Definition
Sheila Simon (born April 12, 1961) is an American politician and music educator who served as the 46th lieutenant governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2009.
Overview
Simon is a member of the Democratic Party. She was elected lieutenant governor on a ticket with Governor Rod Blagojevich in the 2002 Illinois gubernatorial election and was re‑elected in 2006, serving two four‑year terms. In her capacity as lieutenant governor, she chaired the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Service, and the Illinois International Trade Commission, and she was involved in initiatives related to education, health care, and economic development.
Born in Springfield, Illinois, Simon is the daughter of former U.S. Senator and Illinois governor Paul Simon. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College in 1982 and a Master of Music in vocal performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign in 1990. Prior to entering elected office, Simon worked as a professional singer and music educator, holding faculty positions at the University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago.
After leaving the lieutenant‑governor’s office, Simon returned to teaching and remained active in public policy, serving on various nonprofit and advisory boards. In 2020 she announced a campaign for the United States House of Representatives in Illinois’s 12th congressional district, but she did not win the Democratic primary.
Etymology/Origin
- Sheila is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle, itself derived from the Latin Caelia, meaning “heavenly” or “of the sky.”
- Simon is a patronymic surname of Greek origin, from the name Simon (Σίμων), which ultimately derives from the Hebrew Shim‘on meaning “he has heard.”
Characteristics
- Political affiliation: Democratic Party
- Professional background: Vocal performance, music education, higher‑education teaching
- Key policy interests: Rural development, education reform, volunteerism, international trade, health‑care access
- Notable family connections: Daughter of Paul Simon, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Illinois
Related Topics
- Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
- Illinois gubernatorial elections (2002, 2006)
- Paul Simon (politician)
- Illinois Democratic Party
- Rural Affairs Council (Illinois)
- University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign School of Music
- Smith College alumni
- 12th congressional district of Illinois elections (2020)