Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I’m a former janitor, butcher, union tradesman and father of six running to give authentic and audacious representation to a poor district where we have been betrayed by a political status quo that favors insiders and big money. I’m running to bring back trade schools to build the next generation of electricians, carpenters and plumbers - and to build a Level Two trauma center and new birthing centers so Black women aren’t giving birth on the side of the road. I’m running because people want a fighter who will bet things done in Washington - not take orders from Party bosses or special interests. I’m fighting for us - because I’m one of us.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
Everyone will say affordability and that’s true to an extent. But more than that, the most pressing issue is fear: Fear of a ruthless economy that discards people. Fear of losing what government and union protections we’ve had. Fear of life and limb for lack of resources - and a flood of guns. And fear of not being heard by a political class that is serving interests far away from our poor district.
What is one unique challenge your district faces and how do you plan to address it?
We lack health care facilities and need them now. I support a Level Two trauma center for the Southland and new birthing centers to end healthcare deserts.
What do you think federal immigration reform should look like?
We deserve secure borders and we have finite resources to deal with the massive recent influx of very poor people. We do NOT need a masked secret police marauding us Klan-like with masks and we do NOT want this force to be staffed with no regard to background. Midway Blitz was a disaster and trampled on the Constitution.
How should Congress address the rising costs of health care?
We need to use existing antitrust laws to break up the massive health insurance providers that have a stranglehold on our communities. We need to move toward a single payer system such as Medicare for All that will lower costs across the board. We MUST reverse the tax cuts for the Epstein class and Wall Street and fully fund Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and the Veterans Administration.
What approach would you take on tax policy and what is your top priority?
My top priority - as it is in the Illinois Senate - is reducing the tax burden for working families, particularly home owners. We must end the practice of allowing vulture capital firms to prey on tax-distressed properties such as those on the South Side and in the Southland. We must increase the earned income tax credit, provide more tax incentives for SMALL businesses and repeal the Trump tax cuts for the Epstein class.
Is the House currently using its oversight powers in the way it should be? What areas of government need more or less oversight?
The House has abused its oversight powers at the same time neglecting them. They are trying to go after every political enemy President Trump tells them to. Meanwhile, President Trump’s pardons, his cryptocurrency deals, his abuse of the War Powers, his attacks on Voting Rights, the damaging tariffs regime, personnel decisions throughout government involving white supremacists, his abuse of War Powers - all of these scream for more Congressional oversight.
What is the most pressing foreign policy issue facing the country and what role should the House play in dealing with it?
We are being led into war with Iran by outside forces that are meddling in this campaign. The current buildup in the Middle East - and the commitment of American troops over there - are a dangerous escalation that ties into a Middle East policy that is being written without proper oversight or discussion. The House must reassert its War Powers immediately.
How do you view AI and the role the government should play in its regulation?
AI has the potential to do great things for society - but it must serve us, not the other way around. I am very concerned about the likelihood of massive jobs displacements. As well, I’m concerned about the related data farms and how their owners are seeking to use the Second District as a dumping ground to suck up our water - and raise our energy costs. I do not believe in a totally unfettered marketplace - especially in a region as vulnerable as ours.
How would you describe the current state of your party and what changes or new approaches would you like to see your party adopt?
Our Party, especially here in Illinois, is in flux where we are grappling between grassroots activism and old-school Bossism. We need to get back to our roots. I am a former janitor, butcher and union tradesman who authentically represents the people I wish to serve. I do NOT serve big money or special interests. Our Party would do well to listen to the PEOPLE not the donor class.