issues. My decision to run for the Illinois House is based on my interest in public safety, education policy, and fiscal responsibility.

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?

1. Public Safety

I support law enforcement and policies focused on accountability within the criminal justice system. I oppose the elimination of cash bail under the SAFE-T-Act and support changes I believe would strengthen public safety and reduce repeat violent crime. I oppose sanctuary state policies and support cooperation between state and federal law enforcement.2. Education and Parental Involvement

I support merit-based education, academic proficiency in core subjects, and increased transparency in school governance. I advocate for parental rights and for parental involvement in education-related decisions. I advocate for students and for good teachers who help them to succeed. I oppose the use of DEI frameworks, gender identity mandates, and curriculum policies that reduce academic standards, result in lower-than-grade level scores, and allow low-performing students to graduate without the skills they will need to join the work force.3. Taxes and Government Spending

I support spending restraint, lower taxes, and policies that encourage private-sector job growth. I believe that reducing the size and scope of government will help make Illinois more affordable for families and small businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am focused on public safety, education policy, free speech protections, and fiscal responsibility. I believe these areas are central to preserving individual liberties, supporting families, and improving long-term outcomes for the state.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire Abraham Lincoln for his commitment to self-education, clear communication, and leadership during national division.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe effective elected officials should demonstrate honesty, integrity, accountability, and preparedness. Listening to constituents, communicating clearly, and approaching governance with professionalism and respect are essential. I also believe legislators should be willing to question established practices and speak openly about policy concerns.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A state representative should represent the interests of their district through transparent lawmaking, informed voting, and constituent engagement. This includes reviewing legislation carefully, participating in committee work, and maintaining open communication with residents.

I also believe the role includes advocating for legislative reforms when existing policies have had unintended or negative consequences and working to improve transparency in the legislative process.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered for working to preserve individual freedoms, supporting families, and advocating for policies that improve the quality of life for future generations.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the 1980 presidential election when Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter. That election influenced my early interest in politics and public policy.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working at a bowling alley grill in Naperville when I was 15 years old. I later worked as a cashier at a local drug store.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Good News Bible, which reflects my personal faith.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Mary Poppins, for her balance of practicality, optimism, and care for others.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Balancing productivity with personal well-being has been an ongoing challenge.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and state legislature should maintain a cooperative relationship based on mutual respect and constituent input. I believe the legislature should serve as an independent policymaking body that reviews executive proposals carefully and ensures that laws will reflect the priorities of residents.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Illinois faces challenges related to public safety, affordability, population decline, and education outcomes. I believe addressing these issues will require fiscal discipline, education reform, and policies that encourage private sector economic growth and retain residents.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. Experience in government can provide valuable knowledge of administrative processes and public accountability. My prior service as a township clerk provided experience working with public records, complying with open meetings requirements, and engaging in intergovernmental coordination.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. Building professional relationships across the legislature is important for effective governance and advancing legislation. Collaboration allows legislators to better understand differing perspectives and identify areas of agreement.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have cited former Illinois State Representative Deanne Mazzochi. I respected her legislative approach and willingness to speak openly on policy issues.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have heard from residents who felt their concerns were not adequately addressed by their current representation. These conversations reinforced my belief that accessibility and responsiveness are important qualities when serving in public office.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I do not support expanding legislative emergency powers. I believe emergency authority should be used cautiously, particularly in an environment where legislation is often passed on expedited timelines.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would introduce legislation to repeal or amend the SAFE-T-Act, with a focus on restoring cash bail for certain offenses and strengthening public safety measures.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

DuPage County Republicans, Downers Grove Township Republicans, Lisle Township Republicans, and more.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I support limited adjustments to signature requirements, particularly for statewide and countywide offices, while maintaining existing requirements for state representative candidates.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

I have heard many voters in my District 81 say Anne Stava has not been responsive to them.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I am proud of stepping outside my comfort zone to run for public office and engage directly with voters on policy issues.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

I support voter identification requirements, paper ballots, single-day voting, and hand-counted ballots. I oppose voting systems connected to the Internet.

Laura Hois did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.