Meet the Candidate

Thomas Gary brings over three decades of public service experience to his campaign for State Representative. A decorated Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves with more than 20 years of active duty service, Thomas has served as an intelligence officer in Iraq and with NATO commands in Germany and Belgium.

Currently, Thomas serves as Director of ePAY & Illinois Funds for Illinois Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs, where he manages a $20 billion investment pool serving 1,500 local governments and state agencies across Illinois. His financial expertise and commitment to fiscal responsibility have made him a trusted steward of public resources.

Thomas was twice elected to the Triton College Board of Trustees, where he championed accountability and expanded workforce partnerships with local businesses. He previously served as a County Board Member in DeKalb, where he led innovative tax reforms that reduced property taxes while funding infrastructure improvements.

A graduate of Northwestern University (B.A. Political Science) and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy (M.A.), Thomas earned his undergraduate degree while working as a U.S. Postal Carrier. Originally from Buffalo, New York, he learned early that public service is "the rent you pay for living in a free society."

Thomas is deeply involved in community organizations, serving on the boards of Beyond Hunger and as Economic Development Task Force co-chair for the Austin Forward Together Quality of Life Plan. He lives in Oak Park with his wife, Cristal, and son, Alex.

His personal experience with healthcare challenges has strengthened his commitment to ensuring all families have access to quality, affordable care without facing financial hardship.