Elyse Hoffenberg is a lifelong advocate for fairness, community, and good government; values rooted in her deep connection to the communities within the 17th District. Growing up in Orland Park, Park Ridge, and La Grange, Elyse developed a profound appreciation for the district’s diverse neighborhoods and the people who call them home. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her law degree from DePaul University College of Law, choosing a legal career to stand up for others and fight for what’s right.

Throughout her legal career, Elyse has stood on both sides of the courtroom; as a criminal defense attorney and as an Assistant State’s Attorney, gaining a clear-eyed understanding of how the justice system works, and how it must work better. When her oldest daughter was born, she transitioned into a practice that allowed her to keep helping others while being a present, hands-on mother. She and her husband are now raising three daughters, and family remains the heart of everything she does.

As her children grew, so did her involvement in public life. Elyse volunteered in their schools, led Girl Scout troops, served on local boards, chaired the La Grange Police and Fire Commission, and was elected to La Grange District 105’s school board. She currently serves as Clerk of Lyons Township and as President and Director of the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission, where she has helped reimagine what local government can be—launching programs that support seniors, empower youth, and bring people together. From mental health resources and internship opportunities to the Repair Café and beloved senior services, she works every day to ensure taxpayers see real value in their government.

In addition to her public service, Elyse built and ran a small biotech company focused on providing low-cost, essential diagnostic services to children and families. The business was grounded in a strong commitment to protecting personal privacy, even when that meant pushing back against government pressure. That experience taught her an enduring lesson: government should never receive a rubber stamp. Too often, profit is prioritized over people, and Elyse has never been afraid to challenge that status quo.

Now, Elyse is running to serve as your Cook County Commissioner. She’s ready to take the solutions that work, built right here in our communities, and bring them to every corner of the 17th District. With heart, experience, and an unshakable commitment to service, she’s ready to get to work for you.