Natalie Toro is sworn in as the 20th District’s newest state Senator at Hamlin Park Fieldhouse on July 10, 2023. [Michael McDevitt/The Daily Line]

Democratic Party officials appointed Natalie Toro, a kindergarten teacher and former county board candidate, to an open state Senate seat representing the Northwest Side of Chicago following panel interviews at the Hamlin Park Fieldhouse Monday evening. 

Toro received more weighted votes than runner-up Graciela Guzman, a progressive who had the backing of many public attendees and multiple progressive groups. They were the only two of eight candidates to receive votes from local Democratic committeepersons.