Darby Hills holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa and a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Early in her career, she worked as a prosecutor for the Cook County State's Attorney’s Office and practiced as an employment attorney in immigration courts. Hills co-founded Barrington Children’s Charities in 2010, demonstrating her commitment to community service. She has held positions on the Barrington Hills Village Board and the Illinois Senate for the 26th district.

Darby Hills combines a commitment to fiscal conservatism with a focus on community welfare, advocating for lower taxes while simultaneously founding a charity that provides essential services to hundreds of children. Her legislative record shows an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. Hills's rhetoric emphasizes transparent governance and taxpayer advocacy, yet she champions a pro-business environment that might seem at odds with her populist stances.