Both candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District — Jonathan Jackson (D) and Eric Carlson (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
The outcome of this race will affect the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 118th Congress. All 435 seats in the House are up for election. As of September 9th, Democrats hold a 220-210 advantage in the U.S. House with five vacant seats. Illinois’s current congressional delegation consists of 13 Democrats and 5 Republicans.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Jackson:
“STEMMING VIOLENT CRIME Jonathan will address gun violence by working to bring funds for youth programs and better community policing. He will strongly support legislation to end unlawful access to guns.
INCREASING AFFORDABLE HOUSING Jonathan will work with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to increase affordable housing in the Chicagoland region. He will support legislation that benefits first-time home buyers.”
Carlson:
“Education, employment, and cost of living. These are the key issues that affect everyone on a daily basis. When these issues are properly addressed it betters the lives of everyone in the community.
Foreign policy and the military. We live in a dangerous world, and if we lose focus of the threats facing us, we risk serious damage to our way of life.”
Click here to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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