Northbrook’s Katz Muhl appointed to replace Carroll in 57th state House District

As expected, Tracy Katz Muhl has been appointed to succeed fellow Northbrook resident Jonathan Carroll as the state representative for the 57th District.

An attorney and Democratic committee representative who also served as Northbrook School District 28 board president, Katz Muhl was selected for the legislative post by a group of Democratic officials from Cook and Lake counties. She’ll finish Carroll’s term, which ends in January 2025, while running for a full term this year.

Katz Muhl is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the March primary. No Republican filed to run, but the GOP could appoint a candidate after the primary.

In an email Friday, Katz Muhl said she’s already had meetings on pensions, reproductive care, gun violence prevention and other important issues.

“And (I) am digging in on the recent constituent cases from the last few months to see what other areas may need legislation to help solve problems,” Katz Muhl said.

Carroll resigned unexpectedly a week ago, citing family health concerns. He said he expected Katz Muhl to be appointed as his successor and voiced “full support” for her candidacy.

Carroll had announced in July that he wouldn’t seek reelection this year, ahead of a Democratic primary challenge from Katz Muhl.

Katz Muhl already had garnered support from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider and Jan Schakowsky, among others.

“Her experience in the community organizing and making a difference is incomparable,” Lauren Beth Gash, chair of the Lake County Democratic organization, said Friday. “There is literally no one more qualified to be the state representative in the 57th District than Tracy.”