Peter Janko is a Democratic political figure, engineer, preservationist, and community activist from Marengo, Illinois. He currently serves as the Democratic State Central Committeeman for Illinois’s 11th Congressional District, a position he won in both 2018 and 2022. His work blends technical expertise, historic preservation, and grassroots political activism.

Background & Career

• Early Life & Education
  Janko was born in Germany and came to the United States as a refugee at age four. He grew up in Chicago, becoming politically active in civil rights, environmental causes, workers’ rights, and women’s equality from a young age.

• Academically, he graduated from Lane Tech College Prep, then earned an Associate’s degree in Electronics from Wilbur Wright College (1976) and later a Bachelor’s in Physics from Northeastern Illinois University (1978).

• Professional Career
  He began as a marketing research analyst at Ernst & Young, moved into telecommunications product design at Motorola, and served as lead engineer for a $22 million infrastructure project for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. Since 2002, he has owned and operated Lumenelle Lighting Design and Restoration, specializing in architectural historic preservation and even conducting workshops at national preservation conferences.

• Civic Engagement
  A committed preservationist, Janko previously served on the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission and on the board of the Preservation Trades Network, a nonprofit promoting traditional trades to sustain architectural heritage.

  He also co-founded and led Medicare for All Northern Illinois, an educational chapter of the health reform organization Our Revolution.

Political Involvement & Accomplishments

• Elected Office – Peter has twice been elected as Democratic State Central Committeeman for Illinois’s 11th Congressional District.

• Campaigns for State Representative – He ran as the Democratic nominee for Illinois House District 69 in 2022 and 2024. Though unsuccessful against Republican incumbent Joe Sosnowski, his campaigns elevated key community issues.

• Rail Advocacy – Peter was instrumental in securing $275 million in state funding for rail improvements that brought passenger service between Chicago and Rockford closer to reality, with potential Metra service to Marengo.

• Tax Reform – His advocacy contributed to the elimination of Illinois’s grocery tax in 2024, easing the burden on families across the state.

In Summary

Peter Janko is distinguished by his blend of technical expertise, dedication to historic preservation, and grassroots political activism. His impactful community work includes championing rail infrastructure, energy-conscious historic preservation, and tax reform focused on relief for everyday necessities. Through multiple campaign bids, he has emphasized the importance of ordinary citizens stepping into public office and holding government accountable.