Nicole La Ha, a former Homer Glen trustee, has been selected to fill the vacancy in the 82nd Illinois House District after John Egofske stepped down from the post to focus on his duties as Lemont’s mayor.

The appointment of La Ha was announced Wednesday by House Republican leaders, and she had previously filed to run as a Republican in the March primary.

Egofske said in September he would not seek election next year in order to focus on his duties as mayor, a position he has held since 2017. He then announced his resignation, effective Dec. 8.

He had been named state representative in February, filling a vacancy created when state Rep. Jim Durkin, who led the chamber’s Republican caucus for many years, resigned in January.

Suzanne Akhras filed to run in the Democratic primary in the district.

“Nicole La Ha brings an exciting blend of passion, dedication, and leadership to the 82nd District,” House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said in a news release announcing La Ha’s appointment.

“Her commitment to children, public safety, and advocacy for inclusivity is inspiring and she will be a great addition to the House Republican Caucus. Nicole is a problem solver and will work toward solutions that will bring positive change and economic growth to the 82nd District,” he said.

La Ha, in the news release, said she is honored to serve as state representative, and that her “experiences in public service and advocacy have prepared me for this role, and I am eager to work collaboratively to address the diverse needs of our community.

The district includes all or portions of suburbs including Burr Ridge, Countryside, Darien, Homer Glen, Lemont and Willow Springs.

She lives in Homer Glen with her husband, Dr. Christopher Zwiercan, and their two children, Cristiano and a daughter Ashlynn, who was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Nicole La Ha was crowned Mrs. America in August 2022.

She served on Homer Glen’s Parks and Recreation Committee and has been a strong advocate for community accessibility and inclusive parks for children with disabilities.

She was a founder of the village’s Ability Awareness Committee and remains a member.

mnolan@tribpub.com