Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running because we need urgent change to better support the students, families, and communities of the 7th district. The challenges we are facing today require swift action and our democracy needs bold reforms to survive. From protecting our children from gun violence and climate change to securing rights for all Americans, quite simply, change can't wait, and I don't believe that change can come from machine politicians or perennial candidates. We need the perspectives of teachers and parents to make sure kids and families are being considered when policy decisions are made.
How has your district been impacted by the migrant crisis and what do you think should be done?
Our district has been overtaxed by the tens of thousands of migrants arriving to Chicago. We have not received sufficient federal support to help our cities deal with the migrant crisis. We need to both limit the future amount of migrants coming to Chicago as well as secure federal funding to ensure that communities have the resources they need to integrate migrants without sacrificing those already in the community.
What do you think immigration reform in Congress should look like?
We need to curb illegal immigration and significantly expand legal immigration. To do this, we need to start by securing the southern border to stop the flow of fentanyl that is poisoning our communities. We need to address the root cause of mass migration by increasing aid to Central and South American countries to eliminate the need for migrants to risk their lives by crossing the border. We should increase the volume and length of visas for laborers to help support businesses from agriculture to hospitality.
We also need to increase the number of H-1B Visa applicants we accept into our country annually; if highly skilled workers want to come to the United States, we should capitalize on that gift. As a son of immigrants, I know first-hand how much immigrants can contribute to our country. Lastly, we need to address the status of immigrants who have been permanently living in our country with legal status; there should be a pathway to citizenship for long-term residents who have been law-abiding.
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 important to the extent that it can support the needs of our constituents. President Biden has accomplished a lot in his first term- infrastructure, aid to veterans, domestic manufacturing initiatives, and gun control- with bipartisanship.
If there is an opportunity to cross the aisle to support small businesses or quality education for under-resourced areas in Congress, I will gladly take that up. However, bipartisanship should never mean violating your principles.
What action, if any, do you want to see next on abortion access after the Dobbs decision?
A national bill codifying reproductive rights into law for the entire country.
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
