US Senate Candidate Questionnaire

Published on February 17, 2026 10:22 am
Last Updated on February 17, 2026 10:22 am

Candidates for Senate in Illinois respond to questionnaire

Capitol News Illinois submitted questionnaires for each of the candidates that will be on the ballot for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin. We asked each candidate 12 questions, touching on qualifications, foreign and domestic policy preferences and more.

Each candidate received a Feb. 11 deadline. On the Republican side, candidates Don Tracy and R. Cary Capparelli responded. Candidates Casey Chlebek, Jeannie Evans, Pamela Denise Long and Jimmy Lee Tillman II were contacted but did not respond.

Democrats Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly, Jonathan Dean and Kevin Ryan all responded. Candidates Steve Botsford, Sean Brown, Awisi Bustos, Bryan Maxwell and Christopher Swann were all contacted but did not respond.

Click each of the candidate’s names below to see their responses to our questions. The responses are shared in full without any editing for length or clarity. If more candidates respond, they will be included below. Candidates wishing to be included can email editors@capitolnewsillinois.com.

Candidates and parties are listed below in alphabetical order.

Democrat Jonathan Dean

Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?

I am most qualified for several combined personal and professional reasons:

I have over 13 years of professional litigation and negotiation experience – litigating high stakes cases and negotiating settlement agreements;
I have over 3 years experience as an entrepreneur starting up and making a solar business successful;
I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has fought bullies, liars, and gaslighters my entire life, in court and in everyday life, and I know what it takes to battle and win against bad faith actors (e.g., bullies, elite Republicans) who are determined to marginalize people;
I am a father of two beautiful small kids and making sure their future is bright and full of promise is my primary responsibility, personally and professionally.
I am from a new generation of Democratic leaders, who are have consistently faced deteriorating economic conditions since 1999 and now are facing a democracy under threat. The solutions to these economic and democratic problems are generational solutions that older generations have not only failed to address but have allowed to grow increasingly worse. It is time to turn the page.

What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?

We are living in an affordability crisis. American life is so unaffordable because so much wealth is held by the top 1% of Americans. For forty years, Americans have lived under a system of trickle-down economics where Americans have been promised that if our government redistributes more money to rich people and corporations, then benefits will magically “trickle down” to the middle class. That has not happened. We need to end trickle down economics, give the middle class significant tax relief, and raise taxes on the top 1%.

The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:

The middle class needs immediate tax relief. The middle class also immediately needs more money in their pocket, and I propose emergency measures to allow American households making less than $200,000/year to be able to pay for basic necessities (groceries, mortgage/rent, child care, college, student loans) on a pretax basis. This is another effective tax cut that will put more money in people’s pockets.

Long-term, we need to reform our economy so that we have an economic system that benefits everyday Americans rather than rich people and corporations. We do that by ending trickle down economics and reinvigorating monopoly enforcement, which will reinvigorate competition in our economy and lower prices.

What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?

The US should be strongly supporting Ukraine’s defense by providing additional funding and weaponry to Ukraine. Notably, we can do this without relying on US taxpayers. There are $300 billion of frozen Russian assets in Brussels that we could seize and provide to Ukraine for their defense. But Trump has simply chosen to not do this. We should provide these funds to Ukraine, because it will help them negotiate peace from a position of strength.

The US is the world’s foremost superpower, so it should act like it in NATO and continue to play leadership role it has always played in NATO. If American power backs away, then other countries will fill the void and they may not act in American interests.

Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?

Yes, it should be amended to include a requirement that the President must obtain agreements from the Speaker of the House, Minority Leader of the House, and Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate before acting to respond to hostilities under the War Powers Act. This would prevent unilateral, politically motivated strikes, like what we saw in Venezuela, where the president violated the War Powers Act.

Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?

There needs to be more negotiating power on behalf of the people, i.e. the consumers of health care. We can achieve this several ways. A public health insurance option would be the quickest reform. The best reform is Medicare for All, where the government negotiates the prices of health care.

Our private insurance market is failing. Health insurance providers have an incentive to deny care and costs are skyrocketing for everyday Americans. People are often underemployed, and choose to stay underemployed, in order to afford health care, and it is a drag on our overall economy. Medicare for All would both lower the cost of health care and unleash a much more dynamic economy, because people would not be tied to a crummy job just to receive health care for their family.

How would you serve as check on the power of the president and federal agencies?

Over the past two decades, the leaders of the House and Senate consolidated power away from individual representatives and senators and towards the leaders of the respective chambers. This has resulted in Congress, which is supposed to be the most powerful branch of government, now being the least powerful branch of government, because each chamber of Congress is only as effective as the leader of the chamber.

Senators need to fight for power to flow back to individual senators. If we look at the House over the past year, we see how individual House members effectively used the discharge petition process to challenge their leaders and force votes on release of the Epstein files and on ACA subsidies—these are votes that never would have been brought to the floor by Speaker Johnson.

Senators need to reclaim their individual powers back from the leader of the chamber so as to force votes and issues that the chamber’s leaders otherwise do not want to prioritize.

Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?

I am supportive of Senator Durbin’s bill and would prefer it as part of a larger package of comprehensive immigration reforms.

A comprehensive immigration reform bill should also include:

-Provisions for a strong border, including keeping border patrol at the border (and not in city streets);

-Pathway to citizenship for undocumented families and workers already in the country;

-Deportation of violent criminals;

-Additional civil service jobs to process the immigration backlog and ensure we have a functional immigration system.

Only Democrats will pass this bill. And the passage of this bill serves as a bellwether for how well our government is functioning. Republicans have either failed to pass or blocked comprehensive immigration reform in 2005, 2013, and 2024.

And, rather than pass comprehensive immigration reform, Republicans have now decided to fund only ICE and deploy ICE to blue cities and states.

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics? If not, what would you do as a senator and what are you doing as a candidate to address the issue?

Trump’s use of ICE is an unconstitutional use of the agency, because ICE is using violence to enforce non-violent crimes. ICE exists to enforce immigration law and violations of immigration law are almost all non-violent crimes (i.e., entering the country illegally). In fact, many of the legal violations under ICE jurisdiction are not even crimes, they are civil violations. The crimes under ICE jurisdiction are largely non-violent misdemeanors.

ICE must be abolished; it cannot be reformed. If another reckless president can assume office and transform ICE into a reckless, unaccountable federal police force, then the agency is a risk to American freedom and needs to be abolished.

I will also push for a Senate Select Committee to independently investigate ICE conduct and take proper remedial action, including but not limited to stripping ICE agents of immunity and passing a private cause of action so that ICE’s victims can sue officers for violations of their constitutional rights. There must be a truth and reconciliation process for ICE’s abusive and unamerican conduct.

As a candidate, I have engaged in local ICE watches in my community and provided pro bono legal representation to undocumented families at risk of ICE detention.

Political violence has escalated in America. As a candidate for office, how are you helping to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement?

We need politicians who can deal with hyper-emotionality in politics in a way that addresses the issues, confronts misinformation, does not hide from difficult subject matters, and most importantly, turns down the temperature. This is an approach I have taken my entire life as a lawyer/litigator in the courtroom, as a solar energy entrepreneur, and as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has confronted bullies and liars in court and in everyday life.

Oftentimes this means taking risks that our politicians are afraid to take, such as standing in front of a camera on live TV and answering difficult questions. It means confronting misinformation and the purveyors of it. It means calling out inflammatory lies in a way that turns down the temperature rather than ratcheting up the temperature.

Lastly, we need to acknowledge that no matter how successful we are with de-escalating, there are powerful forces inside American government and the media who will remain hellbent on inflammatory rhetoric and turning up the temperature for their own political gain. Those bad actors need to be actively marginalized in political discourse as not credible nor acting in the best interests of the American people. This is a tactic not taken frequently enough by politicians, especially Democratic politicians.

Polls show threats to democracy are one the top concerns for voters. What are some ways you would seek to strengthen democracy?

Democracy is being threatened on several fronts: (1) Congress has become weak and ineffective; (2) The Supreme Court has made the Presidency above the law; and (3) Corporations are more powerful than they have ever been and have been reinforcing, rather than counteracting, problems with Congress and the President.

First, over the past two decades, leaders in the House and Senate have made rules that take power away from individual representatives and senators and consolidate that power in leadership. That results in a dysfunctional Congress where really only the chamber’s leaders can bring matters to a vote. Senators must push for power to flow back from leadership to individual senators so more of the people’s business can be heard in the Senate (and same in the House).

Second, the Supreme Court has been working in cahoots with the president (wittingly or not) to make the president above the law. The Supreme Court needs to be reformed to (a) add 4 justices; (b) pass term limits of 12 years; and (c) stagger appointments to depoliticize the appointment process. Congress also must strip the Court’s jurisdiction to set its own issues. The Court must rely on litigants to set the issues that the Court decides, as every other court in the country does. When the Court is able to instruct litigants which issues to argue, it ceases to be a court, and begins to act more like a legislature.

Third, the founders were skeptical of extreme wealth and large corporate interests, and American leaders throughout history have followed that tradition, including Republican Teddy Roosevelt, who was active in antitrust and monopoly enforcement. Corporations are too large and too powerful and are manipulating the government for their benefit. We need to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy to an optimal level and reinvigorate monopoly enforcement for a new era.

Lastly, Democrats are defenders of democracy and Democrats need to get far more organized and work much harder to engage young people in order to pass reform that will protect democracy, including term limits and rank choice voting, overturning Citizens United, abolishing the electoral college, and passing public financing of elections.

What are your views on artificial intelligence? Do you think government has a role in regulating AI? If so, how?

Yes, AI is developing rapidly and leaders in AI must be in closer communication with the government so that the government can act to adapt American society to the coming AI revolution. Congress should establish a small administrative agency that can liaison with and regulate the AI industry as well as advise Congress as to what kinds of adaptations to American life are needed, such as universal basic income and job retraining programs, to name a few policies that will need to be implemented in response to AI.

Democrat Robin Kelly

Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?

I’m the granddaughter of a domestic worker who took her life’s savings to begin a small grocery store in her community—passing the store down to my father who took great pride in helping families in need when they couldn’t afford groceries.

As a working mother, I put myself through college and have dedicated my career to service. Following in my family’s footsteps, I spent years as a mental health counselor and community advocate before deciding to run for office.

I’ve been in Congress for 12 and a half years. I have the largest Democratic district in the state, representing urban, suburban and rural communities. I’ve passed meaningful legislation on gun safety and health care under President Barack Obama, under Donald Trump and under President Biden.

I am running for Senate to make life more affordable for Illinoisans. I know what matters to you, because I know what it means to struggle. And right now, our state is facing an affordability crisis.

I’m clear-eyed about who’s responsible: Republicans in power and their billionaire backers who have rigged the economy to ensure they get to call the shots—while families get squeezed. As the next U.S. Senator from Illinois, I’ll work every single day to hold them accountable.

I’m the only candidate in this race who took on the NRA, took on the health insurance industry, took on political machines, and won.

My People Over Profits platform is focused on addressing the costs that keep us up at night by making billionaires pay their fair share: strengthening social security while keeping it solvent, capping childcare costs, raising the wage for workers and making Medicare for All the law of the land.

People want more than a fighter. They want a winner. I’ll continue that winning streak in the U.S. Senate. You can learn more about me at robinforsenate.com.

What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?

We are facing an affordability crisis. Everything costs too much. Illinois families have never had to do more with less, and instead of focusing on solutions that will make life easier and more affordable for Americans, Donald Trump and his MAGA GOP allies in Washington are playing dictator and threatening to invade American cities.

We need more voices in the United States Senate focused on what truly matters: the issues keeping Americans up at night. I’m running on a People Over Profits platform that is focused on addressing the affordability crisis affecting people across Illinois.

The fight for affordability is the fight for dignity— in health care, housing, child care, and everyday life. We need leaders with the courage to be bold and truly fight for workers and families across Illinois and our country— that begins with finally making the wealthy and well-connected pay their fair share. I believe that means we should do things like:

Tax billionaires;
Raise wages;
Cap childcare costs; and
Provide Medicare for all.

I also believe what ICE is doing to our communities is an outrage and that the American people have had enough of ICE’s unconstitutional and unAmerican reign of terror. This is why I filed impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and currently have nearly 190 cosponsors signed on to support this effort.

The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:

Raise wages;
Cap childcare costs; and
Provide Medicare for all.

What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?

We need peace in Ukraine and we should fully support Ukrainians to ensure they do not lose any land, rights or freedoms to Putin. My mother’s side of the family is Ukrainian, so this is personal for me. NATO was created to counter the security threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War and Russia remains a current threat. NATO has strengthened alliances around the globe. The U.S. needs to be an active, engaged member of NATO. Trump’s plan to steal Greenland and his many damaging actions across the world have threatened to undermine the NATO Alliance. We are the only country to invoke Article 5 and we must stand by our European allies as they face renewed threats from Putin’s Russia.

Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?

Our standing and reputation in the world is severely diminished because of Donald Trump and must be restored. He is damaging global relationships with unilateral actions in other countries and by imposing tariffs on his supposed enemies. We also have distrust at home. Americans don’t want wars with Venezuela or for the president to steal Greenland. They want access to healthcare and an affordable way of life.

This must be resolved immediately. Trump has proven that democratic norms do not apply or matter to him. We need to codify into law the post-Watergate guardrails that separate the White House from having direct control over the Department of Justice. We need a co-equal branch of government. For too long Congress has turned over power and responsibility to the Executive Branch. If our democracy is to endure, Congress must reassert its Article 1 authority.

Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?

People are paying too much for healthcare. I will never give up fighting for all Americans to have access to quality care. As a member of the Medicare for All Caucus, I am working to make Medicare for All the law of the land.

I will continue to build on my maternal healthcare work. I’m proud to have introduced the first comprehensive maternal healthcare bill in Congress and was able to pass into law an extension from 60 days to one year for Medicaid postpartum care. I recently introduced the WELLS Act, named in honor of my constituent Mercedes Wells, who was forced to give birth in her truck after being discharged from a hospital. The bill urges hospitals and birthing centers to develop and implement a safe discharge plan.

Additionally, I will continue the push for increased access to dental care and lower drug costs.

How would you serve as a check on the power of the president and federal agencies?

Trump has proven that democratic norms do not apply or matter to him. We need to codify into law the post-Watergate guardrails that separate the White House from having direct control over the Department of Justice. We also need a co-equal branch of government. For too long Congress has turned over power and responsibility over to the Executive Branch. If our democracy is to endure, Congress must reassert its Article 1 authority.

I believe Trump is worried about Democrats picking up seats in the 2026 election. We know he still believes he won the 2020 election. I fear that Trump and his minions will do anything they can to ensure they never leave office and there will never be another election. Presidential pardon powers must be reined in.

With midterms approaching, voters must hold all their lawmakers accountable. Trump’s next move will be to disenfranchise as many voters as possible, which is why we must continue to defend the right to vote zealously. Trump’s focus has not been aligned with the issues families are facing in Illinois: inflation, jobs and rising health care costs. He does not care about what the American people need. Instead, he continues to divert the public’s attention by invading American cities and attacking sovereign nations without Congressional authorization. As the average American still struggles to make ends meet, we must be prepared to hold Trump and his congressional enablers accountable by exercising our right to vote.

Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?

Trump’s enforcement measures are unAmerican and unconstitutional. I believe ICE should be dismantled and rebuilt from the ground up. We need secure borders and we need to look at an overhaul of the entire immigration system – not just ICE. We need more than campaign slogans. We need real plans. The entire Department of Homeland Security needs an evaluation – a look at training, how we treat asylum seekers and how we make Dreamers U.S. citizens.

Operation Midway Blitz tore apart Chicagoland communities and families, terrorizing the city and suburbs. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her federal agents wreaked havoc on my district and constituents in particular. They landed Black Hawk helicopters on apartment buildings and ripped American citizens from their homes. I told my constituents and Chicagoans that I would fight against Secretary Noem’s agenda and I am fighting back.

I filed Articles of Impeachment against Kristi Noem because I’ve had enough with her reckless abandon for the Constitution, decency and the rule of law. Nearly 190 cosponsors have signed on to support the impeachment of Kristi Noem. Illinoisans and Americans across the country have been disgusted by Secretary Noem’s actions.

People have had enough.

Kristi Noem has turned ICE into a rogue force, violating the Constitution, tearing families apart, and leaving death in her wake from Chicago to Minneapolis.

This isn’t just dangerous—it’s impeachable. Kristi Noem is a disgrace to our democracy, and I am impeaching her for obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing.

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics? If not, what would you do as a senator and what are you doing as a candidate to address the issue?

No, I do not. Trump’s enforcement measures are unAmerican and unconstitutional. I believe ICE should be dismantled and rebuilt from the ground up. We need secure borders and we need to look at an overhaul of the entire immigration system – not just ICE. We need more than campaign slogans. We need real plans. The entire Department of Homeland Security needs an evaluation – a look at training, how we treat asylum seekers and how we make Dreamers U.S. citizens.

I filed Articles of Impeachment against Kristi Noem because I’ve had enough with her reckless abandon for the Constitution, decency and the rule of law. Nearly 190

co-sponsors have signed on to support the impeachment of Kristi Noem. Illinoisans and Americans across the country have been disgusted by Secretary Noem’s actions.

People have had enough.

Political violence has escalated in America. As a candidate for office, how are you helping to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement?

The mantra in my office is that everyone is heard and treated with respect. This carries over into my political operations and how I live my life. I have a proven track record in congress and a reputation as a team player. I reach across the aisle to get things done for Illinois. I don’t let political disagreement impede progress.

I encourage people to peacefully show up, speak up and stand up to make their voices heard. I lead by that example. In responding to the atrocities ICE has brought on Chicago and American cities, I ask people to protest peacefully and not to take the bait. I ask them not to engage in potentially dangerous back and forth. I ask people to use their voices in a peaceful and effective way.

Polls show threats to democracy are one the top concerns for voters. What are some ways you would seek to strengthen democracy?

Wherever I travel in Illinois, I ask people to not grow weary. I implore people to not stay on the sidelines. We need every voice possible to ensure our democracy does not die under Donald Trump. And he has more than tried to push us over the edge. I encourage people to peacefully show up, speak up and stand up to make their voices heard. I lead by that example. I encourage people to vote.

What are your views on artificial intelligence? Do you think the government has a role in regulating AI? If so, how?

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, I have both the benefits and dangers of technology top of mind. In Congress, I am committed to promoting technology policies that are in the best interest of all Illinoisans, including ensuring American workers are prepared to work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and use it as a positive tool. I spent over a year working in a bipartisan fashion to publish five white papers on AI and how Congress should approach the issue. We need to ensure the US stays the leader in AI, while protecting civil liberties and ensuring that real world discrimination is not coded into AI.

Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi

Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?

I believe I am the best candidate in this race to serve Illinois in the U.S. Senate because my life story and record of public service have equipped me to listen, lead, and deliver results for families in every corner of our state. My experiences — personal, professional, and legislative — reflect both a deep understanding of how government works and a commitment to using it to expand opportunity for others.

My family moved to this country when I was three months old. When my father lost his income, food stamps and public housing helped my family get back on our feet. We eventually settled in Peoria, Illinois, where my family moved into the middle class. My parents bought a home, sent their children to world-class Peoria District 150 public schools, and gave my brother and me a golden ticket to a brighter future. Grants and loans got me through school and, decades later, I found my way to the halls of Congress. Only in America is that possible.

My story is proof of the power of the American Dream – a dream that is slipping away from far too many Illinoisans. It is a story of a legal immigration system that welcomed my family to this country with open arms. A story of food stamps and public housing that got my family back on our feet when we got knocked down. A story of the power of public education that gave me the tools to not just survive, but thrive.

I am fighting to protect the American Dream because I have lived it. Regardless of who you are, where you live, the color of your skin, or the number of letters in your name — there are 29 in mine — I’m fighting for a country where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Professionally, I clerked in federal court, practiced law in Chicago, served as a special assistant attorney general and with the Illinois Housing Development Authority, then later served as Illinois’ Deputy State Treasurer. Now, I am privileged to serve in the U.S. Congress representing Illinois’ 8th district. In Congress, I have focused on lowering costs and standing up to powerful interests, including taking on Big Pharma, Big Tobacco and vaping companies, pushing to make baby food safer, championing career and technical education legislation, and advocating for a ban on stock trading by Members of Congress. I’m also a husband and father of three.

What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?

Everywhere I go in Illinois, the first issue Illinois families tell me about is how the rising cost of living is making it next to impossible to get ahead. These days, whether you’re just starting out on your own, settling down, or preparing to retire, life has become simply too expensive. The cost of living has skyrocketed, opportunity has stalled, and it’s affecting every Illinoisan – whether they’re 8 years old or 80. Prices on everything — housing and health care, prescription drugs and groceries, electricity and car payments — are going through the roof.

We must address the economic insecurity that far too many Illinois families are feeling. That’s why I am laser-focused on ensuring that every Illinois family can realize the American Dream, enter the middle class, and find themselves on the pathway to success. In December, I unveiled my Plan to Restore the American Dream and Make Life More Affordable, a 24-point economic agenda that charts a path toward lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that every Illinoisan can achieve their American Dream. My comprehensive plan builds on my record of lowering costs by tackling everything from home ownership and child-care expenses to food prices and the cost of life-saving medication.

My plan proposes targeted policies at every stage of life, including: a nationwide free lunch program for children; investing in career and technical education and increasing access to post-secondary education; helping folks buy their first home and afford groceries and utilities; catalyzing small business creation and supporting family farms; eliminating federal taxes on Social Security benefits; and lowering prescription drug costs for seniors.

The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:

As Illinois’ next U.S. Senator, I will work tirelessly to address the affordability crisis, fighting to lower costs for working families, expand job opportunities that fuel economic growth, and restore critical social safety-net programs that have been cut by the Trump administration.

First, I have introduced the Bringing Back Benefits Act to reverse recent cuts in lifesaving programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security. With the expiration of the Affordable Care Act tax credits last year, healthcare costs are rising substantially for millions of Americans. My legislation would restore those tax credits, as well.

Second, my Restore the American Dream Plan would greatly expand the federal investment in career and technical education for the more than 60 percent of Americans who don’t pursue a four-year college degree. This would greatly strengthen the American workforce and economy for the future while providing good-paying jobs to support a middle-class life for millions of American families.

Third, my Restore the American Dream Plan would make life more affordable for millions of senior citizens on fixed-incomes by eliminating federal taxes on their Social Security benefits. It would also lower their prescription drug costs by accelerating the number of drugs subject to price negotiation under Medicare and cracking down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), who have served to prop up prices for Big Pharma rather than reduce them for consumers.

What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?

The United States should remain unwavering in defense of democratic allies and firm in opposition to authoritarian threats. In Ukraine, that means staunch support for a democratic partner facing unprovoked aggression from Russia. Every day that Putin’s aggression continues unchecked and further incursions into Ukrainian territory result in the deaths of innocent civilians is a tragedy.

The United States should do everything it can alongside our allies to help bring the war to an end in a way that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedoms. Forcing Ukraine to legitimize Putin’s grip on territory seized through invasion would not bring peace; it would fuel future conflict. An agreement that weakens Ukraine would embolden authoritarian regimes, divide NATO, and make the world less secure.

More broadly, the United States must lead within NATO, not undermine it. NATO has preserved the peace for 80 years, and when America pushes away friends, partners, and allies who have worked with us for global stability, it weakens our own national security. When Donald Trump alienates our allies and undermines one of history’s most stabilizing alliances, it leaves us isolated in a dangerous world as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea work together. Our role is to reinforce this alliance, coordinate collective defense, and ensure that America stands with its democratic partners — not with dictators who seek to dismantle the rules-based order.

Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?

The War Powers Act exists for a reason: after Vietnam and years of secret wars, the American people made clear that decisions about war must involve Congress and, by extension, the people they represent. Many Presidents have tested the limits of their power to take our country to war, but Donald Trump has repeatedly blown right through the limits — acting unilaterally and ignoring clear constitutional constraints.

I absolutely do not support President Trump’s unconstitutional and unilateral actions abroad, including his actions in Venezuela. This has occurred without Congressional notice or approval as required under the Constitution and the War Powers Act. At a time when families are struggling with the rising cost-of-living, Trump is dragging America into overseas military adventures he has no authority to undertake.

The Constitution is clear: Congress controls the purse-strings, and Congress has not approved the U.S. occupying or “running” Venezuela. I have introduced the No Occupation of Venezuela Act (NOVA) to prohibit the use of federal funds to further the occupation or internal administration of Venezuela. Americans don’t want another endless entanglement abroad or their tax dollars going to subsidize foreign oil production, especially while health care and food assistance are on the chopping block here at home.

The Senate has a clear responsibility to defend the War Powers Act’s authority. As a U.S. Senator, I will pursue aggressive oversight and work to enforce the War Powers Act as it was intended. And I will vote against funding for unauthorized military actions. No President should be able to drag this nation into armed conflict without the consent of Congress and the American people.

Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?

I believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Yet, today, millions of hardworking families who did nothing wrong are being priced out of lifesaving care. The Medicaid cuts in the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, along with the expiring ACA tax credits, have left millions of Americans in the lurch.

During this campaign, I have toured safety-net hospitals across Illinois where I’ve heard first-hand from hospital staff how Trump’s cruel cuts will force bed closures, staff reductions, and longer waits for families seeking care. It’s unacceptable — and entirely unnecessary. As Senator, I’ll build on the work I’ve led in Congress to reverse Republican cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, reform Medicare prescription drug negotiations to bring down prices, and crack down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that drive up drug costs. These are concrete steps that will make health care more accessible and affordable.

How would you serve as check on the power of the president and federal agencies?

In the U.S. Senate, I will use every constitutional tool available to enforce accountability. That means aggressive oversight through hearings, subpoenas, and investigations; refusing to confirm nominees who have demonstrated loyalty to a president rather than fidelity to the law; and blocking legislation or funding that enables executive abuse. I would insist on transparency from federal agencies, defend congressional authority when it is ignored, and ensure courts retain the power to stop unconstitutional actions. The Senate is not meant to rubber-stamp presidential power — it is meant to restrain it, and I will treat that responsibility seriously.

Over the last year, Donald Trump has pushed past the Constitution’s limits on presidential power while undercutting the rights, freedoms, and due process of everyday Americans. He has deported citizens and violated our data privacy. He has abused his power to target his political enemies and pardon his supporters. He has profited off of the presidency to the tune of $1.4 billion, according to a report by the New York Times. Chaos and uncertainty from his tariffs are devastating U.S. businesses, large and small.

In the Senate I would seek to implement the policies laid out in my Executive Branch Accountability Agenda, a comprehensive blueprint to rein in Donald Trump’s abuse of power, restore checks and balances, and ensure that no future administration can undermine American democracy again. This 17-point plan builds on my work in Congress to address the lack of ICE oversight, the abuse of personal data by DOGE, the politically-motivated push for mid-decade redistricting, and abuse of the presidential pardon power. I will pursue these initiatives vigorously in the Senate.

Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?

Immigration policy succeeds only through secure borders paired with a real pathway to citizenship that allows people to come here legally, work, and support their families. America’s attraction for legal immigrants is our greatest natural advantage. They fuel our economy, drive innovation, and help keep the U.S. competitive on the global stage. That’s why I’ve fought to fix our broken immigration system — because building the jobs and industries of tomorrow requires both investing in our domestic workforce and welcoming top talent from around the world.

In the U.S. Senate, I will build on both Senator Durbin’s legacy and my work in the House to protect immigrant families and expand pathways to citizenship. In Congress, I voted to pass the American Dream and Promise Act, securing protections for Dreamers and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). I have also introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure Documented Dreamers do not age out of their protections, keeping families together and safeguarding the futures of children who call America home. I will continue to prioritize this work in the Senate.

Fixing our broken immigration system will not result from chaos or cruelty. Donald Trump has weaponized DHS, ICE & Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) in ways that terrorize communities and tear families apart. That approach is morally indefensible and incompatible with the rule of law. Our legal immigration system has been broken for far too long. I am fighting for solutions, which will only be accomplished through bipartisan cooperation and a commitment to putting progress ahead of politics.

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics? If not, what would you do as a senator and what are you doing as a candidate to address the issue?

Our immigration system is broken and needs reform immediately. Yet what we’re seeing now — chaos, confusion, and cruelty — is not reform. We must abolish Trump’s ICE, which has repeatedly engaged in immoral, illegal, and unconstitutional actions. The recent murders of two protesters in Minneapolis makes this imperative before ICE returns to Chicago in full force, as the Trump administration has threatened.

As an immigrant, this issue is personal to me, which is why I have fought tirelessly to confront ICE’s abuse head-on. I have visited the Broadview ICE facility multiple times, demanding to perform congressional oversight as is legally authorized. Just weeks ago, with the help of court rulings, I was finally granted access. My long-awaited inspection of the ICE facility raised serious concerns about who they target and how they treat detainees once in custody.

In Congress, I voted against the latest bill to fund DHS, and I will not support one more dollar while it continues without oversight and accountability. I will insist on robust oversight of ICE to ensure it complies with the law while unmasking ICE officers and holding them fully accountable for violence against deportees and those protesting lawfully.

Kristi Noem must be held accountable for her agency’s failures – she must be fired. If she’s not fired, then she must be impeached. There must be an end to warrantless arrests and roving gangs of ICE or CBP agents throughout our cities, and we must have mandatory third-party investigations for all use of force.

Political violence has escalated in America. As a candidate for office, how are you helping to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement?

There is no place for political violence in America — full stop. Even in this time of deep division, this should be a point of absolute agreement. Acts of violence against public officials and members of the media are despicable, deeply disturbing, and wholly incompatible with democratic governance. While our country may not agree on many issues, our rejection of political violence must remain a bedrock principle of who we are as a nation. Our democracy depends on the peaceful resolution of disagreement.

I know this reality all too well. In 2025, my name was included in the notes of Vance Boelter, the assassin charged with murdering Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and injuring State Senator John Hoffman. This brutal attack was devastating and terrifying on many levels. It is unconscionable that the safety of my family could have been jeopardized by a violent right-wing extremist. By the same token, I spoke out publicly against the indefensible assassination of Charlie Kirk.

This is a moment for the country to choose a different path — one grounded in dialogue, accountability, and democratic norms. We must come together to engage in productive debate over our differences while unequivocally rejecting political violence and terrorism. That is why I worked with Congressman Brad Wenstrup, a Republican from Ohio, to introduce a bipartisan resolution condemning all forms of political violence and affirming that Americans must resolve even their deepest disagreements without threats or violence.

If we expect our democracy to endure, national leadership must rise to the moment. We cannot inflame division and chaos; we must lead by example and model responsibility and respect.

Polls show threats to democracy are one the top concerns for voters. What are some ways you would seek to strengthen democracy?

Threats to our system of government are rightly one of voters’ top concerns, and they are not abstract. In the last several years — and especially under Donald Trump’s return to power — we have seen sustained attacks on three core pillars that keep our country free and accountable: fair elections, the rule of law, and freedom from corruption. In just the past several months, Trump has abused the powers of the presidency by weaponizing federal agencies, undermining due process, eroding privacy, manipulating redistricting to rig elections, and packing courts with unqualified loyalists. Strengthening the pillars of democracy that hold this country together requires more than rhetoric; it requires enforceable guardrails.

That is why I have developed an Executive Branch Accountability Agenda: a comprehensive blueprint to rein in abuses of power, restore checks and balances, and ensure that no future administration can undermine our system again. This includes legislation to block the use of the military against peaceful protesters, restore meaningful oversight of federal law enforcement agencies, and prevent the Executive Branch from targeting political enemies through punitive executive orders that deny funding or trigger investigations without due process.

Protecting elections is central to this effort. In the U.S. Senate, I will continue to fight to end mid-decade redistricting, require independent redistricting commissions or neutral judicial panels, and penalize states that rig districts for partisan gain by denying federal election funding and preferential political advertising rates. I will also build on the Electoral Count Act reforms to further limit a sitting president’s ability to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power and spearhead legislation to prevent DHS agents from being deployed during election season to intimidate voters.

Defending the rule of law means ensuring equal justice for all. I will work to restore nationwide injunctions so courts can meaningfully block unconstitutional actions, safeguard birthright citizenship, and prevent politically motivated denaturalization without the full protections of a criminal trial. I will also use every tool available to stop the packing of federal courts with judges loyal to a political agenda rather than the Constitution.

Finally, fighting corruption requires closing loopholes that reward abuse. I am proposing reforms to expose pay-for-play pardons, impose transparency on those lobbying for pardons, and advance constitutional amendments to prevent self-pardons, obstruction-related pardons, and illegal third presidential terms. Taken together, these reforms are about one thing: ensuring that power in America is constrained by law, accountable to the people, and never again subject to the whims of one individual.

What are your views on artificial intelligence? Do you think government has a role in regulating AI? If so, how?

Like any new technology, AI can help, and it can hurt. It can help our workers and businesses become more productive, and our country to be more competitive and prosperous in the years ahead. But it needs guardrails to provide transparency and disclosure so that workers and consumers are protected. We also need to be sure that humans actually control AI. Most of all, AI needs to be democratized. It should be available to every student, worker, and entrepreneur to enhance their opportunities for success. It shouldn’t be the purview of a handful of giant corporations and special interests.

Congress has a responsibility to establish clear federal policy that protects workers, consumers, and national security. Without comprehensive action, regulation defaults to a patchwork, state-by-state approach that leaves Americans vulnerable to algorithmic harms, bias, and unchecked corporate power. Federal policy must ensure that labor standards remain high, unions have a seat at the table, and productivity gains translate into prosperity. AI must enhance the effectiveness of workers, not displace them without recourse.

Democrat Kevin Ryan

Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?

I led Marine Corps infantryman in Afghanistan, Africa, and Eastern Europe. I served in the Pentagon on the personal staff of four-star General Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps. I served as a policy advisor for the US Treasury Department under the Biden Administration, and I taught on the frontlines of public education in Chicago Public Schools. I have spent my life in public service executing policy. It is true that I have never held elected office. But JB Pritzker never held elected office before running for governor either. I may not have elected experience. But I have experience executing the laws passed by elected officials—I know what policy looks like on the ground. No other candidate in this race can say that. I am the only veteran, union member, and teacher in this race. And I think those perspectives ought to have a voice in the United States Senate.

What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?

The top issue facing the people of Illinois is the same issue confronting all Americans: our government does not work for us. It works for the 1% of ultra wealthy donors who fund 80% of all campaigns. I am running to make our government work for all of us, not just the 1%. In order to do this, we must end the corrupting influence of money in politics.

In order to elect the majorities we need to pass Medicare for All, universal childcare, and fully funded public education, we need to take money out of politics through a Constitutional amendment and establish publicly financed campaigns. And I believe if we want to take big money out of politics. We need to start electing people who reject big money in politics. That is what I am doing. Instead of focusing on donors, I spend my time with voters. That is why I am the only candidate in this race to campaign in all 102 counties. We don’t just campaign on taking money out of politics. We walk the walk.

The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:

I support working families by advocating to raise the minimum wage by pegging it to inflation and the local cost of living. We already have a mechanism for calculating cost of living across the country through the military’s basic housing allowance and per diem rates. Additionally, I strongly advocate for single-payer healthcare. As a recipient of government provided healthcare through the VA, I know firsthand just how well government provided healthcare can work. I also support the Clean Slate for Worker Power Agenda, the PRO Act, universal childcare, interest-free student loans, greater access to trade schools for high school students, and enforcing existing anti-trust and anti-monopoly laws on corporate giants. We must not allow corporate giants to use their tremendous wealth to manipulate markets to increase their profits at the cost of everyday consumers.

What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?

The United States ought to continue to support Ukraine so that it may negotiate an end to the war from a position of strength. I served on a NATO task force in Afghanistan and the NATO task force supporting Ukraine. I believe in the cross-Atlantic alliance. But Trump is causing great harm to our international relations by threatening NATO ally Denmark. We recommit ourselves to the Alliance. To repair these damages, I believe the US Senate must ratify the Rome Statute, signed by President Clinton, to enter the United States as a party to the International Criminal Court. This will send a message to NATO and the world that the United States is ready to lead again by setting the example and subjecting itself to the rule of international law.

Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?

Yes, but first, we need to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).

The Trump administration cited this statutory authorization as justification for their use of force in Venezuela. This is also why the administration insists on using the term “narco-terrorist.” The 2001 AUMF, passed seven days after 9/11, grants the president broad authority to prosecute terrorist targets anywhere around the globe.

Once we repeal the 2001 AUMF, we all also need to amend the War Powers Resolution. Under the current law, the President may deploy US Forces for up to 90 days without Congressional approval. This must be reduced to three days to limit the scope from which a president may unilaterally wage war.

Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?

I am a strong supporter of single-payer healthcare. And this goes straight to the heart of this campaign. Why can’t we provide healthcare in the richest country in the world? The answer is the $1.7 trillion healthcare industry and the $250 million they pour into our elections every cycle to both Democrats and Republicans. If we want to pass Medicare for All, we must first insulate our democratic process from the corrupting influence of those who profit from our broken system.

How would you serve as check on the power of the president and federal agencies?

Congress needs to assert its Article I authority against the imperial presidency. And the easiest tool to use is the power of the purse. The president cannot do anything without funding. As a Senator, I will only fund programs that serve and uplift the American people. I also believe that President Trump has committed a number of impeachable offenses, most recently, threatening NATO ally Denmark. Since Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty stipulates that “an attack on one is considered an attack on all” threatening or using force against a NATO ally is tantamount to threatening or using force against the United States.

While it remains within the purview of the US House of Representatives to file articles of impeachment, I, as a US Senator, would certainly vote to convict and remove Donald Trump from office for any one of the many impeachable offenses he has committed.

Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?

I believe in a hard reset of our immigration policy. This includes offering amnesty and pathways to citizenship to the millions of undocumented migrants who have been living and working in the US, building our economy, paying taxes, and following our laws. We also need to enforce the border to disincentivize illegal crossings while incentivizing legal entry through a more streamlined visa process. We also need to restrict Border Patrol operations to within 5 miles of our international borders and abolish ICE. ICE has lost all credibility as a law enforcement agency. We must replace it with an administrative organization similar to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) that predated the Department of Homeland Security. Amnesty would free up the logjam of naturalization cases allowing for the US to implement a more streamlined legal entry process and pathways to citizenship for those who qualify.

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics? If not, what would you do as a senator and what are you doing as a candidate to address the issue?

I have been a vocal opponent of the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement tactics. Federal officers are clearly denying due process and using excessive and unnecessary force against civilians. In my personal capacity, I have protested outside the Broadview ICE detention center on a number of occasions. As a candidate, I spoke at a rally outside of the facility. As a Marine Corps infantry officer, I was trained to position myself at the point of friction. That is why I have made it a priority to show up with the people in protest of this Administration.

Political violence has escalated in America. As a candidate for office, how are you helping to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement?

I made it a point to canvass in all 102 counties precisely because I intend to represent all of Illinois, not just Democratic primary voters. I have visited the reddest parts of our state, and I have had many conversations with Republican voters. How do we foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement? You show up. We can not build bridges from behind screens. We need to meet in person and look each other in the eye when we talk. And what has my experience been? Well, many Republican voters signed my nominating paperwork. I even have a picture of a man wearing a MAGA hat signing my petition. You see, Republican voters are just as fed up with money in politics as independent and Democratic voters. And when Democrats show up to talk about this issue, we can build bridges. Not only is taking money out of politics the most important issue facing us today, it is also the winning issue.

Polls show threats to democracy are one the top concerns for voters. What are some ways you would seek to strengthen democracy?

The first thing we need to do is ratify a Constitutional amendment to overrule Citizens United vs. FEC and Buckley vs. Valeo. Once we do this, Congress can enact spending limits and publicly financed campaigns. Pair these measures with ranked-choice voting, non-partisan open primaries, and a national independent redistricting commission to end gerrymandering. If we can enact these reforms, we will see real, competitive elections, as opposed to what we have today. In Illinois, half of our General Assembly in 2024 assumed office without facing opponents in the primary or general election. This is not the sign of a healthy democracy. The Democratic Party needs to prioritize the health of our democracy over the power and influence of those in leadership roles.

What are your views on artificial intelligence? Do you think government has a role in regulating AI? If so, how?

I believe we need to empower the FCC to regulate AI starting with mandatory and enforceable disclaimer policy for all AI generated audio and visuals. Next, we need a moratorium on the construction of any new data centers in Illinois until we can appropriately regulate energy usage, water consumption, and environmental impacts of AI data centers. I believe we need to establish a separate branch within the FCC to monitor and regulate AI technologies and their related impacts on so

Democrat Juliana Stratton

Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?

Illinois has an open Senate seat for the first time in decades, and it matters who fills it. People are sick of the status quo – they want bold new leadership who will meet this moment with the energy it requires. As I travel around the state, what I hear most of all is that Illinoisans are looking for someone who will go to the mat fighting for them. They want new perspectives and ideas, not the “go along to get along” attitude they too often see from career politicians.

I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, the daughter of a public-school teacher and a Navy veteran who joined the march from Selma to Montgomery to fight for voting rights alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., instilling the values of activism and public service in me from a young age.

10 years ago, when I was caring for my mother Velma through the end of her battle with Alzheimer’s, my state representative voted with then-Governor Rauner to cut health care and services that seniors like my mother depended on. But Illinois families like mine deserved better; they deserved someone who would stand up for them. So I ran – and won.

Ever since, I’ve been building on that mission – working side by side with Governor JB Pritzker to prioritize the real issues that matter to families, that make everyday people’s lives better. We’ve raised the minimum wage, protected reproductive freedom, banned assault weapons, invested in our education, rebuilt roads and bridges, created thousands of jobs, and the list goes on.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished because it’s the same work I set out to do – to show that government can be a partner to the people, not a roadblock. I believe that what we’ve achieved in Illinois can serve as a blueprint for the entire country, and that’s what I want to bring to the U.S. Senate.

Every day, I approach my role as a representative of more than 13 million Illinoisans with the same values and beliefs that inspired me to first run for office. Now, I want to bring that fight to the United States Senate to protect Illinois from the cruelty and chaos inflicted by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and MAGA Republicans.

I have a proven track record of delivering for the entire state of Illinois, as the only statewide officeholder in the race. While I’ve worked to deliver real progress here, my opponent Congressman Krishnamoorthi, has spent over a decade in Congress and failed to produce meaningful change for his constituents. Instead, he’s used his time in Congress to raise millions of dollars for his campaign from corporate special interests, an executive at Palantir (which currently has a $30 million contract with ICE to build an immigrant tracking system), MAGA donors, Trump advisors, and Project 2025 contributors. His record proves that he is not the fighter Illinoisans deserve in the Senate right now.

It’s clear that the status quo isn’t working, and in today’s world where every day we face new threats to our communities, fundamental rights and freedoms, and our very democracy, we need someone who is truly prepared to pick up the torch. We need new voices and fresh perspectives in Washington. We need someone who will put the people of Illinois over corporate profits. I will be your champion.

What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?

Life is way too expensive. Trump’s tariffs and rampant corporate greed are skyrocketing prices on everything from food to health care to utilities, and our families are suffering as a result.

Politicians are failing to hold corporate interests accountable, and being rewarded by them. This system fails Illinoisans. I’m the only candidate in this race rejecting corporate PAC money, because your needs should come before corporate special interests.

Illinoisans deserve a life where they can put food on the table without worrying about making rent or skipping their medication to afford it. Alongside Governor Pritzker, I’ve helped bring down costs, ensure workers are paid fairly, eliminate the grocery tax, raise the minimum wage, relieve medical debt, and lower prescription drug prices – putting money back in your pockets.

On the federal level, I’ll fight for a $25 minimum wage, Medicare for All, and a tax cut for the middle class. I want to cut red tape, build more, and ensure that families aren’t competing with big banks to afford housing.

My campaign is about giving the people what they want. Read my full affordability blueprint at JulianaStratton.com.

The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:

PASS A FEDERAL $25 LIVING WAGE.

Americans know that $7.25 an hour isn’t a living wage. And frankly, in this economy, $15 isn’t either. That’s just over $30,000 a year. It’s not enough for one person, let alone to support a family. That’s why I believe we need to fight for a $25 minimum, living wage nationwide – $25 to thrive.

ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE AND MEDICARE FOR ALL.

Having served as a caretaker for my late mother, Velma, I know that having access to quality, affordable healthcare is a lifeline for so many Illinois families. Healthcare is central to my story, my family’s story, and my journey to elected office.

As the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are once again ripping away healthcare from millions of Americans to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy, we must make coverage more accessible and affordable. Out of control healthcare costs play a huge role in the affordability crisis we’re facing. That’s why I support Medicare for All. We must act and ensure every single American has access to the healthcare they deserve.

TAX CUT FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS PAID FOR BY THOSE MAKING $1 MILLION A YEAR OR MORE.

We need to ensure that the ultra-wealthy and corporations are paying their fair share in taxes. That’s why I want to see a tax cut for the middle class, paid for by those making a million dollars a year or more. We also need to close corporate tax loopholes that have put the burden squarely on the shoulders of working people while corporate profits continue to rise.

Illinoisans need their next Senator to fight for policies that target economic inequality. I will be their champion.

What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?

As one of the world’s greatest superpowers, the United States has a duty to defend democracy and human rights around the globe.

We must stand with Ukraine. Illinois has always been a friend to Ukraine, and I would seek to bring the same loyalty to the U.S. Senate. The U.S. should continue to condemn Russia’s invasion, not cozy up to its dictatorial leadership. If elected, I would support continued sanctions against Russia to assert economic pressure for them to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine. In 2022, Illinois divested our state pension funds from Russian investments. We continue to express our solidarity: in 2024, Chicago declared August “Ukraine Month,” and in 2025 we commemorated August 2025 as Ukrainian Independence Month. The Illinois National Guard was previously deployed to Ukraine to train with their troops and improve their defense capabilities. And we will always be a welcoming home for Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia’s unjustified violence. While the war wages on, Illinois will never turn its back on Ukraine, and neither should the United States.

An attack on one NATO ally is an attack on us all. We should work with our allies to end the war in Ukraine; our combined initiatives to support the economic and military strength of the sovereign nation of Ukraine are critical. Trump’s continued denigration of NATO weakens its credibility, diminishes our relationships with our democratic partners and allies, and emboldens Russia and our foreign adversaries. I am appalled by Trump’s ongoing threats to invade and seize Greenland as well as his continued disrespect for our NATO allies. While I support other NATO countries paying their fair share to fund our collective defense, we should not be threatening to invade them. We should strengthen our NATO alliances, not act unprovoked to deteriorate them. A stronger NATO helps secure our mutual interests in peace, democracy, human rights, and security around the globe. Regardless of who holds the White House, there is a bipartisan majority in Congress that remains committed to our NATO allies and supports upholding our alliance. I would join this coalition.

Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?

Trump is a wannabe dictator. He does not act in the best interest of the American people. He said he would be a president for peace, but that’s not what we’re seeing.

What he’s doing is not helping the American people, and it’s not in our national security or economic interests.

People didn’t vote to be dragged into long, costly wars. They want very basic things: quality healthcare, a living wage that allows them to feed their families, affordable housing. Trump campaigned on these things, but has broken his promises to boost his own ego. What he’s doing is not helping the American people, and it’s not in our national security or economic interests.

The consequences of engaging in yet another foreign war impacts us all. It’s taxpayers who’ll have to finance it. And it’ll be our brave troops and military families making sacrifices to sustain it. It’s imperative that Congress has the information needed to make informed decisions, can have a robust debate on pursuing military action, and is the one to authorize any acts of war. We need to modernize and replace these decades-old Authorized Military Forces (AUMF) whose outdated powers have been improperly interpreted by Trump, to act without proper Congressional oversight.

If elected, I would support legislation like the bipartisan resolution to require an AUMF by Congress to allow the President to use U.S. Armed Forces, in the Caribbean Sea or in similar situations. We must reassert Congress’s control over war power.

American foreign policy should promote and defend democracy around the world. But the power to act does not rest solely with the President. Trump’s unchecked power must be stopped and Congressional authority upheld. I support legislation that ensures foreign military intervention is authorized by Congress, not a single individual.

Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?

Trump’s cuts to Medicaid and Medicare rip funding away from hospitals and critical healthcare services. Meanwhile, they’ve refused to extend ACA subsidies that millions of Americans rely on for affordable coverage. We need to do better, and we need to address that the U.S. doesn’t have a healthcare system – it has a sick care system.

Illinois is protecting reproductive healthcare, expanding mental health services, eliminating medical debt, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and more. While we fight for universal coverage for all, I want to bring Illinois’ blueprint to D.C. But it’s clear that the system is fundamentally broken and we need real, long-term change, not just interim fixes.

As Trump and Republicans are once again ripping away healthcare from millions of Americans to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy, we must make coverage more accessible and affordable. That’s why I will proudly fight for Medicare for All.

We cannot stop working towards the goal of ensuring every single American has access to the healthcare they deserve. Meanwhile, our main opponent, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, is one of the largest recipients of healthcare industry money in Congress, and his donors have spent millions lobbying against Medicare for All. We have to act and we have to fight for guaranteed coverage by passing Medicare for All.

I believe that healthcare is a right, and not a privilege, and I won’t stop fighting until every American can access the care they need.

How would you serve as check on the power of the president and federal agencies?

Trump continues to chip away at Congressional power, use the Justice Department as a tool of retribution, and abuse his office to target political “enemies” and those who refuse to bend to his every whim. He is eroding the concept of separate but co-equal branches of government, and I refuse to sit back while Trump and his cronies systematically dismantle our democracy.

I’ve spent over a decade in public office standing up for Illinoisans’ rights, and even longer upholding the rule of law across our legal system. It doesn’t take an expert to recognize Trump’s attacks on our democracy and authoritarian rule, but it requires grit and determination to stand up to it. Our country doesn’t serve a king, and Illinois is fighting back. When Trump tried to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, we went to court – and won. When he tried to use federal funding as political retaliation, we beat him in court again.

I’ll always protect the separation of powers and defend the Constitution. I’d oppose Trump’s Supreme Court nominees and block appointments to the federal judiciary whose blind loyalty to the President overshadows their commitment to the rule of law. I would take my duty and my oath seriously, ensuring what I’m doing is actually in the best interest of the American people. I support reforming the Supreme Court, and would be open to a variety of options including term limits and deadlines to confirm new appointments or potential expansion. We need steadfast oversight, not rogue judges who rubber stamp Trump’s authoritarian agenda.

We’re living in unprecedented times, and we need leaders who will fight for justice and due process for Illinoisans and Americans across the country.

Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?

The Trump Administration is engineering a crisis – a spectacle designed for headlines, not for the safety of our neighborhoods. This administration is not going after the “worst of the worst.” What we are seeing is very different. They are targeting our immigrant neighbors – hardworking people who have been contributing to our communities for decades – people who run local businesses, sell flowers at the corner, and have shown up every day to build a life here. This is not about making us safer. When federal agents operate without transparency – wearing masks, using unmarked cars, not showing clear identification – that creates confusion and fear that puts everyone at risk – local law enforcement, families, businesses. This operation is already causing real harm.

Families are skipping celebrations. Parents are afraid to send their children to school. Small businesses are losing customers or closing their doors for good because people are afraid to leave their home.

Illinois and communities around the country need leaders who will stand firm in the face of these attacks and refuse to let President Trump tear our communities apart. We need leaders who reject his attempts to erase our immigrant communities’ rich culture and successful entrepreneurs by sowing division, mistrust, and confusion. If elected to the United States Senate, I will never be silent in the face of blatant hatred and intimidation and I will keep fighting day and night for our immigrant communities.

I have never shied away from defending immigrant communities, and I won’t back down now when basic rights are on the line.

We must address the immediate harms being done to immigrant communities and we also need to take action to repair this broken system through comprehensive immigration reform. I want to build a better pathway to citizenship, including for Dreamers, and would proudly support the American DREAM and Promise ACT. Immigration cannot be treated just as a security or criminal issue. This requires holistic transformation – investment in legal services, case management, social services, and community-based support – not a one size fits all approach that criminalizes immigrants for existing. We need more immigration judges and more caseworkers, not more militarized agents in our communities. Housing immigration enforcement under an agency that was created for counterterrorism makes it clear from the start that ICE is intended for one thing: punitive enforcement. It is designed for mass detention and deportation and resources need to be used to build an immigration system that actually works with real pathways to citizenship.

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics? If not, what would you do as a senator and what are you doing as a candidate to address the issue?

ICE is out of control and beyond reform, and I am the only leading candidate in this race who has called for abolishing ICE. Illinoisans know firsthand the terror and violence that ICE has brought to our communities, and they also know that Governor Pritzker and I have their backs. From joining ICE watch in our neighborhood streets to fighting abuses of power in the courts – and winning, we refuse to be complacent in the Trump Administration’s dangerous and unconstitutional Operation Midway Blitz. ICE and CBP must end their occupation of American cities, and federal agents who have broken the law should be investigated and prosecuted.

Illinois upholds the Constitution and follows the law – including those protecting our immigrant families. We all want our communities to be safe and we all want to see our immigration system reformed with a true pathway to citizenship. But rather than taking steps to improve our immigration system, Donald Trump and his administration are prioritizing cruelty, stomping on due process, and ignoring the rule of law. The Trump Administration is lying to us and preying on the fears of the American people to try to buy support for their cruel agenda rooted in fear, manufacturing an unwanted crisis and targeting communities in the City of Chicago, Illinois, and across the United States. I will continue using my platform and authority to call out Trump’s lies.

It’s time to call Operation Midway Blitz and Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics for what they are: blatant federal overreach that threatens the foundations of our democracy. This is about more than immigration. This is about fighting the rise of authoritarianism. Renee Nicole Good, Keith Porter Jr., Alex Pretti, and Silverio Villegas González should still be alive. The U.S. military does not belong on peaceful neighborhood streets.

ICE must be abolished and the occupation of American cities by ICE and CBP must end. Border patrol and security should take place at the border, not roam neighborhood streets terrorizing innocent civilians. DHS’s immigration enforcement budget has ballooned to over $150 billion under Trump. Taxpayers have wasted over $59 million in Operation Midway Blitz alone – critical dollars better spent in programs that invest in communities.

In addition to withholding funding from DHS’s immigration enforcement budget, I would support legislation to increase accountability and transparency, including the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to keep ICE out of schools, churches, and hospitals, require clear identification and banning non-medical face coverings for agents, and the codification of use of force policies for DHS.

Meanwhile, one of my opponents, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, not only voted to “express gratitude” to ICE, but also accepted $30,000 from the CTO at Palantir, whose software helps ICE track and deport undocumented immigrants.

Illinois will not be bullied. We follow the law. We respect the Constitution. We will not join this administration in violating it. And now more than ever, I stand with our immigrant communities against hate and baseless fear, and will always meet intimidation with unity, threats with courage, and lies with the truth. Working together, we will protect families in Illinois. We will defend the Constitution. We will not normalize military-style tactics on our streets.

Political violence has escalated in America. As a candidate for office, how are you helping to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement?

There is no place for political violence in our country. Regardless of your political affiliation, we must be able to disagree peacefully. My background is in mediation, I know how to bring people to the table and not just reach a compromise, but actually build consensus. As a State Representative with a Republican Governor, I was able to pass ten bills because I worked with my Republican counterparts to reach solutions that benefit Illinoisans. If elected to the U.S. Senate, I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including those who disagree with me, who will put the needs of Illinoisans and Americans first – not simply rubber stamp Trump’s agenda that actively hurts our constituents.

We must continue to call out political violence in all its forms, from targeted gun violence to the insurrection and assault on our Capitol. January 6th showed us how fragile our democracy is, but we know that our differences make us stronger. Our country’s leaders, especially our President, cannot selectively condemn political violence – it is all unacceptable. We need to put our political differences aside to act for our people, our country, and the future of our democracy. While the path forward may not be easy, violence is never the answer, and we must speak with one voice in condemning it.

Polls show threats to democracy are one the top concerns for voters. What are some ways you would seek to strengthen democracy?

60 years ago, my dad Henry marched from Selma to Montgomery to ensure his vote would be counted. Once again, our most sacred freedoms are on the line, and I will always fight back against efforts to silence Illinoisans’ voices.

Trump continues to twist the Justice Department and abuse his presidential powers to target his political enemies and members of independent executive agencies who refuse to bend to his every whim. I’m now running for the U.S. Senate because I refuse to sit back while Trump and his cronies try to systemically dismantle our democracy. I’m showing up everyday as a fighter, standing shoulder to shoulder with Illinoisans at protests and in the streets to make sure they know that their leaders won’t give an inch to Donald Trump.

When Trump tried to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, we went to court – and won. When he tried to rip away federal funding as political retaliation, we beat him in court once again.

While Trump is ripping away healthcare, we’re eliminating medical debt to make sure Illinoisans aren’t one accident away from bankruptcy.

While Trump dismantles the Department of Education, we’ve made historic investments in Illinois schools.

As a U.S. Senator, I’ll work to protect our federal government’s separation of powers and defend our constitutional rights. I would oppose appointments to Trump’s cabinet or to the judiciary whose blind loyalty to the President overshadows their duty to serve the American people. And I would proudly support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and Voter Empowerment Act to restore and strengthen voter protections, ensuring our democracy represents all Americans.

We are living in unprecedented times, and we need leaders who will fight for Illinoisans and Americans across the country. It will not get easier, but we must hold strong and never relent in the face of tyranny.

I will also advocate for key campaign and government ethics reform to strengthen our democracy and fight corruption in politics. In order to rebuild peoples’ trust in government, we need to take meaningful action to ensure that our elected officials and government entities are working for them, not corporate special interest groups. I’m grateful to have been endorsed by End Citizens United, who recognize me as the best candidate in this race to further key ethics reforms. Some policies I would support include:

Overturning Citizens United to get Big Money out of our elections.
Banning Members of Congress from trading individual stocks to eliminate conflicts of interest and prevent potential insider trading.
Banning Members of Congress from becoming lobbyists after their time in office.
Passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and Freedom to Vote Act.
Holding regular town halls in Illinois to hear what issues Illinoisans are most affected by and care most about, and amplifying their voices in Washington.
Requiring Presidents and Vice Presidents to publicly disclose their tax returns before, during, and after their time in the White House.
Supporting the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act to root out corruption in our government.

I also refuse to accept a dime of corporate PAC money because my campaign is about fighting for the people of Illinois, not propping up corporate special interests.

What are your views on artificial intelligence? Do you think government has a role in regulating AI? If so, how?

Illinois continues to invest in 21st century, cutting-edge technologies, creating opportunities for AI innovation and growth in Illinois while also being a national leader in smart regulation. AI innovation must benefit everyone, not simply help tech industry giants at the expense of working families. We must protect U.S. jobs and the American workforce during the transition.

AI innovation should uphold anti-discrimination practices, ensure it’s built and deployed equitably, and center workers’ needs as it is integrated into our daily lives. AI has a remarkable potential to create highly-skilled, good-paying jobs and uplift communities. We must invest in workforce development and training that upskills and reskills workers for AI, ensuring that they can better understand and utilize AI innovation to enhance their workflow, and not be left behind. We should expand Pell Grants to trade and technical education so that more young people can have access to those opportunities.

It means pro worker solutions: ensuring our workers have a seat at the table in determining how AI is implemented in their workplaces, safeguarding workers and graduates whose jobs are displaced, and averting the offshoring of American jobs.

We also need clear guardrails when it comes to protecting data and privacy, and the government absolutely must play a role in protecting our information from being sold to the highest bidder.

In order to fully benefit from AI innovation, we must use it correctly: implementing technology that makes ALL of our lives easier, and not sacrificing our values and benefiting only the wealthy few. If elected to the U.S. Senate, I welcome the opportunity to work with public and private stakeholders in navigating the challenges and opportunities facing our changing workforce.

Republican R. Cary Capparelli

Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?

As an international business person for over thirty years and a university professor of geography, I have a unique understanding of foreign policy. In fact, I’m probably the only candidate that has dealt with the former Soviet Union. Washington has plenty of lawyers but there’s a need for those who know cultures, global economics, geography, etc. On a political level, I served on the Illinois Banking & Real Estate Board from 1997-99 and on the Board of Directors of the Illinois International Port from 2000-2009 where I chaired four (4) committees including Homeland Security. And, I have the time and energy to do this job well.

What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?

First, Illinois needs to regain its prominence it once held as an industrial complex. This will require federal assistance in ways including infrastructure development.

Foreign policy affects not only the people of Illinois but all Americans. Unfortunately, many in the Senate now and the candidates in the primary don’t understand this importance.

The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:

Per se, less government regulation to decrease debt including:

Affordable and available healthcare
Affordable and accessible energy in all daily use forms
Reduce and simplify income tax

What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?

This is not an easy question to answer because, in my opinion, both nations have corrupt leaders. However, the Russian Federation is an obvious adversary and the Ukraine can be considered an ally. A military role by the U.S. is not an option, but sanctions against Russia and other diplomatic means would be the best alternatives.

Thankfully, at this time, the Ukraine is not a member of NATO as that would cause an unnecessary world war. The United States should continue to play its present role in NATO by protecting its European members and protecting the American homeland. For the U.S., our priority in NATO is to protect all American interests.

Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?

The War Powers Resolution may be considered somewhat dated. At the same time, to control ‘leaks’, the Executive branch of government may need to act swiftly to avoid being compromised. And, ultimately Congress needs to be notified and ratify military actions. The present forty-eight (48) hour time span for Congress to approve military movements may be appropriate or extended up to one (1) week for limited deployments of 60-90 days. That time span may be extended as well to not let an enemy ‘know’ what we can do and not do.

Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?

No doubt, health care premiums have sky rocketed in recent years under Democrat control of the Executive and Legislative branches of government. One would think government intervention of price controls would be the fast answer. However, that idea seems to have already failed. One could ask if less federal regulations would be advantageous. In reality, there’s no immediate answer and this is where we must research to find a real solution. I’d be committed to finding that solution.

How would you serve as check on the power of the president and federal agencies?

There is already a check and balance system at work in the U.S. It’s called three (3) equal branches of government. One problem I detect is under Democrat control, I noticed weak decisions in which sometimes citizens become accustomed and accepted to. Now, under President Trump, I find strong decisions are made which irritates those on the left. Unless those decisions are out of control, which they are not, there is no need to interfere. If such conditions merit a check on power, then the legislative and judicial branches can act accordingly.

Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?

Per se, immigration procedures need to be tightened. The U.S. should only accept immigration seekers from those nations that have reasonable relations with the U.S. and the actual seekers must 1) bring something that is valuable and needed to our nations, i.e., engineers, technicians, etc., and 2) agree to adhere to Western society and not upset our cultural balance. Asylum seekers should be judged on an individual basis.

Republican Don Tracy

Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?

I am qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate because I bring real-world experience, statewide perspective, and a record of leadership rooted in common sense. I’ve spent my career working with small businesses, farmers, and working families. I have made payroll and built opportunities for other people. I started working in my family’s business at age 10, later practiced law for decades, and served in senior leadership roles in civic, professional, and regulatory organizations across Illinois.

I’m not a career politician. I’ve lived the American Dream and understand what rising costs, government overreach, and public safety failures mean for everyday Illinoisans. Born in Eastern Illinois, raised in Western Illinois, and having raised my family in Central Illinois, I understand our state beyond Chicago. And I’m committed to representing all 102 counties with steady leadership and common sense solutions.

What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?

The top issue facing Illinois families that Congress must address is the Biden high cost of living that is putting the American Dream out of reach for everyday people. Illinoisans are being squeezed by higher energy and grocery prices, housing costs, and unaffordable health insurance. This is a kitchen-table problem forcing families to choose between paying utility bills, buying groceries, or saving for their future. Congress needs to focus on common sense solutions that lower costs by reducing waste and fraud in government spending, pursuing a responsible energy policy, lowering health care costs, and supporting small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers. Illinois working families deserve strong leadership that prioritizes affordability over politics and puts people before special interests.

The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:

The cost of living is squeezing working families across Illinois, and Washington has made it worse. First, I will work to lower energy and utility costs by pursuing a reasonable, all-of-the-above energy policy that keeps reliable power online, protects energy independence, and brings down gas and electricity bills. Second, I’ll work to lower health care costs by increasing price transparency, boosting competition, enhancing consumer choice and eliminating taxpayer-funded waste and fraud that drive up costs for working families. Third, I will work to reduce inflation and taxes by cutting waste, fraud, and inefficiency in federal spending, cutting regulations that unjustifiably raise prices, and supporting small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers.

I’ve run a business, made payroll, and raised a family. I understand what everyday Illinoisans are facing, and in the U.S. Senate, lowering the cost of living will be my top priority.

What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?

The United States has a clear interest in ending the war in Ukraine in a way that protects American security, deters future aggression, and avoids an endless, open-ended conflict. That means supporting Ukraine’s right to defend itself while insisting on accountability, clear objectives, and a realistic diplomatic path toward ending the fighting. Congress has a responsibility to ensure U.S. assistance is targeted, transparent, and aligned with our national interests, not treated as a blank check.

More broadly, NATO remains vital to American security, but it must be a true alliance, not a one-way commitment. Our allies should meet their defense obligations and take greater responsibility for Europe’s security. Strong alliances, clear deterrence, and common-sense diplomacy, not endless escalation, are how we protect American families, strengthen global stability, and keep the focus on the challenges facing everyday Illinoisans here at home.

Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?

Congress has a constitutional role in matters of war, but it also must recognize the realities of modern threats and the need for decisive leadership. Presidents from both parties, including President Trump, have acted quickly to protect American lives, deter adversaries, and defend our national interests when time-sensitive action was required.

I support clarifying and strengthening the War Powers Resolution to ensure Congress is meaningfully consulted and votes in a timely manner, while preserving the president’s ability to respond swiftly to imminent threats and situations. I oppose using war powers debates for political theater or partisan point-scoring. Illinois families expect strength, clarity, and common sense, not gridlock, when it comes to America’s security and the lives of our service members.

Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?

Health care is part of the cost-of-living crisis squeezing Illinois families, small businesses, and seniors. The solution is common-sense competition and price transparency that puts patients in charge, not bureaucrats or special-interest middlemen. First, require real price transparency so families can actually shop and providers must compete. Second, target no value middlemen who inflate costs behind closed doors, especially on prescription drugs, and pass savings directly to patients at the pharmacy counter. Third, expand choice and competition across state lines and for small businesses, while cutting red tape that drives up premiums. Career politicians have debated over this for years. Meanwhile, costs climbed. I’m running to deliver practical reforms that lower premiums, reduce drug prices, and make health care affordable for working families and small businesses.

How would you serve as a check on the power of the president and federal agencies?

The Constitution is clear: Congress is not a bystander to presidential or bureaucratic power. It is a co-equal branch with real responsibilities. As a U.S. Senator, I would use Congress’s Article I authority to conduct rigorous oversight, demand transparency from federal agencies, and ensure that regulations reflect the law as written, not the ideological preferences of unelected bureaucrats. That includes scrutinizing executive actions, reining in waste and abuse, and insisting that agencies stay within their statutory limits.

I also believe accountability matters at the confirmation stage. Nominees must respect congressional authority, federalism, and the separation of powers. Strong oversight isn’t about leverage and partisan games. It’s about protecting working families from unchecked government actions that drive up costs, limit opportunity, and put Washington ahead of everyday Illinoisans.

Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?

Our immigration system should be firm, fair, and grounded in common sense, with strong anti-fraud guardrails. That starts with securing the border and enforcing the law, because open borders drive crime, strain public services, and raise costs for working families. We cannot reward illegal immigration with blanket amnesty.

I support a narrow, legislated solution that provides legal certainty (but not citizenship) for certain long term residents who have grown up here, obeyed the law, worked, paid taxes, and served their communities, without creating new incentives for illegal immigration.

Immigration policy must put American workers, public safety, and the rule of law first. Career politicians have spent years playing politics while everyday Illinoisans pay the price. I will push for solutions that are serious, and focused on an orderly, fair and more timely system.

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics? If not, what would you do as a senator and what are you doing as a candidate to address the issue?

Immigration policy is a serious issue that affects public safety, the cost-of-living, and the rule of law. Illinois citizen families are paying the price for the Biden years of open borders, from overwhelmed communities to taxpayer-funded benefits that strain already tight household budgets.

As Senator, I will focus on common-sense solutions: securing the border, enforcing existing laws, ending taxpayer-funded benefits for non-citizens, and restoring cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities.

As a candidate, I’ve been clear that open-border policies and political gamesmanship have failed everyday Illinoisans. We need leadership that prioritizes public safety, respects the law, and puts the American Dream back within reach for families across all 102 counties of Illinois.

Political violence has escalated in America. As a candidate for office, how are you helping to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement?

Political violence is a symptom of leaders choosing outrage over responsible governing. As a candidate, I believe fostering peaceful dialogue starts with telling the truth plainly, rejecting extremism, and focusing on real solutions that improve people’s lives.

Throughout my career, as an attorney, civic leader, and business advocate, I’ve worked with diverse teams of people to solve problems, not inflame them. In this campaign, I’m focused on lowering the cost-of-living, defending the American Dream and representing all of Illinois, not just one region or political base. When leaders prioritize common sense over ideology and results over rhetoric, it lowers the temperature. That’s the kind of leadership I will bring to the U.S. Senate.

Polls show threats to democracy are one the top concerns for voters. What are some ways you would seek to strengthen democracy?

Our nation is strongest when everyday citizens have a real voice, when the rule of law is enforced fairly, and when government works for people rather than special interests.

I would strengthen the republic by restoring trust through accountability: securing the border, enforcing the law, protecting free speech, and ensuring elections are transparent and fair. I would also fight to make government responsive by lowering the cost-of-living, reducing waste and fraud, and stopping career politicians from using shutdowns or crises as leverage against working families.

Most importantly, democracy only works when all communities are represented. I will represent all of Illinois, not just Chicago, and make sure the voices of working families, farmers, and small businesses are heard in Washington.

What are your views on artificial intelligence? Do you think the government has a role in regulating AI? If so, how?

Artificial intelligence has potential to boost productivity, strengthen national security, and lower costs for working families, but only if it’s guided by common sense. I support innovation led by the private sector, not top-down mandates that stifle competition or hand an advantage to China. Government does have a role, but it should be narrow and targeted: protecting Americans’ privacy, preventing AI from being used for fraud, surveillance abuses, or discrimination, and ensuring transparency when AI is used by the federal government. We should also focus on supply-chain security, workforce training, and keeping critical AI development here in the United States. What we don’t need are sweeping regulations written by career politicians that pick winners and losers or drive up costs. I will champion a balanced approach that protects people, promotes innovation, and serves everyday Illinoisans, not special interests or extreme agendas.

XFM

K J Country

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US Senate Candidate Questionnaire

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