DPI Celebrates Election of Rep. Janet Yang Rohr to State Central Committee During AANHPI Heritage Month (Springfield, IL) – The Democratic Party of Illinois is celebrating the election of State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr to its State Central Committee during Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, calling the milestone an important step forward for representation within the party.
Yang Rohr, who represents Illinois’ 11th Congressional District as committeewoman, becomes the first Asian American Democrat elected to the Democratic Party of Illinois’ State Central Committee.
Party leaders highlighted the significance of the achievement as Illinois Democrats recognize the contributions and growing influence of AANHPI communities across the state.
“Asian American representation is a belated achievement for DPI, and I couldn’t be more proud it’s my colleague in the Illinois House who broke this glass ceiling,” Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez said in a statement. “Committeewoman Yang Rohr’s election is proof that the Democratic Party of Illinois will continue to look more like the Illinois families we advocate for and that voices like theirs will be heard in rooms where Party decisions are made.”
Yang Rohr said the moment represents both progress and responsibility.
“Representation matters, but what we do with it matters even more,” Yang Rohr said. “I’m proud to be part of this historic moment for Asian Americans in our party, and I see it as a responsibility to open doors for others and ensure more voices are included in the decisions we make.”
Yang Rohr currently serves in the Illinois House of Representatives and previously served as a school board member and precinct committeeperson. She is also a mother and the daughter of immigrants and granddaughter of refugees.
According to the Democratic Party of Illinois, Yang Rohr plans to focus on strengthening grassroots organizing efforts, supporting Democratic candidates across Illinois and building long-term party infrastructure.
In the General Assembly, Yang Rohr has focused on public education, economic opportunity and protecting individual rights.
The announcement comes as organizations and leaders statewide observe AANHPI Heritage Month, recognizing the history, achievements and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
DPI Celebrates Election of Rep. Janet Yang Rohr to State Central Committee During AANHPI Heritage Month
