Illinois Federal Delegation

https://castenforcongress.com/about/

Why are you a Democrat?

I am a Democrat because I believe that democracy is worth fighting for, we should pass an inhabitable planet along to our children, a woman's rights should not change based on the state that she is in, and we need to make life more affordable for American families.

Accomplishments

• Hosted over 80 town halls to ensure I remain accountable to the people I represent

• Helped write and pass the biggest investment in climate action in history

• Secured over $35 million for local projects like increasing access to safe and clean water

Priorities When Elected

• Fighting climate change

• Lowering costs

• Protecting American democracy

Sean Deserves Your Vote Because…

I ran for this office in 2018 on the premise that there's an awful lot more that unites us than divides us. The overwhelming majority of us trust science. We believe that women should have full control of their body and that the government should not be involved in their health care decisions. We think markets are extremely powerful tools to harness ingenuity, but they require a functioning, ethical, and competent government to make sure everybody gets a fair chance. Most importantly, the overwhelming majority of us know that we are only as good as the world we leave to our children.  Now more than ever, as the Trump Administration assaults our democracy, our institutions, and our rights and liberties, we need people in office who will stand up to bullies and fight for the idea that we are one, American people with a core set of values. I've been honored to earn the voters' trust each time since 2018 and will work to do so again.

https://www.joey4congress.com/

Why are you a Democrat?

I am a Democrat because my focus is working people, the middle class, small businesses, and families. I think we should care if all people in this country have a chance to live the American Dream, not just the wealthy and privileged. I believe we can make the Democratic Party stronger by going back to our roots and fighting for working families.

Accomplishments

• Computer Science/Mathematics degree-Loyola University, New Orleans

• Software engineer and small business owner

• Previously worked as a Machine Learning Researcher for the Department of Defense 

• Hired as a mobile app engineer for a Silicon Valley technology company

Priorities When Elected

• Affordable housing and a living wage, break up monopolies, support small business and unions, Medicare for All because nobody should go bankrupt just because they are sick

• A strong voice for peace and human rights --  end endless wars and wasteful Pentagon spending – invest in our communities instead

• Regulate AI and Data Centers to lower electricity costs, protect jobs, and preserve our way of life

Joey Deserves Your Vote Because…

There are critical issues that are not being dealt with adequately by our current representatives. Our communities are under attack by ICE. Trump is trying to imperialize countries all over the world, attacking our first amendment rights while simultaneously violating human rights, handing the country over to the oligarchs at the expense of working people, and dismantling climate and safety net programs. Unfortunately, our leaders have grown complacent and the concerns of large parts of our community have been ignored for too long. We need leaders who will fight for and prioritize all the people of this district, not just wealthy donors. Unlike my opponent, I have taken a pledge not to accept money from corporate PACs or special interest groups. I answer only to the residents of this community, and I will work for you.

https://yasmeenbankole.com/ 

Why are you a Democrat?

I believe in the ideals of a just society and have found that the Democratic body tries its best to make these ideals our collective reality.

Currently serves as a Hanover Park Village Trustee

Accomplishments

• Have worked in Congress through both of President Trump’s administrations and fully understand how to navigate the congressional legislative process in challenging times

• Created a new program to lower water bills for seniors and families, and created an emergency water bill fund

• Improved public safety efforts through a doorbell camera safety initiative (provides Ring doorbells free-of-charge to residents) 

• Passed a responsible bidder ordinance with organized labor 

• Introduced an ordinance that would ban the sales of assault weapons in Hanover Park

Priorities When Elected

• Social programs that lower the cost of living and promote economic stability

• Empowering the movement for organized labor

• Modern immigration reform

Yasmeen Deserves Your Vote Because…

I hold federal congressional experience and currently serve as a local elected official in this district, where I have worked hard to pass ordinances that have helped to improve the lives of my residents. I’ve also spent most of my life being raised in the 8th district, so I am deeply rooted and committed to our collective success as a community. Ultimately, I believe that we are in a moment in time where people want a new generation of leaders who are willing to stand up, speak out, and get things done. Through my previous work and legislative actions, I’ve shown that I can meet this moment for the constituents of Illinois’ 8th Congressional District.

I am a Democrat because only one party advocates for the working class.

Accomplishments

• Served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps across Afghanistan, Africa, Europe, the Pacific, and the Pentagon

• Taught at Chicago Public Schools for 4 years

• Served as a representative of the US Treasury Department on the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States

Priorities When Elected

• Amend the Constitution to codify spending limits

• Pass federal legislation mandating  ranked-choice voting in all federal elections

• Empowering labor unions by increasing membership, expanding protections, and establishing sectoral wide bargaining

Kevin Deserves Your Vote Because…

I am a part of a new generation of Americans stepping up to reform the Democratic Party by rejecting the failed practices of the past, rejecting the donor class, and refocusing on the working class. People are inspired to support me because I don't just talk about reform, I walk the walk through my own campaign.

I am a Democrat because I’ve spent the last six years serving as Lieutenant Governor of the great state of Illinois, and I’ve seen firsthand the progress that’s possible when Democrats treat the needs of middle-class families as a focal point, not just a talking point. As a mother, a lifelong public servant, and a daughter who served as primary caretaker for my mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s – I’m focused on policies that will uplift Illinois’ working and middle class families. As the Trump Administration continues their relentless attack on Americans, we need new voices in Washington who will stand firm and fight fiercely to move us forward and protect the values we hold dear. Illinois Democrats can be a blueprint for the rest of the nation. I know that working families need the government to be a partner – not a roadblock. That’s why I fight every day to make life easier for Illinoisans and to make sure no one is left behind. Now, I’m ready to take that fight to the United States Senate.

Accomplishments

• Expanded opportunities for the middle class: creating new jobs, investing in 21st century industries, and lowering the cost of job training so workers can get higher-paying jobs

• Helped eliminate the grocery tax, raise the minimum wage, and relieve medical debt for thousands of families – putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Illinoisans

• Fought alongside Governor Pritzker to protect voting rights, safeguard reproductive freedom, stand up for LGBTQ+ rights, tackle the gun violence crisis, and take urgent action on climate change

Priorities When Elected

• Making Life More Affordable

• Creating Opportunities for the Middle Class

• Protecting Your Rights and Our Democracy

Juliana Deserves Your Vote Because…

I understand what it’s like to juggle family, work, and all of life’s challenges, because I’ve had to do it myself. My priorities are rooted in my own experiences – as a mother, a lifelong public servant, and a daughter who served as primary caretaker for my mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s – that’s why I’m focused on policies that will uplift Illinois’ working and middle class families: making life more affordable, creating and expanding economic opportunities, and protecting our rights and freedoms. I have fought alongside Governor Pritzker to protect voting rights, safeguard reproductive freedom, stand up for LGBTQ+ rights, tackle the gun violence crisis, and take urgent action on climate change. In Illinois, freedom is sacred and no one is above the law. I will always fight back against Trump’s attacks and stand up for every Illinoisan’s right to live a safe, dignified life – just like we’ve done in Illinois. As Lieutenant Governor, I have represented all of Illinois and traveled across the state, speaking directly to people from all walks of life. I will take that experience to the United States Senate where I will continue to fight for the people of Illinois.