Carina Santa Maria

Carina Santa Maria
Member-elect of the Illinois Senate
from the 27th district
Assuming office
TBD
SucceedingMark L. Walker
Personal details
BornCarina Homann
PartyDemocratic
EducationThe University of Tampa
Dominican University (MSW)

Carina Homann Santa Maria is an American social worker and politician who is the Democratic member-elect for the 27th district of the Illinois Senate.

Biography

Santa Maria is the daughter of Armin Homann, a World War II refugee from Germany who came to Chicago in 1960 as a professional soccer player. She graduated from The University of Tampa with a bachelor's degree in psychology and criminology in 2007, then earned a Master of Social Work in 2011 and worked as an adjunct instructor at Dominican University. She worked as CEO of child welfare agency Shelter Youth and Family Services from 2018 until stepping down in September 2026.

In April 2025, Santa Maria was elected as a trustee of Arlington Heights. In August 2025, she announced her campaign to succeed incumbent Democratic state senator Mark L. Walker, who was retiring, in the 27th district. She won the Democratic nomination uncontested.

References

  1. ↑ Sun-Times, Chicago (3 November 2026). "Santa Maria Wins Illinois Senate District 27 Race". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 7 November 2026.
  2. ↑ "Armin's Story". The Armin Homann Foundation. Retrieved March 29, 2026.
  3. ↑ DeGrechie, Eric (June 23, 2026). "Shelter CEO To Step Down Amid State Senate Run". Patch.com. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Carina Homann-Santa Maria MSW '11 named to Delta Zeta's 35 Under 35". Dominican University. August 21, 2019. Retrieved March 29, 2026.
  5. ↑ Placek, Christopher (August 4, 2025). "Arlington Heights trustee launches bid for state Senate seat". Daily Herald. Retrieved March 29, 2026.
  6. ↑ "2026 primary day election results: Illinois State Senate District 27". The Chicago Tribune. March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 29, 2026.