The Sept. 16 reception had barely begun when Shantel Franklin started being pulled in different directions. Between conversations and photographs at the Tedrick Welcome Center, former mentors, students and other attendees repeatedly approached to welcome her back to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Ten years after graduating from SIU, Franklin returned to the campus where she said she discovered her path toward public service — this time as the Democratic nominee for Illinois’ 8th House District.
“It means so much,” Franklin said. “It’s getting the opportunity to come back to a place that changed my life.”
The event was co-sponsored by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Women in Public Policy and Civic Engagement and the SIU Alumni Association.
Melanie Harriss, president of Women in Public Policy and Civic Engagement, said the organization welcomes students from every major and helps members strengthen their resumes, volunteer and prepare for careers in public policy and other fields.
Linda Baker, interim director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, welcomed Franklin back to campus and described the institute’s connection to the event.
“We are always excited when we have an opportunity to work with our former students,” Baker said.
Baker said the Women in Public Policy and Civic Engagement was created after SIU students attended the 2025 Women’s Civic Day at the Illinois Capitol. The annual Paul Simon Public Policy Institute event brings women students to Springfield to hear from legislators and public-sector leaders while learning about leadership and public service. After attending the event, students returned to campus determined to create an organization that would prepare them to discuss policy with legislators and become more involved in public affairs.
After the reception, attendees gathered to hear Franklin discuss the SIU experiences that shaped her path into public service, her campaign for the Illinois House and the lessons she wanted current students to carry forward.
Franklin arrived at SIU in 2012 after experiencing homelessness as a child and attending eight different schools. She told attendees that arriving in Carbondale gave her an opportunity to redefine herself.
“I decided that I would not let my circumstances or anybody else define who I wanted to be in this life,” Franklin said.
While studying political science, Franklin became involved across campus. She worked at what was then called the Black Resource Center, joined the Zeta Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, served as chief of staff for Undergraduate Student Government and was crowned SIU’s 2014 homecoming queen.
Franklin said her work in student government gave her an early opportunity to represent others.
“It taught me how to work well with others,” Franklin said. “It also taught me how to represent people, in a sense, because that was my first real shot at representing folks.”
During her senior year, Franklin became the 2016 Alexander Lane intern through the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The internship was established in 2011 to honor Alexander Lane, SIU’s first African American male graduate. Lane later became a school principal, physician and Illinois state legislator. The paid internship gives SIU students the opportunity to go to Springfield to gain firsthand experience in public policy, public service and state government. Franklin worked with the Illinois Senate Democratic council under Senate President John Cullerton. That experience, she said, gave her firsthand exposure to the legislative process and inspired her to remain in public service.
Sheila Simon, a former Illinois lieutenant governor and daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, attended Franklin’s event, and gave remarks.
Simon thanked Franklin for returning to SIU and said her visit had inspired more than the students in attendance.
“You inspire not just the students, but those of us who have a few extra years,” Simon said. “I appreciate your energy, and I look forward to an amazing career in politics. Keep us posted on how we can help you.”
After graduating from SIU, Franklin spent seven years working for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. When the 8th District seat became open, she said she had developed the courage, experience and passion to run.
She is the first woman and youngest Democratic nominee for state representative in the district. She is running unopposed and is expected to take office in January 2027.
She said reaching that point required her to overcome doubts from others and the pressure that comes with entering politics as a young Black woman.
“There’s not a lot of people that look like me,” Franklin said. “Then, with being young, most times young people fight in politics to be taken seriously.”
Franklin said she refused to let doubt or impostor syndrome prevent her from pursuing the position.
“I’m ready, I’m willing and I look forward to doing a great job on behalf of the people,” she said.
During a question-and-answer session, Franklin urged attendees to become involved in their communities and pay attention to the decisions made by their elected officials.
Franklin said political decisions affect people whether they choose to participate or not. She encouraged students to contact elected officials, become involved locally and advocate for changes in their communities.
“I hear people say, ‘I don’t do politics,’” Franklin said. “Well, politics will do you.”
Franklin also discussed the work required to win her four-way Democratic primary. She received 6,406 votes, or 46.2% of the vote, defeating runner up Latonya Mitts by 2,845 votes. Jill Bush and John Harrell also competed in the primary. Franklin said she left her position with the attorney general’s office to focus on the campaign and knocked on more than 25,000 doors.
Franklin said housing will be one of her top priorities when she enters office. She said rising costs and access to health care are among the most urgent issues facing Illinois residents. Her district includes urban and suburban communities, but she said residents throughout the district share concerns about taxes and everyday expenses.
“I grew up dealing with homelessness, and so I think it’s time for the state of Illinois to take the lead on housing policy,” Franklin said.
Franklin is also a real estate professional and landlord. She said those experiences have allowed her to see housing issues from multiple perspectives. She plans to pursue policies that make homeownership more attainable while also protecting property owners’ rights.
Although she does not have an opponent in the general election, Franklin said that does not remove her responsibility to voters.
“Running unopposed does not mean that the accountability is lost,” Franklin said.
She said she continues to knock on doors, call residents, attend events and use social media to hear from voters.
In her closing remarks, Baker thanked Franklin, the student organizers and those who helped hold the event. She said programs such as Franklin’s visit continue Paul Simon’s legacy of supporting and preparing the next generation of public servants.
Franklin encouraged students to become involved on campus, build relationships and pursue opportunities outside the limits of their majors. She also reminded them to support others as they advance in their own careers.
“No matter how far you go, remember to reach back,” Franklin said.
Staff reporter Tay Acree can be reached at tacree@dailyegyptian.com
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September 19, 2026 at 12:51PM
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