About the Candidate
Name: Michael A. Thompson Jr.
DOB: Sept. 22, 1989
Occupation: Manager – workforce development
Political Experience: No prior political experience.
Website: votethompson2022.com/
Twitter: @Mathompson_jr
Facebook: facebook.com/mathompsonjrjd
Instagram: @votethompson2022
Candidate Statement
Hello, my name is Michael Thompson. I am a candidate for U.S. Congress in the 1st District of Illinois.
I am running because I believe the two greatest issues facing our district are a lack of jobs and violent crime. And the best deterrent to crime is a job in and of itself. But our community is having barriers thrown at us every day. Without economic development you can't apply to jobs near your home, you can’t interview if you can’t write a resume, can’t write a resume if you can’t write a sentence, can’t write a sentence if you don’t appreciate education, and it is hard to appreciate education when dealing with social and emotional trauma stemming from childhood experiences and poverty.
As an elected official I would see my role as someone who brings resources to the table at every phase I just mentioned, so that we have mental health resources for our youth, veterans, and community at large; quality schools to promote our young people’s development into the careers of the future, and plentiful job opportunities right here in our neighborhoods.
By giving people the resources to build themselves up, we collectively build a better community as a whole. Our campaign slogan is “We Are 1.” Not just because we are the 1st District, but because when “1” succeeds, we all succeed, and that is my focus, by making sure each and every one of us can readily identify the resources needed to live and build a good life.
Please visit votethompson2022.com to learn more.
Thank you.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running because I believe a lack of jobs and violent crime are the two biggest issues across the district; and that a job/career is the best deterrent to crime. This office has the ability to curate the federal resources necessary to support the type of economic and community development that will have a positive impact on our district.
What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?
This office has brought billions in federal funding back to the district. This funding is meant to finance programs that have a positive impact in our district, based on sound policy. Where these initiatives fall short is the execution and application of the policy idea. Policy ideas, often well intentioned, sometimes do not meet people where they are, then become less effective over time. I hope to build that bridge between policy idea and application to constituents.
What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
Violent Crime: The best solution to crime is economic opportunity and social services that prevent crime in the first place. I hope to create an amendment to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, to consolidate federal workforce dollars and deploy them in a way that will support our communities' personal and academic growth.
What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?
It comes down to your presence, and creating opportunities to connect with people on a regular basis. I will ensure my district director builds relationships with community champions and consistently find ways for our efforts in Congress to support their work. I will also ensure that I am physically present in spaces that the community finds value. Churches, high school sports games, school board meetings, and other settings to let people know they are supported.
