Who Is Leslie Collazo?

Political Background

Leslie Collazo is a native Chicagoan, community advocate, and Republican political candidate who ran for the Illinois House of Representatives in District 8 during the 2024 general election. A first-time candidate, Collazo brought a bold, grassroots energy to the race, emphasizing local accountability, economic empowerment, and education reform.

Currently residing in North Austin, Collazo entered politics with a deep understanding of the challenges facing working-class families on Chicago’s West Side. Her campaign focused on rebuilding trust in government through transparent leadership, fiscal responsibility, and direct engagement with underserved communities.

Collazo distinguishes herself by PRIORITIZING and ADVOCATING FOR:

Improving American, tax-paying citizens' safety and fiscal support

Support for first responders and improving community safety initiatives

School and Parent Partnership education reform

Entrepreneurship and economic development in ALL neighborhoods

Legal Victory for Ballot Access

Collazo’s candidacy gained statewide attention when she successfully challenged legislation that threatened to block Republican candidates from being slated after the primary—a traditional method for political parties to field candidates. Her legal battle culminated in a landmark Illinois Supreme Court ruling affirming her right to appear on the ballot. This victory was hailed as a defense of fair democratic participation and widened the pathway for future candidates in similar situations.

2024 General Election Results

Despite running in a heavily Democratic district, Collazo captured nearly 25% of the vote, marking a significant showing for a Republican in the area. Her campaign emphasized respectful discourse, issue-based solutions, and a commitment to putting people over politics.

While she did not win the seat, Leslie Collazo has continued to speak out on key community issues and remains involved in local advocacy. Her political journey reflects a broader movement toward civic engagement and citizen-led reform, especially in historically underrepresented areas of Chicago. 

Professional Background

Leslie Collazo is a dedicated residential and commercial real estate broker serving the greater Chicagoland area. Since becoming licensed in 2018, she has helped clients across the city and suburbs navigate the buying, selling, and investing process with clarity, care, and results.

With a background in corporate operations and a degree from Northeastern Illinois University, Leslie brings sharp negotiation skills and a client-first mindset to every transaction. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to serve a diverse clientele with professionalism and cultural understanding.

Leslie Collazo – At A Glance