Miguel M. Valente

Miguel was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in an immigrant family from Guerrero, Mexico. Miguel proudly served as a Water Treatment Specialist in the Illinois Army National Guard and was activated for both federal and state missions. Miguel earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2022, followed by a Master's in Public Administration in 2024. During his time at UIS, he was a part of: Delta Kappa Epsilon - Kappa Beta Associate Chapter, Military & Veterans Club, Organization of Latin American Students, Student Government Association, Baile Monarcas, and the Prairie Clowns. 

He is currently a Budget Analyst I in the Illinois Governor’s Office of Management & Budget. He previously worked as a Financial Planning Analyst in the City of Springfield under the Office of Budget & Management. 

He is currently a Political Candidate for the 2026 General Primary as a Democrat for the Sangamon County Board in District 18.