Senator Pamela J. Althoff was appointed to the Illinois State Senate in March of 2003 and elected to a four-year term in November of 2004. She has championed legislation to increase open space, expand the agricultural industry and promote improved statewide economic growth. She is a proponent of improving the business/job climate of Illinois, obtaining equitable education funding reform, tax reforms and senior health issues.

Althoff is the Republican spokesperson for the Licensed Activities and Appropriations II Committees, and serves on the Higher Education, Labor, Appropriations I and Local Government Committees. She is also chair of the Local Government Caucus, co-chair of the Environmental Caucus, and serves on the Education Caucus, the Economic Development Committee of the Midwestern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments,  the Violent Crime Advisory Committee, and the Executive Committee for the National Conference of State Legislators.

Althoff served as a board member and general campaign chair for United Way (2006-7) and remains active as a board member. The senator is also active with the McHenry County College Foundation Board, McHenry County College Friends of the Foundation, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, Pioneer Center and PALS.

Prior to joining the State Senate, Althoff served as Mayor for the City of McHenry as well as a Special Education teacher. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from Illinois State University and a Masters Degree in Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Althoff now resides in McHenry.