David A. Vella is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 68th district since January 13, 2021. The 68th district covers parts of Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, and Roscoe.[1]

David A. Vella
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
from the 68th district
Assumed office
January 13, 2021 (2021-January-13)
Preceded byJohn Cabello
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseMichelle
Children2
RelativesZeke Giorgi (grandfather)
Residence(s)Rockford, Illinois, U.S.
Alma materAugustana College (BA)
Northern Illinois University (JD)
OccupationAttorney

He was first elected to the state House after defeating Republican incumbent John Cabello in the 2020 Illinois House of Representatives election.

Early life, education, and career

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Vella is a lifelong resident of Rockford. He graduated from Boylan Catholic High School. He graduated with a BA from Augustana College and in 1997 a JD from Northern Illinois University.[2] He formerly worked as a public defender in Winnebago County. Since 2000, he has been an associate of his family's law firm Vella & Lund, P.C.[3] He is a former member of the Rockford Literacy Council and a former board president of Keith Country Day School.[4]

As of July 3, 2022, Representative Vella is a member of the following Illinois House committees:[5]

  • Appropriations – Public Safety Committee (HAPP)
  • Child Care Access & Early Childhood Education Committee (HCEC)
  • Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee (HELM)
  • Judiciary – Criminal Committee (HJUC)
  • Law Enforcement Subcommittee (SHPF-LAWE)
  • Police & Fire Committee (SHPF)
  • Public Utilities Committee (HPUB)
  • Small Cell Subcommittee (HPUB-SCEL)
  • Veterans' Affairs Committee (HVET)

Electoral history

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Illinois 68th State House District General Election, 2020[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dave Vella 26,770 50.22
Republican John M. Cabello (incumbent) 26,531 49.78
Total votes 53,301 100.0

Personal life

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Vella and his wife, Michelle, have a daughter and son, Grace and Ryan, respectively. His family are members of St. Anthony's Church. His grandfather was Edolo J. "Zeke" Giorgi, who was a former long-time Illinois state representative in the Rockford area.[4]

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References

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  1. ^ "STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: State House District 68 (Illinois)" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2013-05-19. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  2. ^ "David Vella ('97) Elected to the Illinois House of Representatives". Northern Illinois University. 2021-02-28. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  3. ^ "Rockford Attorneys - David Vella". Vella & Lund Law. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  4. ^ a b "Meet Dave Vella". Dave Vella State Representative. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  5. ^ "Illinois General Assembly - Representative Committees". ilga.gov. Retrieved 2022-07-03.
  6. ^ "Election Results 2020 GENERAL ELECTION". Illinois State Board of Elections. December 4, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2021.[permanent dead link]