About the Candidate
Name: Justin Burau
DOB: Feb. 27, 1986
Occupation: Director of Operations
Political Experience: None.
Website: https://www.burauforcongress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinBurau
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinBurauForCongress
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinburauforcongress/
Candidate Statement
Growing up in Winfield, I always heard people say they are tired of politicians who just represent themselves. For so many people, politics and government are just not a top priority. In your daily life you have challenges of a career, family, friends and a plethora of other responsibilities. I was like that. That all changed after losing my best friend and father to the same brain cancer.
After starting a non-profit, I met with my congressman to get Medicare reform for this disease, but after seeing the lack of care on his face, I walked out of his office and I said, “If he doesn’t do anything, I’m going to take his job.” People deserve better from their representatives and that’s why I decided to run for Congress.
The suburbs are made up of many former Chicago residents that love our city just like me, but they are fed up with the corruption and failed policies from Windy City politicians. When was the last time you heard someone say “I wish we had the same politicians from Chicago?”
The far left tries to devalue the word “socialism” by saying its people who care about social issues, but Republicans like myself also care about social issues, we just have a different solution.
To solve problems, you must be willing to have a conversation and work together. My opponent, State. Rep. Delia Ramirez, has proven that she is unwilling to do that. Since 2019, she has only co-sponsored a Republican bill four times out of 250+ bills, while also calling to defund the police, co-sponsoring the end of cash bail and voting to decriminalize fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. With record high inflation, record high crime, an unsecure border and an opioid crisis that no one seems to want to discuss, now is not the time for more partisan politics.
I represent the silent majority and the people who are fed up. I will fight for everyone while working within the frameworks of the Constitution, that as a member of Congress, we vow to uphold.
I am Justin Burau and I ask for your vote on November 8 because now is the time for change, and now is the time for the next generation.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
After I lost my best friend and father to the same type of terminal brain cancer within a 3-year span, I saw first-hand the failures of the healthcare system. After meeting with my Congressman to get Medicare reform for these patients, I saw first-hand politicians only caring about their agenda. I am running to fight for the people that don’t have a voice. The majority of Americans are tired of the far left and right and it's time we have a political outsider like myself who believes in uniting and sensible solutions.
What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?
The problem with many politicians is transparency and honesty. I wish more politicians owned their mistakes since we are human, everyone makes mistakes. The current climate in Washington is fueling the divide across our country. Too often politicians will tell us one side of a Bill. It's our job as Representatives to inform our constituents and listen to them and go fight for them in Washington regardless of party affiliation.
What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
Crime and our economy are the issues I hear most from Democrats and Republicans. We need to fund our Police and I would like to work on legislation that provides funding for Police Departments to get more involved in the community, like H.R. 6448 – The Invest to Protect Act of 2022 which provides resources for Departments of 200 law enforcement officers or less for the purpose of starting community programs. This bill had overwhelmingly bipartisan support except every member the of “The Squad” voted against it. We also need to make sure our small businesses are not being over-regulated and lumped into legislation with large corporations.
What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?
I love meeting new people. I love learning from people. The 3rd District needs someone that not only understands Chicago but the Suburbs as well. I am the only one that can do that. Just as I have done throughout the entire campaign, we will respond to questions and have those tough conversations that many are unwilling to have. I will make sure every person has a voice by working with our Chicago and Suburbs leaders. I will be involved in the community just as I have done my entire life. I will be spending equal amounts of time in the Chicago and Suburbs and we will have multiple office locations to make sure the constituents of the 3rd District know they have someone to help them.
