Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I believe in the greatness and promise of America, and our constitutional system. And that Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, should be a great place to live, work, prosper and raise families. America and Illinois are worth fighting for. The election of President Trump has rescued America from the devastating high inflation and crushing economic failure, the subversion of national security by opening the flood gates of illegal immigrant border crossings, and demoralization of women sports, all caused by the previous Biden administration. Illinois is being decimated by far-left radical policies causing rising energy prices, more taxes, and lowering the standard of living. Businesses are failing, the middle class is disappearing, education is inadequate, parents are losing their natural rights, and many are fleeing. Last year, Illinois saw a net out migration of over 80,000. Congressional district 13, central and southern IL, deserves much better. Illinoisans need a person that will fight for them and not cave to the liberal elite. I am running to keep America first and to return Illinois to the great place it should be. Where families and individuals thrive in peace.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
The most pressing issue, affecting all demographics, is economic affordability. This directly impacts daily life and long-term stability. This challenge is particularly acute given our district's diverse economic base, which spans agriculture, manufacturing, higher education, healthcare, and energy. Public safety remains a primary concern as well. Effectively addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. I will work with fellow congressional office holders, the executive, and federal agencies on behalf of IL District 13 to adopt pragmatic, policy-oriented solutions with actionable steps in the following key areas: 1. Energy - Increasing generation supply, strengthening grid reliability, reducing energy costs 2. Jobs - Creating new high-quality jobs, supporting labor, business, and students 3. Workforce - Equipping our workforce with skills needed for modern industries 4. Housing - Increasing affordable housing availability and modernizing services 5. Farmers - Opening new markets, investing in new technologies and rural services 6. Health Care - Addressing health care affordability 7. Safety - Ensuring safety and well-being, Supporting U.S. Military, law enforcement, and first responders 8. Integrity – Fighting corruption, fraud, and waste 9. Efficiency – Removing bureaucratic bloat and damaging regulations, reducing the tax burden 10. Investment – Advancing new technologies, expanding and improving infrastructure
What is one unique challenge your district faces and how do you plan to address it?
Energy affordability and reliability. The creation and implementation of the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) have adversely affected grid reliability, reduced the dependable energy supply, and significantly increased costs for businesses and citizens. In 2025, ComEd customers saw average bill hikes of up to 45%, while Ameren customers faced 50% spikes, adding hundreds of dollars to annual household expenses. Consequently, Illinois energy costs are no longer a competitive advantage. Furthermore, the 2025 resource adequacy report warned of impending shortages, noting that Illinois may soon rely on energy imports as 11.5 GW of fossil fuel capacity retires by 2030. To address these issues, we must discontinue the elimination of fossil fuel capacity, increase clean nuclear energy capacity, and restore shuttered fossil fuel facilities. Taking these steps will greatly reduce the cost of energy and restore overall affordability and reliability to our grid.
What do you think federal immigration reform should look like?
Immigration has long been a divisive issue, with arguments rooted in economic, security, humanitarian, and cultural perspectives. Current immigration law must be upheld. Border security is national security. President Trumps Day One executive order has stopped the overwhelming flood of illegal immigrants caused by the previous administration. Deportation of egregious criminal illegal immigrants has improved the safety and security of the U.S. citizens. Participation and inclusion, by non-citizens in the American society, culture, and norms is a privilege. The current pathway to citizenship via immigration and naturalization has been established under federal law. Likewise, the permission structure for temporary stay is also established under federal law. Any reform should aim for a responsive system that enhances security, economic growth, and fairness. Such things to consider are 1) Strengthening worker protections and economic integration, 2) Enhancing border security 3) Expanding legal pathways and visas that do not harm American citizens, workers, or the American culture.
How should Congress address the rising costs of health care?
Healthcare costs in the United States have been a persistent challenge, with premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and overall spending continuing to rise faster than inflation. Factors like hospital consolidation, prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices, and administrative inefficiencies contribute significantly to rising costs. Congress has the authority to enact reforms through legislation, such as appropriations bills, reconciliation packages, or standalone measures. Drug costs account for a significant portion of healthcare spending, with prices in the U.S. often higher than in other countries due to lack of negotiation leverage. I support congressional action to codify President Trumps "Most-Favored-Nation" pricing to align U.S. drug costs with international rates. Additionally, I support transparent price disclosure in dollars for hospitals, plans, and intermediaries (PBMs). Disclosure will promote fairness and competition to drive prices down.
What approach would you take on tax policy and what is your top priority?
I fully support The One Big Beautiful Bill. The One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law by President Trump combines major tax reforms, spending changes, debt limit increases, and policy adjustments across areas like agriculture, energy, health care, education, and more. Adding new targeted tax relief (especially for working-class and middle-income groups). Including permanent higher standard deductions, additional senior deductions, Child Tax Credit increases, State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap increases, no tax on tips, overtime pay, or car loans, and establishing a business-friendly tax structure. I favor Republican conservative tax philosophy that prioritizes lower rates, simpler rules, and pro-growth-oriented incentives over redistribution or maximizing government revenue. My priority is to lower tax rates across the board.
Is the House currently using its oversight powers in the way it should be? What areas of government need more or less oversight?
Immediate improvement is needed. The U.S. House of Representatives holds broad constitutional oversight powers under the Article I, Section 8 Necessary and Proper Clause. These powers are essential for investigating executive agencies, gathering legislative facts, and exposing waste, fraud, and abuse. However, despite being structurally powerful, oversight is often weakened by partisanship, enforcement gaps, and resource constraints. Recent revelations in Minnesota highlight the urgent need for more rigorous oversight. The "Feeding Our Future" scandal involved over $250 million stolen from child nutrition programs, while expanded schemes related to Autism/EIDBI therapy, housing stabilization, and Medicaid false billing have emerged. Prosecutors now allege total fraud exceeding $9 billion across more than 14 programs. To address these vulnerabilities, oversight must prioritize the following high-risk areas: - Health and Human Services (HHS): As the largest risk driver, Medicare and Medicaid represent the federal government's greatest fraud exposure due to their size and third-party billing structures. - Unemployment Insurance: Fraud spiked during COVID-19 emergency programs, with billions lost to identity theft and organized foreign fraud rings due to weak cross-state verification. Effective oversight should focus on front-end identity and eligibility verification, modernized IT tracking, cross-agency data sharing, post-payment audits with clawback authority, and mandatory reauthorization reviews. For oversight to be successful, it requires sustained bipartisan focus, increased resources, and stronger enforcement mechanisms, such as automatic funding holds for non-compliance.
What is the most pressing foreign policy issue facing the country and what role should the House play in dealing with it?
The most pressing foreign policy issue facing the United States is the expiration of the New START treaty (lapsed on February 5, 2026) and the ensuing risk of a renewed nuclear arms race. Particularly acute amid Russia's war in Ukraine. Also, broader great-power competition involving China, which is also modernizing its nuclear arsenal. This issue threatens U.S. national security, alliance stability (e.g., NATO), and global order. The nuclear issue stands out for its immediacy and existential stakes. Besides Russia and China, the U.S. faces a range of foreign risks, stemming from evolving geopolitical dynamics, great-power competition spillover, and regional instabilities. State actors such as Iran and North Korea (DPRK) are a persistent adversary. The Middle East is a perennial hotspot. Additionally, Non-State or Non-Aligned Actors such as Transnational Criminal Organizations and Terrorist threats are intensifying. U.S. House of Representatives role should be in alignment with its Article 1 Constitutional powers. Particularly the "power of the purse" to appropriate funds, which influences defense spending, nuclear modernization programs, and related foreign aid. The House can shape Department of Defense budgets and State Department initiatives. The House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) holds jurisdiction over oversight and legislation on arms control, disarmament, national security developments, and international agreements, enabling it to conduct hearings, investigate executive actions, and propose bills to authorize or restrict nuclear-related activities.
How do you view AI and the role the government should play in its regulation?
Artificial Intelligence exists to extend human capabilities, automate routine tasks, and address challenges beyond our natural limits. It has evolved from a theoretical pursuit into a transformative technology. The U.S. government's role in AI regulation is also evolving. A proactive yet light-touch federal approach can harness AI’s potential without stifling growth, effectively balancing innovation with necessary safeguards. Our policies should focus on maximizing the benefits of AI while minimizing its potential harms.
How would you describe the current state of your party and what changes or new approaches would you like to see your party adopt?
Overall, the GOP is in a position of strength institutionally. The Republican Party holds significant power at the federal level. At the state level, Republicans control 23 "trifectas" (governorship plus both legislative chambers), compared to 16 for Democrats and 11 divided governments. The party has substantial influence over policies like taxes, immigration, and energy, as evidenced by recent legislation such as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act". I believe it is vital for the party to continue broadening its demographic appeal while delivering meaningful results for the American people. By prioritizing an "America First" approach, we can expand prosperity for all citizens. Furthermore, I strongly advocate for the United States to maintain its position of global leadership. Sustaining U.S. international influence is essential to ensuring global stability and preventing a more dangerous, unpredictable world.