Meet Michele Hunter…

Michele Hunter is a lawyer, author, and entrepreneur who is active in her community. In 2022 she was determined to expand her involvement in her community by running for Illinois State Representative in the 54th District. Despite being massively outspent in the November 2022 General Election nearly 15,000 people in the district voted for her.

After the election, when the dust settled, Michele dusted herself off and stayed engaged and involved. In the summer of 2023, she announced the launch of her campaign for state representative once again this time against her opponent who now has a voting record to defend.

Michele grew up in a small town in Iowa spending her formative years working at the family gift shop and coffee café. She learned what it was like to run a small business and the obstacles that the government can sometimes place on new businesses.As a lawyer, she is trained to be an advocate for her client and as a state representative, she will advocate for her constituents. 

Michele graduated near the top of her class at the University of Iowa in her undergrad and law school programs. Out of law school, she embarked on a nearly decade-and-a-half law clerk position with the Second District Appellate Court where attention to detail and analysis are critical skills. Michele plans to bring her experiences in the legal field, and specifically her background in reading and analyzing legislation, to work as a legislator. In addition to her job as a lawyer, Michele is a published author in her field and has worked for a marketing firm in Chicago. She has recently published a children’s book that is carried by notable bookseller Barnes & Noble. She is a licensed Foster Caregiver and Adoptive Parent approved by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services. She also has a rescue dog and is a supporter of Bombshell Bullies.

Professional Background

  • Property Liability and Insurance Attorney (2016 to Present)
  • Appellate Law, Law Clerk – Illinois Second District Appellate Court (2002 – 2016)

Professional Associations

  • Member of DuPage County Bar Association
  • Member of Northwest Suburban Bar Association

Education

  • University of Iowa – B.A. Double Major – Political Science & French (Honors & Distinction)
  • University of Iowa, College of Law (Top 15% – Special Honors & Distinction)

Community Involvement

  • One Million Degrees – Coached a Harper scholar (2020 – 2021)
  • Committee volunteer for Frontier Days
  • American Legion (2021)
  • Arlington Heights Welcoming Committee (2 years)
  • Licensed Foster Care/Adoptive Parent by Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
  • Volunteer for Bombshell Bullies and proud parent of a rescue dog