The chief of staff to Illinois first lady Diana Rauner has been appointed to the state House of Representatives. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez of Springfield will replace Republican Raymond Poe. Poe resigned last week to become Gov. Bruce Rauner's state agriculture director.
Sangamon County GOP Chairwoman Rosemarie Long made the announcement Friday. The 36-year-old Jimenez is a former television reporter who was also press spokeswoman to a Democratic state treasurer and then-House Republican Leader Tom Cross. She joined the first lady's staff in January.
Jimenez also served one term on the Springfield Park Board. The first lady and the Republican governor released a congratulatory statement which said Jimenez has a "wonderful spirit and passion for serving."
Jimenez will be sworn in next week.