Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I want to help those most in need in my community, and the past several years have taught us all that the leaders we choose to serve us in public office matter a great deal.
If it weren’t for the strength and resilience of my mother, I wouldn’t be here today. Knowing that I want to give young moms like myself a chance to raise healthy, happy kids who have access to great schools. I want to give working people a shot at good-paying jobs so they can own their own homes and pass on wealth to their children and grandchildren. I think about the segregation that many black families have faced in Chicago and how much damage that has done to our communities. I also want to transform our infrastructure to combat climate change and create the next generation of new jobs. All of these things are work that the federal government uniquely can accomplish and that I’m committed to supporting if elected.
How has your district been impacted by the migrant crisis and what do you think should be done?
Yes. Chicago and its neighboring suburbs are ground zero for this crisis. This obviously has tremendous implications for public safety, the communities dedicated to helping those who need it most, and our local governments. Congress has failed to address our broken immigration system for decades because Republicans have repeatedly blocked any and all reforms.
There’s a simple answer to this problem. America is a country founded by immigrants and has succeeded because of the great strength of our diversity. We have to be a country that welcomes those who want to move, work, and raise their families here and we have to have a working system to handle this. To deal with the immediate crisis, we need funding from the federal government to provide temporary shelter and permission from them to allow those waiting for their cases to be handled the opportunity to earn a living legally.
What do you think immigration reform in Congress should look like?
There has to be a path to citizenship for the millions of people here who do not have legal status, firstly starting with DREAMers. Second, we must have a functioning system. Our borders should be secure and there should be an efficient system to handle entrants. What frustrates voters the most is that it seems like nothing is being done about a problem that has festered for decades.
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 very important to me and can be extremely beneficial to the public when we share common goals. No matter who supports you for public office, you are responsible for governing everyone regardless of their vote. During my time in Springfield, I worked with Republicans and Democrats on reforms to our education funding system, working through the budget crisis started by Governor Rauner, and countless other issues. Despite the political tensions, the vast majority of bills filed and voted on have bipartisan input and discussion around their structure.
What action, if any, do you want to see next on abortion access after the Dobbs decision?
Following the Dobbs decision, I believe it is, now more than ever, crucial to relentlessly advocate for safe and reliable access to abortion. As a member of the U.S. Congress, I will push to protect women’s bodily autonomy and establish accessible reproductive healthcare. I would strenuously oppose Republican efforts to implement a national ban.
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
