Denyse Wang Stoneback was a Democratic member of the Illinois House from the 16th district from January 13, 2021 until January 11, 2023. The 16th district, located in the Chicago area, includes parts of Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, and Skokie and includes parts of the Chicago neighborhoods of North Park and West Ridge.^[1][2]

Early life, education, and career

Stoneback was born in Skokie, Illinois. Her father was an engineer who immigrated from China and her mother was an ESL teacher at Mather High School. Stoneback was raised in Skokie and attended public schools. She graduated from Niles North High School and earned a B.S. in Criminology and Law Studies and a B.A. in Spanish at Marquette University. She attended Complutense University of Madrid and earned an MA in Spanish/English Translation. After the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Stoneback founded the nonprofit organization People for a Safer Society, which "[raises] awareness, [educates] the public, and [advocates] for and helped pass gun violence prevention legislation." Her current occupation is as an independent contractor for project management.^[3][4]

Representative Stoneback was a member of the following Illinois House committees:^[5]

• Appropriations - Public Safety Committee (HAPP)
• Housing Committee (SHOU)
• Immigration & Human Rights Committee (SIHR)
• Judiciary - Criminal Committee (HJUC)
• Mental Health & Addiction Committee (HMEH)

In the 2022 Democratic primary, Kevin Olickal defeated Wang Stoneback.^[6]

Electoral history