Patricia Van Pelt is a Democratic member of the Illinois State Senate, representing District 5. Van Pelt was first elected to the chamber in 2012. Van Pelt is running for re-election in 2018. The primary election took place on March 20, 2018. The general election is being held on November 6, 2018.

Van Pelt earned a bachelor's in public administration from Roosevelt University, a master's in human services administration from the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, and a C.P.A. and doctorate in management of nonprofit agencies from Capella University.

• Associates, Natural Science, Truman College
• Attended, DePaul University
• Certified, Urban Development, Spertus Institute
• PhD, Management of Non-Profit Agencies, Capella University, 2004-2009
• BGS, Public Administration, Roosevelt University, 1987-1996
• MS, Human Services Administration, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 1995-1996

• Associates, Natural Science, Truman College
• Attended, DePaul University
• Certified, Urban Development, Spertus Institute
• PhD, Management of Non-Profit Agencies, Capella University, 2004-2009
• BGS, Public Administration, Roosevelt University, 1987-1996
• MS, Human Services Administration, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 1995-1996
• Chair, Ariix International, present
• Former Chief Business Administrator, Ambassadors for Christ World Outreach Ministries
• Founder/President, Target Area Development Corporation, 1995-2010
• Executive Director, AFC Community Development Corporation, 1993-1995
• Steelworker, Ingersoll Steel Mill, 1974-1982

• Associates, Natural Science, Truman College
• Attended, DePaul University
• Certified, Urban Development, Spertus Institute
• PhD, Management of Non-Profit Agencies, Capella University, 2004-2009
• BGS, Public Administration, Roosevelt University, 1987-1996
• MS, Human Services Administration, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 1995-1996
• Chair, Ariix International, present
• Former Chief Business Administrator, Ambassadors for Christ World Outreach Ministries
• Founder/President, Target Area Development Corporation, 1995-2010
• Executive Director, AFC Community Development Corporation, 1993-1995
• Steelworker, Ingersoll Steel Mill, 1974-1982
• Senator, Illinois State Senate, District 5, 2012-present
• Candidate, Illinois State Senate, District 5, 2018

• Associates, Natural Science, Truman College
• Attended, DePaul University
• Certified, Urban Development, Spertus Institute
• PhD, Management of Non-Profit Agencies, Capella University, 2004-2009
• BGS, Public Administration, Roosevelt University, 1987-1996
• MS, Human Services Administration, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 1995-1996
• Chair, Ariix International, present
• Former Chief Business Administrator, Ambassadors for Christ World Outreach Ministries
• Founder/President, Target Area Development Corporation, 1995-2010
• Executive Director, AFC Community Development Corporation, 1993-1995
• Steelworker, Ingersoll Steel Mill, 1974-1982
• Senator, Illinois State Senate, District 5, 2012-present
• Candidate, Illinois State Senate, District 5, 2018
• Founder, Advance Illinois, present
• Co-Founder, Ambassadors of Christ Church, Chicago, present
• Founder, Developing Justice Coalition, present
• Founding Member, Grow Your Own Teachers, present
• Founder, United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations, present