State Senator Darby Hills is a former prosecutor, political outsider, and mother who is fighting for working families across Illinois by standing for common sense.

Appointed to represent the 26^th District in 2025, Darby has focused on championing legislation that makes life more affordable for struggling working families and keeps our communities safe for our children. In Springfield, Darby has voted against every tax and fee increase, including the regressive increase of our sales taxes and tolls. She has voted against the tax-and-spend budget and pay hikes for politicians. Darby has stood for common sense and even garnered bipartisan support for legislation protecting our children.

Raised by a single mother who worked two jobs to put food on the table, Darby learned the value of hard work early in life. This helps her understand the real-world financial struggles Illinois families face every day, because she’s experienced them too.

A former Cook County prosecutor, Darby built her career protecting victims, holding criminals accountable, and advocating for vulnerable children. Darby served as an Assistant State’s Attorney concentrating on child welfare before moving into private practice, focusing on family, labor, and employment law.

Alongside her husband, she founded Barrington Children’s Charities, an all-volunteer effort that provides meals, eyeglasses, dental care, mental health support, and other essential services to more than 500 children each week across Barrington-area schools. To date, the charity has distributed over $2 million to help local children receive over 780,000 meals.

Darby’s commitment to service is rooted in her belief that government should work for the people—not the other way around. Prior to serving in the State Senate, Darby was elected as a Barrington Hills Village Trustee, where she saw firsthand how high taxes and wasteful spending placed an unnecessary burden on families. That experience strengthened her resolve to fight for lower taxes, balanced budgets, responsible spending, and transparent government.

Darby is proud to give back to her community, including being a board member of Blessings in a Backpack and The Service Club of Chicago, and being a past PTO Co-President at her children’s elementary school. She has also been a judge for Barrington’s “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser and was crowned Mrs. Illinois America in 2021 and Mrs. Illinois United States in 2024, using both platforms to promote helping children in need.

Darby earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she earned multiple awards. Sher and her family attend St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Barrington and St. Francis Catholic Church in Lake Zurich.

In her free time, she enjoys tennis, running, and skiing, and loves to spend time with her family and friends. Darby lives in Barrington Hills with her husband, Thomas, their three children, and their French Bulldog, Nova.