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Paris Walker-Thomas

IndependentFirst-time candidate

Paralegal

Paris Walker-Thomas is an independent candidate for Illinois State Senate District 14 in the 2026 election. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Paris Walker-Thomas was born on November 2, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Central State University with a bachelor's degree in 2006. Her career experience includes working as a paralegal, sales marketing manager, and internet manager.[1][2]

Bachelor's:
Central State University, 2006

Campaign themes

Illinois State Senate District 14

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Illinois State House District 28

Paris Walker-Thomas did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a single mother of one son (Jacob). I am a paralegal. I have a BS in political science. I grew up on the southside of Chicago (Roseland area). I am the eldest of 6.

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?

Mental Health.Senior Rights.Domestic violence prevention.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am extremely passionate about being a public servant for the people. I enjoy being a person that people can come to and I can assist. I enjoy going above and beyond to be supportive towards everyone.

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

My mother and Lt. Governor Stratton.

My mother she is so strong. She has been so supportive of me throughout all my hardships through this election process.

Lt. Governor Stratton just overall with being the first is always inspiring wih her smile and vibe being just wonderful.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"What you should know about but don't".~Jessamyn Conrad

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

I believe that politician should be tangible and transparent. I believe a politician should be open for change for the better of the community. Been able to distinguish selfless acts of kindness. Having the ability to be open to growing in office.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I'm personable, I'm transparent, I'm relatable. I'm joyful.

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

To have effective legislation that actually is meaningful and direct to the area a legislator represents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'd love to leave my words to never give up. As long as you are given a chance each day you can change things. Being kind goes along way. I'd like to be the first "Write-IN" candidate to win to destroy the stigma.

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

The first black president and the first woman of color vice president.

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

Pizza Hut. 1 year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"The art of war". ~Sun Tzu

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Musiq SoulChild~ So beautiful.

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

Just life everyday! It's so much going on today and it's hard for everyone. The cost of living is a struggle.

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

Hopefully, Both parties can come together intelligently and work together for the good of American people and truly be realistic about what is happening everyday to people are who are going through tough times. Especially with job loss and rent rising in cost. It is a lot for a single mother to chose gas or food and having someone to vaguely say it will get better.

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

Economic development or the lack their are with stores closing every week and jobs are look slim. We must do something different in order to survive this is my opinion.

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

No

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

Yes in order to understand the surrounding areas issues as well.

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

No

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

Yes, State Senator.

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?

No

Tell us your favorite joke.

I have two they are corny but I like them and it breaks the ice.

When your teacher asks “Where’s your homework?” It took a sick day. It had too many problems.

You can’t trust atoms. They make up everything. Lol

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

No

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

It's so many things. I'd love to come up with a legislation giving single mothers a grant to start businesses regardless of credit.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None unfortunately, A lot of people say a write in never win.

What committees interest you?

I have so many different ones I can't say just one.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that politicians should be open about where and what's behind financial gains and interests and that they are aligned with the district that one represents.

Paris Walker-Thomas did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a single mother of 1 son he is 13 years old. I have a BA in political science and government from Central State University. I'm a proud member of DST. I've always had a a passion to help people and fight for the people a couple of months back my twin brother was shot 9 times in front of my home in Roseland we survived but it's has made me even more determined to stop gun violence and illegal sales of guns.

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?

TransparencyAccountability and responsiveBeing your voice in Springfield

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Domestic violence, homeless prevention, and Ending gun violence.

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

It's so many people I don't have just one.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Harold Washington and the crisis of black power in Chicago by Doug Gills.

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

Believe in people and working for the people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I'm transparent and honest which is rare now a day with politicians. I'm a single mother so I know how to multitask. I'll make a great leader because my mom has three sets of twins I'm the oldest. I've always been in charge. So I know what it takes to take charge, listen, help and control.

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

Gun violence. I'm in Chicago and it's just out of control. More gun violence victim clinics. Instead of a casino.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To make a real change for everyone. Unify. To leave a legacy worth being proud of. To really stand for change and really mean it.

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

When I met my mother bought me lawyer Barbie. It was what I really wanted and I just remembered how special that was.

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

My very first job was a city of Chicago camp counselor.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Edgar Allen Poe complete stories and poems. I love horror books. Also, Chanel her autobiography. It's very interesting her life and participation in the war.

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

Olivia pope from scandal without the affair with president.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Stevie wonder Don't you worry about a thing.

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

Being able to be there for everyone.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

We have a one. I support term limits. We have a huge problem with our senior house representatives they don't want to relinquish power. It's been the same for over 45 years.

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

No, Especially not in IL. I do however believe they should have a college degree or some college education. Or a passion for law and a love for people.

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

Getting rid of our corrupt racist politicians.

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

Because of how the law is perceived.

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

Yes, We have so much confusion and conflicts in these parties and it's not fair to people. We need more cooperating and team work and less ego.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Our district is already big enough but it's not fairly treated.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Young political leaders of IL.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes I'd love to be the leader of the independent party.

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

No not really I'd like to be the first.

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

Yes after the IL house I plan on running for Congress.

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?

Kim Fox because of overcoming adversity coming from the projects. Just her story in general resonates.

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

Source(opens in new tab)
Paris Walker-Thomas — Illinois State Senate District 14 candidate, 2026 | True Vote