Mark Rice

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I’m running because families in Illinois’ 8th District are being priced out by inflation, high taxes, and failed federal policies. Washington keeps spending more, regulating more, and delivering less. I believe we need leaders who will stand up for taxpayers, enforce the rule of law, and bring fiscal discipline and accountability back to government. I’m running to challenge the status quo and fight for policies that make life more affordable and secure for working families.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it? 

My top issue is the cost of living driven by inflation and federal overspending. Families in Illinois feel it every time they buy groceries, pay rent, or fill up their cars. I would push for serious spending restraint, targeted reforms to reduce waste and fraud in federal programs, pro-growth tax policy, and the rollback of job-killing regulations that raise prices on energy, transportation, and housing. We need an economy that rewards work and stops treating taxpayers like an endless credit card.

What is one unique challenge your district faces and how do you plan to address it?

One of the biggest challenges facing Illinois’ 8th District is affordability. High taxes, rising energy and housing costs, and inflation are pushing families and small businesses out of the area. I will address this by opposing tax increases, supporting pro-growth policies, rolling back unnecessary regulations, and promoting domestic energy production. Keeping costs down is essential to preserving jobs and keeping families rooted in our communities.

What do you think federal immigration reform should look like?

Federal immigration reform must start with enforcing existing laws and securing the border. That means finishing effective physical barriers, ending catch-and-release, closing asylum loopholes, and prioritizing the removal of criminals and repeat offenders. A fair immigration system must be lawful, orderly, and put American communities first.

How should Congress address the rising costs of health care?

The federal government should ensure access to affordable care without taking over the health care system. I oppose government-run health care and support patient-centered reforms that expand choice, competition, and transparency. The Affordable Care Act should be reformed because it has raised premiums and limited options for many families.

What approach would you take on tax policy and what is your top priority?

My approach to tax policy is simple: taxes should be lower, fairer, and encourage growth. My top priority is preventing tax increases and reducing the burden on families and small businesses. I support pro-growth tax policies that reward work and investment, while pairing them with serious spending restraint so Washington stops passing debt on to future generations.

Is the House currently using its oversight powers in the way it should be? What areas of government need more or less oversight?

No. The House has not used its oversight powers as effectively as it should, particularly in response to failures under the Biden administration. Federal agencies have expanded their authority, wasted taxpayer dollars, and, in some cases, become politicized and unaccountable. The House must aggressively oversee agencies like the EPA, DOJ, FBI, and DHS, especially where Biden-era policies have driven higher costs, weakened border security, and undermined public trust.

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 is deterring hostile regimes like Iran and preventing global instability that threatens U.S. security. The House must support a strong national defense, ensure accountability and clarity in military engagements, and back an America First foreign policy that prioritizes strength, deterrence, and peace through strength.

How do you view AI and the role the government should play in its regulation?

AI has the potential to drive innovation and economic growth, but government must approach it carefully. Regulation should be targeted and limited, focused on protecting privacy, children, national security, and preventing abuse without stifling innovation. Congress should prioritize oversight and guardrails over heavy-handed regulation that would drive development overseas.

How would you describe the current state of your party and what changes or new approaches would you like to see your party adopt?

The Republican Party in Illinois has unfortunately been ineffective in supporting candidates with a real chance, and instead spends too much time on internal divisions instead of building a broad, winning coalition. Going forward, the party needs to be more focused on candidate recruitment, grassroots organizing, and delivering clear, results-oriented messages on affordability, public safety, and accountability. Republicans win when we unite around principles and focus on voters, not internal politics.