Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running because people in the 7th Congressional District are looking for a change. Residents are looking for greater return on their investments. They are looking for better schools, increased job prospects, decreased crime and a leader who operates with integrity and a sound moral compass. Responding to the needs of my community is not new to me; I launched a nonprofit ChiGivesBack over seven years ago. To date, ChiGivesBack has generated nearly $3 million in resources for low-income families. And through my senior level experience at the local, state and federal level, I’m ready to bring change and a new direction to 7th District residents.
How has your district been impacted by the migrant crisis and what do you think should be done?
Members of my district, particularly those on the South and West sides of Chicago, feel as though resources and attention are being taken away from them as a result of the influx of migrants that have arrived in our city. The over 30,000 migrants that have entered Chicago over the last several months have stretched the resources and capacity of our police stations, shelters, and community volunteers thin.
However, as a strong advocate for being a sanctuary city, I believe this is a prime opportunity to show the rest of the world why we deem ourselves “the greatest city in the world.” I will not stand by and watch families be torn apart – Democrats in Congress and in states and cities across the country are already standing up to hatred and bigotry to defend their immigrant neighbors. I am thankful that we have thoughtful and compassionate leaders like Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson who are finding ways to deal with the crisis. As a member of Congress, I will work hand-in-hand with them to bring federal resources to my district that provides for our new and existing neighbors.
What do you think immigration reform in Congress should look like?
I think reform looks like allocating more money towards a more efficient asylum seeking process so that our courts are not dramatically overwhelmed. Additionally, I do believe that we have a responsibility to provide strong, smart border security that serves our country’s needs – the kind of policies that are consistent with our values and don’t squander billions of dollars. I also look forward to connecting and learning from experts on how to best tackle immigration reform.
How important is bipartisanship to you and what issues have you worked on across the aisle or with people who don't uniformly share your beliefs?
Bipartisanship is of the utmost importance to me. Through my upbringing and values that were instilled in me, I have learned and appreciated working with others who don’t necessarily share the same viewpoints as me. Furthermore, as a graduate of Ronald Reagan’s alma mater, Eureka College, a conservative liberal arts college where I became the first Black homecoming King in the school’s history – I learned to work with the people in my community with no respect to party lines, but with the recognition that at the end of the day – we’re all Americans.
I recognize the importance of listening to understand to reach a common goal. At the Youth Entitlement Summit in 2009, I appeared on CSPAN with the Concord Coalition, a group that was founded by Republican U.S. Senator Warren Rudman, former Republican Secretary of Commerce Peter George Peterson, where we tackled the growing American entitlements crisis. Working across the aisle won’t be just lip service from me, it is a value that I hold dear.
What action, if any, do you want to see next on abortion access after the Dobbs decision?
I am deeply in favor of women's right to choose what she does with her body. As an elected official, I will be tasked with ensuring that they have the necessary access to healthcare procedures and agency to decide what is best for their body. Thankfully I belong to a state where our Governor understands this basic principle and actively puts forth legislation that reinforces it.
Did Joe Biden legitimately win the 2020 presidential race?
Yes
Should the United States provide Ukraine with money in its fight against Russia?
Yes
Should the United States provide Ukraine with aid in the form of military supplies?
Yes
Should the U.S. provide Israel with money in its fight against Hamas?
Yes
Should the United States provide Israel with aid in the form of military supplies in its fight against Hamas?
Yes
Should there be a law requiring background checks on all gun sales?
Yes
Should Congress pass a federal law banning semi-automatic assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines to help address gun violence?
Yes
