All candidates in IL-03 Democratic primary complete Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey


The four Democratic primary candidates in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District filled out Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. Their responses tell us in their own words everything from their backgrounds and policy areas of focus to the candidates’ first jobs.

The candidates are registered nurse Juan Aguirre, Columbia College Chicago history professor Iymen Chehade, state Rep. Delia Ramirez, and Chicago Alderman Gil Villegas. 

Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

  • Aguirre: “Anti-Corruption legislation as well as legislation to end corporate America’s [exploitation] of the working class AND the nursing profession.”
  • Chehade: “[Chehade] proposes an ambitious Marshall Plan for the United States, inspired by the post-World War II rebuilding of Europe.”
  • Ramirez: “Affordable Housing – Delia grew up volunteering at her church’s homeless shelter and became the Director of a homeless services agency at 21 years old.”
  • Villegas: “Public Safety … Families have a right to feel safe and secure in their own neighborhood, but crime is completely out of control. Enough is enough.” 

Click on candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.

The redrawn 3rd District is a plurality-Latino district. The Chicago Tribune‘s John Byrne said the redrawn district “extends from progressive Chicago neighborhoods to historically conservative towns in the far reaches of what used to be the Republican stronghold of DuPage County.” The current 3rd District’s incumbent, Rep. Marie Newman (D), is running for re-election in the 6th District against Rep. Sean Casten (D).

Additional reading: