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Joey Ruzevich for Congress

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<h2>Host a Meet &amp; Greet</h2>Joey has already passed 180 meet &amp; greets during this campaign. If you are willing to open up your home (apt, house, townhouse, condo, anything!) we will happily provide coffee &amp; snacks. All we need is for you to invite friends, family and neighbors to get to know Joey. We can also coordinate with a local business to host there!

<h2>Phone Bank or Knock Doors with Team Joey</h2>We'll train you &amp; provide a list of voters to call or door knock. Team canvassing every weekend, no experience needed! You can also sign up to receive Joey's campaign cards to hand out to your neighbors or local businesses on your own time.

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<h2>Request a Yard Sign</h2>Help us get the word out that a new, bold, progressive candidate is running for Congress in District 6. Someone from our team will coordinate a drop off. Joey loves to deliver signs himself. It's an opportunity to spend time getting to know his supporters &amp; what they want to see in their Congressman.

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Your Name for Political Office

Former Congresswoman of IL-03

Marie Newman

Professor, author, Political Activist &amp; historian

Dr. Norman Finkelstein

founder of "the young turks", Political activist, public intellectual

Cenk Uygur

DuPage County Board Member

Lynn LaPlante

York Township clerk

Gary Kleppe

dupage Precinct Committeeman

Satnaam Mago

milton township clerk

Dan Bailey

Vice President d94 school board

Lynn Casey Maher

Immigration Attorney &amp; Dupage Precinct Committeewoman

Nobuko Kudo

former york township democratic chair &amp; Current Precinct Committeewoman

Casey Caballero

Milton Township Precinct COMMITTEEWOMAN

Nancy Roberts

Editor of CourageousThought.com and columnist in Chicagoland and the Middle East

Ray Hanania

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Mayor John Laesch

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Break Up Monopolies, Regulate AI &amp; Data Centers, Uphold Human Rights

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Join Joey and the Team for a Meet &amp; Greet, a Door Knocking Canvass, a Phone Banking session, Town Halls and more. This section is updated regularly so be sure to check back for newly added events!

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The basics of life are becoming unaffordable for everyone: housing, groceries, utilities, healthcare, and even basic services. Just trying to survive is quickly becoming the norm. This is largely driven by a massive consolidation of wealth and power by large corporations and Wall Street. The ones who are supposed to regulate this consolidation are our representatives who, unfortunately, are being funded by the very corporations they are supposed to regulate. In order to chip away at this corruption, we must elect more leaders who are free of corporate influence, and they must wield their power to break up these monopolies &amp; prevent them from pouring billions into our elections each year.

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<h2>One of Us - For All of Us</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/715765af-9382-4c63-b8cf-4d6bd59b0f3d/0b67f709-87cf-4fb5-bbeb-3efe54d3832e/0b67f709-87cf-4fb5-bbeb-3efe54d3832e.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C144%2C1536%2C1277&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>These are not empty words. I grew up in this district and now I'm running to represent my neighbors.</h3>I come from a working family where I helped my dad clean carpets &amp; repair flood damage as part of his small business. I know that people who work the hardest in our society are never the ones rewarded the most. Because of this reality, my parents encouraged me to get a Computer Science degree &amp; pursue a career in technology. I was able to become a Machine Learning researcher for the Department of Defense out of college. Then, I became a mobile app engineer for a Silicon Valley tech company and now operate my own small business developing mobile applications.I am 1 of 5 siblings and I'm the only boy of the bunch. All of my sisters and I played basketball throughout high school and college. Growing up, our parents were incredible examples of pursuing greater academic &amp; athletic success. My mom was top of her class at UIC in the Education department and received a Glass Apple award at graduation before becoming an educator. My dad was a scholarship basketball player at St. Joseph's College in Indiana before becoming a Federal Agent &amp; then a small business owner. There was a saying always repeated at home that encouraged excellence &amp; independence: "whatever you do, be the best you can be at it".Because I spend so much time in front of a screen with my profession as a software engineer, I like to disconnect and spend time in nature as much as possible. I am an avid mountain biker, trail runner, hiker, camper, snowboarder and all around outdoors enthusiast. I was lucky enough to see the Total Solar Eclipse in Southern Illinois during a backpacking trip with friends and it was one of the most awe inspiring events of my life.Being placed in nature for extended periods of time allows me to feel humbled in a way that is difficult to experience with all of the cushy living of modern society. The sheer power of the natural world: the currents under the water of Lake Michigan, the unforgiving cold of a winter exploration, the requirement of being able to repair every part of your bike when something breaks miles deep in the woods and the sun is starting to set. All of these remind me of how fragile life is, how much we are at the mercy of nature and how we must offer help &amp; assistance to other human beings in times of need.I like to think of myself as a simple man (s/o Lynyrd). I cherish the time I spend with people I love over any luxury that money can buy. I would rather watch a UFC fight in my friend's garage with a torpedo heater on full blast talking about nothing important than be able to attend exclusive galas or expensive dinners surrounded by people whose entire view of human relationships is purely transactional. Real human connection should be the goal, not 'what can this person do for me'.One thing I've learned during my life is that regardless of how well people are doing financially, if you scratch below the surface of any human being you will inevitably find deep suffering and tragedy. I think this is an inescapable experience of life. This is one of my motivating factors in running for Congress. I want to minimize the suffering of other human beings and a lot of the suffering in todays world is intentional. It is inflicted in order to pursue greater profit margins. This can not be how we structure our society.The beginning of my political awakening was the 2008 housing market crash. What stuck with me the most wasn't the crash itself. What woke me up was watching the government freeze all government employees salaries (including my dad's) for 3yrs to save money while at the same time giving multi-million dollar "golden parachutes" to the same bankers who caused the crash in the first place. I saw our country spend 20 years and $1 trillion in Afghanistan for nothing. I saw the middle class continue to disappear as the people at the very top gained more money &amp; power than ever seen in human history.Today, the basics of life are becoming unaffordable for everyone: housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare. Trying to survive has quickly become the norm. My entire generation has seen the American dream slip away from us. This is largely driven by the mass consolidation of wealth and power by large corporations and Wall Street. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/715765af-9382-4c63-b8cf-4d6bd59b0f3d/109186c3-00e1-4b86-bc0c-0045676b3c29/1e47e0ae-6b7e-4913-b401-14fc31463a60.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=317%2C432%2C3610%2C2459&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Add to all of that the anxiety AI is invoking. We can see the impending irreparable damage this technology will do to us socially and economically. We need someone capable to step up and do something immediately.Unfortunately, the very representatives that should protect us by regulating these monopolies &amp; technologies, are being funded by them. The only way we can end this corruption, is by electing leaders who vow to be free of corporate influence. We need leaders who promise to wield their power to break up these monopolies &amp; prevent them from pouring billions into our elections. I can and will be that leader. I am one of us, for all of us.I am running for office because our country is being destroyed by corrupt leaders on both sides of the political aisle. I am running for office because we all want the same things: affordable living, security and a government that takes care of it's people. Not a government that sells its people out to the highest bidder.We need a leader from the working class with an understanding of technology and a business mindset to revitalize the American Dream. With your help, I can be that voice for you and all Americans in DC.

Money comes with strings attached. That's why we are running a 100% grassroots campaign. No corporate PAC money &amp; no AIPAC money. The only interests I will serve in Congress are yours.

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Joey grew up in Orland Park, attended Brother Rice High School and Moraine Valley Community College.Joey knows the needs of this district because he grew up here. After getting a Computer Science degree from Loyola - New Orleans and playing basketball in Germany, Joey returned home to pursue a career as a Software Engineer before deciding now was the time to run for Congress.

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500k American families file for bankruptcy every year due to medical bills. 45k Americans die every year because they can’t afford healthcare. This is unacceptable for the wealthiest country in the history of the world. Our medical system has many issues but the biggest is certainly the amount of money being wasted by paying the middle man a.k.a. the insurance companies. What does an insurance company do? They tell you which doctor you’re allowed to see (in network vs out of network). They tell your doctor what treatment is allowed (authorization required). They tell you that you still have to pay thousands of dollars for a medical procedure that was absolutely necessary (surgeon was in network,&nbsp; anesthesiologist was out of network - sorry!). All so you can have the privilege of paying hundreds of dollars per month in premiums to the insurance company. What service does the insurance company provide other than denial of medical care for their own profit? If we have money for endless wars and money to bail out&nbsp; banks and large corporations, we have the money to provide healthcare for our citizens. I also believe Medicare for All is a pro-capitalist policy. People are prevented from starting their own companies because they are worried about losing the healthcare coverage tied to their current job. If you lose your job, then you’ll wind up paying hundreds of dollars more a month for COBRA, be forced to switch to a substandard plan, or just go without coverage and pray nothing bad happens.&nbsp; Think of how much money corporations spend on healthcare for their employees - assuming they’re able to afford it. All of that money could go to higher wages, research &amp; development, and expansion. Healthier people are also more productive people.&nbsp; At every turn, exorbitant healthcare costs constrict the economic landscape. Every other developed country has some form of Universal Healthcare or public option. It’s time for the United States to implement our own version.

500k American families file for bankruptcy every year due to medical bills. 45k Americans die every year because they can’t afford healthcare. This is unacceptable for the wealthiest country in the history of the world. Our medical system has many issues but the biggest is certainly the amount of money being wasted by paying the middle man a.k.a. the insurance companies. What does an insurance company do? They tell you which doctor you’re allowed to see (in network vs out of network). They tell your doctor what treatment is allowed (authorization required). They tell you that you still have to pay thousands of dollars for a medical procedure that was absolutely necessary (surgeon was in network,&nbsp; anesthesiologist was out of network - sorry!). All so you can have the privilege of paying hundreds of dollars per month in premiums to the insurance company. What service does the insurance company provide other than denial of medical care for their own profit? If we have money for endless wars and money to bail out&nbsp; banks and large corporations, we have the money to provide healthcare for our citizens. I also believe Medicare for All is a pro-capitalist policy. People are prevented from starting their own companies because they are worried about losing the healthcare coverage tied to their current job. If you lose your job, then you’ll wind up paying hundreds of dollars more a month for COBRA, be forced to switch to a substandard plan, or just go without coverage and pray nothing bad happens.&nbsp; Think of how much money corporations spend on healthcare for their employees - assuming they’re able to afford it. All of that money could go to higher wages, research &amp; development, and expansion. Healthier people are also more productive people.&nbsp; At every turn, exorbitant healthcare costs constrict the economic landscape. Every other developed country has some form of Universal Healthcare or public option. It’s time for the United States to implement our own version.

Universal Health Care

La Grange, Illinois — December 18, 2025 — Former Congresswoman of IL-3, Marie Newman, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. Marie Newman has also confirmed her attendance as the keynote speaker at Joey Ruzevich’s fundraising dinner on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 6:00 pm in Bridgeview, Illinois at Al Bawadi Grill.The fundraiser will bring together supporters from across Illinois’ 6th District, including community leaders, grassroots organizers, and residents from DuPage and Cook Counties who are backing Ruzevich’s effort to bring new leadership to Congress.“I’m thrilled to support an outstanding candidate like Joey who was born and raised in IL-06 and truly understands the entire district, not just select areas. Joey offers real solutions that actually work in everyday life focused on the cost of living, healthcare and ending corruption. He is a breath of fresh air,” said former Congresswoman of IL-3, Marie Newman.“I am honored &amp; humbled to have former Congresswoman Marie Newman’s endorsement,” said Joey Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. “Marie has always been a strong voice for working families, small businesses, and human rights. Her leadership and integrity represent exactly the kind of politics we need right now. I’m grateful she’ll be with us to speak directly to our supporters and share her excitement for this campaign at such a critical point in this race.”Campaign Manager Mizraim Hernández emphasized the importance of Newman’s presence at this moment in the campaign. “Former Congresswoman Marie’s presence is not symbolic, it’s a signal. There is a new guard coming to Congress, and Joey is part of it. This new generation of leadership is rooted in integrity, accountability, and moral courage, not the old ways of silence, self-preservation and special interests. Congresswoman Marie understands what is at stake and her endorsement has reinforced that this district is ready for real change.”Event Details:Fundraising Dinner for Joey RuzevichKeynote Speaker: Marie NewmanDate: Friday, December 19, 2025Time: 6:00 pmLocation: Al Bawadi Grill, 7216 W 87th St., Bridgeview IL 60455Members of the press are invited to attend. Media outlets seeking interviews with Joey Ruzevich or former Congresswoman Marie Newman are advised to coordinate in advance for on-site availability.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

La Grange, Illinois — December 18, 2025 — Former Congresswoman of IL-3, Marie Newman, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. Marie Newman has also confirmed her attendance as the keynote speaker at Joey Ruzevich’s fundraising dinner on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 6:00 pm in Bridgeview, Illinois at Al Bawadi Grill. The fundraiser will bring together supporters from across Illinois’ 6th District, including community leaders, grassroots organizers, and residents from DuPage and Cook Counties who are backing Ruzevich’s effort to bring new leadership to Congress.“I’m thrilled to support an outstanding candidate like Joey who was born and raised in IL-06 and truly understands the entire district, not just select areas. Joey offers real solutions that actually work in everyday life focused on the cost of living, healthcare and ending corruption. He is a breath of fresh air,” said former Congresswoman of IL-3, Marie Newman.“I am honored &amp; humbled to have former Congresswoman Marie Newman’s endorsement,” said Joey Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. “Marie has always been a strong voice for working families, small businesses, and human rights. Her leadership and integrity represent exactly the kind of politics we need right now. I’m grateful she’ll be with us to speak directly to our supporters and share her excitement for this campaign at such a critical point in this race.”Campaign Manager Mizraim Hernández emphasized the importance of Newman’s presence at this moment in the campaign. “Former Congresswoman Marie’s presence is not symbolic, it’s a signal. There is a new guard coming to Congress, and Joey is part of it. This new generation of leadership is rooted in integrity, accountability, and moral courage, not the old ways of silence, self-preservation and special interests. Congresswoman Marie understands what is at stake and her endorsement has reinforced that this district is ready for real change.”Event Details:Fundraising Dinner for Joey RuzevichKeynote Speaker: Marie NewmanDate: Friday, December 19, 2025Time: 6:00 pmLocation: Al Bawadi Grill, 7216 W 87th St., Bridgeview IL 60455Members of the press are invited to attend. Media outlets seeking interviews with Joey Ruzevich or former Congresswoman Marie Newman are advised to coordinate in advance for on-site availability.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN MARIE NEWMAN ENDORSES JOSEPH “JOEY” RUZEVICH FOR CONGRESS IN IL-06

Citizens United ruled that corporate money in elections is protected by the 1st Amendment. This has led to billions of dollars of dark money flooding into our elections to buy our representatives. Mix the unlimited money with morally bankrupt leaders who are soliciting donations from lobbyists and large corporations and you get our current state of corruption. We need a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and get corporate money out of politics.&nbsp; I will work to pass legislation to stop billionaire dollars from drowning out the voice of the average American.

Citizens United ruled that corporate money in elections is protected by the 1st Amendment. This has led to billions of dollars of dark money flooding into our elections to buy our representatives. Mix the unlimited money with morally bankrupt leaders who are soliciting donations from lobbyists and large corporations and you get our current state of corruption. We need a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and get corporate money out of politics.&nbsp; I will work to pass legislation to stop billionaire dollars from drowning out the voice of the average American.

Stopping Billionaires From Buying Elections

Housing has quickly become one of the most unaffordable necessities in America. The anchor of the American Dream is completely out of reach for millions of people. For the first time, there are now more home buyers over the age of 70 than under the age of 35. Congress must take swift action to build new housing across our nation, prevent corporations and private equity firms from buying entire neighborhoods, and provide financial assistance to first time home buyers. Technology is also being used to price out people from their homes. Landlords are using software programs like RealPage to figure out what the maximum rent they can charge for a unit is. As a result rents are skyrocketing, which in turn makes it harder for families to save up to buy a home. Locally, I will support efforts to pass Empty Unit laws that prevent landlords from allowing units to sit vacant for years in order to artificially decrease supply and inflate the market price. I will also work with local leaders to come up with innovative solutions for the shortage of affordable housing in our district. Ultimately, we must do everything we can to get this housing crisis under control.

Housing has quickly become one of the most unaffordable necessities in America. The anchor of the American Dream is completely out of reach for millions of people. For the first time, there are now more home buyers over the age of 70 than under the age of 35. Congress must take swift action to build new housing across our nation, prevent corporations and private equity firms from buying entire neighborhoods, and provide financial assistance to first time home buyers. Technology is also being used to price out people from their homes. Landlords are using software programs like RealPage to figure out what the maximum rent they can charge for a unit is. As a result rents are skyrocketing, which in turn makes it harder for families to save up to buy a home. Locally, I will support efforts to pass Empty Unit laws that prevent landlords from allowing units to sit vacant for years in order to artificially decrease supply and inflate the market price. I will also work with local leaders to come up with innovative solutions for the shortage of affordable housing in our district. Ultimately, we must do everything we can to get this housing crisis under control.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

<h1>Some of you may recall the poster from the 1960s that says “It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and the Air Force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber.”</h1>Sadly, this still holds in 2026.&nbsp; We need a massive transfer of wealth, including from our Pentagon’s $1 trillion budget, not only to restore our Department of Education which has been gutted by President Trump, but to fund education across the country at levels that enhance student outcomes through equitable funding, early childhood investments and paying educators what they deserve.&nbsp; It’s long past time for free public college and I will demand it. We are academically falling behind many other countries that prioritize education because so many bright students forgo higher education due to its cost. Most who do attend college are crippled by lifetime debt. Worse is this is the only debt you can never escape from even through bankruptcy, This inescapable debt combined with stagnation of wages &amp; constant job loss is what prevents college educated Americans from buying homes, starting families and businesses. I support universal free nutritional school meals, instead of the means testing system we have now. The defunding of education has exacerbated the worsening inequality of education across the country, especially for poor students and those with disabilities. 1 in every 30 children goes to sleep without a home each year and 20 million children go to bed hungry every night. How are children who do not have their basic needs met supposed to learn in school?&nbsp; I will prohibit any federal dollars from funding private schools, including charter schools, and all charter schools should meet the same requirements as traditional public schools.&nbsp; Teachers -- 75% of whom are women -- are not only also doing the work of nurses, social workers and caregivers -- but are forced to pay for school supplies and often work multiple jobs to make up for low salaries. I will co-sponsor legislation like the “Pay Teachers Act,” which establishes a minimum starting salary of $60,000 for public school teachers, adjusted for inflation. I would go further and request a minimum starting salary for teachers to be $80,000 per year and all classroom supplies fully paid for by the federal government instead of the teachers. This is what our tax dollars should be going towards. Special education is extremely important and is unfortunately being ignored. We must fund robust public education so that families are not forced to seek better care at private institutions, pushing these families often into debt or to be in favor of school voucher programs. We must provide the care these children need. This issue is personal for me because I have members of my family and friends who have special needs or learning disabilities. They were lucky enough to benefit from excellent public schools and I want to make sure that experience is available to every generation of children that follow. Children start to learn the day they are born and all children deserve a quality education and care regardless of their zip code. Because of an education system funded overwhelmingly by local property taxes, and residential segregation by class and race, school segregation is greater now than it&nbsp; was 30 years ago. We need sustainable federal funding of early childhood programs and policies such as Head and the Child Care for Working Families Act, which caps costs for working families at 7% of their income, provides free childcare for those earning below 85% of their state’s median income, and raises wages for childcare workers.

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Education

Knock doors with Joey and the team! No experience required, we will train &amp; pair you with an experienced canvasser before going out.Email <a href="mailto:lynn@joey4congress.com">lynn@joey4congress.com</a> to RSVP or just show up!

Elmhurst Canvass, Shift 2

Elmhurst Canvass 2 

A fundamental American freedom is the ability to travel wherever you want. We need to repair our aging infrastructure and expand public transportation. The highway system, funded by the government, is just one of the ways to offer this freedom of movement. The most efficient, economical, and effective way to offer this freedom is with a sprawling high speed rail network across America. Every other developed nation has a wide ranging rail network including high speed trains.\n\nDuring the time I spent in Germany, I never once owned or rented a car because their public transportation system is decades ahead of ours. As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, we should have a state of the art transportation system, but instead we have been falling behind because of our unwillingness to invest in our infrastructure. This is unacceptable.

A fundamental American freedom is the ability to travel wherever you want. We need to repair our aging infrastructure and expand public transportation. The highway system, funded by the government, is just one of the ways to offer this freedom of movement. The most efficient, economical, and effective way to offer this freedom is with a sprawling high speed rail network across America. Every other developed nation has a wide ranging rail network including high speed trains.\n\nDuring the time I spent in Germany, I never once owned or rented a car because their public transportation system is decades ahead of ours. As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, we should have a state of the art transportation system, but instead we have been falling behind because of our unwillingness to invest in our infrastructure. This is unacceptable.

Expanding Public Transportation

Knock Doors in Hodgkins, Shift 1

Knock Doors in Hodgkins

The extreme government overreach being experienced by ICE’s violent &amp; deadly actions has shown the left why the 2nd Amendment exists. The continued school shootings and needless gun violence across the county shows us why we need reasonable limitations and safety measures. Like with the 1st Amendment - yelling fire in a crowded theater when there is no fire is not protected speech for the safety of the public. The same is true for the 2nd Amendment. We must have a conversation about what those limitations are so kids can go to school without fear again.&nbsp; Gun violence also costs the United States an estimated $557 billion annually. This massive economic burden includes direct costs like emergency medical care and law enforcement, as well as indirect costs such as lost income, productivity, and, most significantly, the long-term pain and suffering of survivors and families.&nbsp; Just some of the sobering facts in the U.S. I want to work towards changing:<ul><li>In 2023, 58% of all gun deaths, were suicides, reaching a record high for the third straight year.&nbsp;</li><li>The firearm homicide rate in the U.S. is 25 times higher than other wealthy nations.</li><li>Firearms surpassed motor vehicle accidents in 2020 and has since been the <a href="https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/issue-brief/child-and-teen-firearm-mortality-in-the-u-s-and-peer-countries/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">leading cause of death for children</a> (1-19yr) in the U.S.&nbsp;</li><li>Firearms are the weapons used most often in <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/guns-and-violence-against-women/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">domestic violence against women</a>.</li><li>There have been more than 160 school shootings since 2020 and mass shootings now are so common that 20% of Americans have had one occur in their community.&nbsp; </li></ul>To crawl our way out of this catastrophic epidemic, I plan to do the following while in Congress: <ul><li>I will push for federally-funded free mental health services, which would be included in Medicare for All. I have had friends take their own lives with guns and knowing they were struggling without any option for help made the news of their passing all the more depressing.&nbsp;</li><li>I will co-sponsor Ethan’s Law, which is a federal version of Illinois’ Storage Mandate requiring firearms to be kept in a locked container to protect children. This is an easy choice to require everyone to safely store their weapons in order to reduce accidental gun deaths.&nbsp;</li><li>We need to ban ghost guns and work to strictly regulate 3d printed designs that are used to create the ghost guns in the first place. As a software engineer with technical expertise I would lead the way on developing regulations for ghost guns.&nbsp;</li><li>We need to reinstate the Assault Weapons federal ban. The ten-year long federal ban that was once in place reduced the risk of people dying in a mass shooting by 70%..</li><li>We must pass universal background checks with waiting periods. Waiting periods are important to prevent rage induced individuals who don’t own a gun from buying one in the moment of highest emotion.&nbsp;</li><li>In Illinois, Karina’s Law passed recently is an important victim’s rights mandate requiring the immediate removal of firearms from abusers. On the federal level, I will push for federal Red Flag/Extreme Risk laws.&nbsp;</li><li>I will push for Public Funded Elections. If we had public funded elections, PACs like the NRA and state rifle associations would be prohibited from bribing politicians.</li></ul>

Guns

Trump’s 2018 tax cuts for the wealthy are now permanent. It’s unacceptable that the wealthiest people that have ever existed are paying an effective tax rate lower than the average teacher in America. We must repeal this law and pass a tax code that does not have carve outs for billionaires. Close the Carried Interest loophole, remove the Step Up Basis, and end the usage of offshore tax havens. These are real things we can do to dramatically increase the available funds the government can disperse without raising taxes on working people.

Trump’s 2018 tax cuts for the wealthy are now permanent. It’s unacceptable that the wealthiest people that have ever existed are paying an effective tax rate lower than the average teacher in America. We must repeal this law and pass a tax code that does not have carve outs for billionaires. Close the Carried Interest loophole, remove the Step Up Basis, and end the usage of offshore tax havens. These are real things we can do to dramatically increase the available funds the government can disperse without raising taxes on working people.

Closing Tax Loopholes

Chicago, Illinois — January 16, 2026 — Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption a.k.a “Track AIPAC”, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. “We are proud to endorse Joey Ruzevich for Congress in the Illinois' 6th Congressional District. In the face of genocide, our leaders have a clear choice: to enable the killing machine or to dismantle it. Joey Ruzevich is choosing the latter. He rejects the AIPAC playbook and stands unequivocally against U.S. complicity in Israeli war crimes. The incumbent, Rep. Sean Casten, has fully embraced the military-industrial complex, raking in Israel lobby cash and voting to send billions in weapons to fuel endless slaughter. Joey Ruzevich is running to end this cycle of violence and corruption. In Congress, Ruzevich will fight for an arms embargo on Israel and work to dismantle the corrupt political system that funds and enables this genocide. He will challenge the legalized bribery made possible by the Citizens United ruling and demand that lobbies like AIPAC finally register as foreign agents. The choice in IL-06 is clear: an accomplice to genocide, or a champion for a moral foreign policy. Stand with Joey Ruzevich!”&nbsp; “This endorsement is as symbolic as the race itself. I am running in a district that contains the largest number of Palestinians in any congressional district in the U.S. These Palestinians, my neighbors &amp; fellow Americans, have watched as Rep. Sean Casten stood next to the genocidal nation of Israel, sending our tax dollars &amp; weapons at every request. Track AIPAC has done the incredibly difficult work of showing how our representatives in Congress, like Rep. Casten, receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for their unwavering loyalty. We need leaders who are going to stand against genocide and take no money from foreign government lobbies. The momentum our campaign has is possible in large part thanks to organizations like Track AIPAC. I am honored to have their endorsement.” said Joey Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.&nbsp;Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign Manager for Ruzevich for Congress, issued the following statement:“As a Palestinian American who was born in this country, lived for years under the Israeli occupation in the West Bank, and now&nbsp; resides in district 6, I am proud to stand with Joey Ruzevich. He understands that rejecting AIPAC money is a prerequisite for honest leadership and true accountability. Joey refuses to trade conscience for campaign cash, and he is willing to say what too many in Congress will not; that supporting a&nbsp; genocide is unacceptable no matter who commits it. I am working with Joey because he stands firmly against U.S. complicity in the mass killing of innocent people, including Palestinians, and believes our foreign policy must be rooted in human dignity, justice, and the value of every life.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests. More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">www.joey4congress.com</a>. Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224 Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

Chicago, Illinois — January 16, 2026 — Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption a.k.a “Track AIPAC”, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.“We are proud to endorse Joey Ruzevich for Congress in the Illinois' 6th Congressional District. In the face of genocide, our leaders have a clear choice: to enable the killing machine or to dismantle it. Joey Ruzevich is choosing the latter. He rejects the AIPAC playbook and stands unequivocally against U.S. complicity in Israeli war crimes. The incumbent, Rep. Sean Casten, has fully embraced the military-industrial complex, raking in Israel lobby cash and voting to send billions in weapons to fuel endless slaughter. Joey Ruzevich is running to end this cycle of violence and corruption. In Congress, Ruzevich will fight for an arms embargo on Israel and work to dismantle the corrupt political system that funds and enables this genocide. He will challenge the legalized bribery made possible by the Citizens United ruling and demand that lobbies like AIPAC finally register as foreign agents. The choice in IL-06 is clear: an accomplice to genocide, or a champion for a moral foreign policy. Stand with Joey Ruzevich!” “This endorsement is as symbolic as the race itself. I am running in a district that contains the largest number of Palestinians in any congressional district in the U.S. These Palestinians, my neighbors &amp; fellow Americans, have watched as Rep. Sean Casten stood next to the genocidal nation of Israel, sending our tax dollars &amp; weapons at every request. Track AIPAC has done the incredibly difficult work of showing how our representatives in Congress, like Rep. Casten, receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for their unwavering loyalty. We need leaders who are going to stand against genocide and take no money from foreign government lobbies. The momentum our campaign has is possible in large part thanks to organizations like Track AIPAC. I am honored to have their endorsement.” said Joey Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign Manager for Ruzevich for Congress, issued the following statement:“As a Palestinian American who was born in this country, lived for years under the Israeli occupation in the West Bank, and now resides in district 6, I am proud to stand with Joey Ruzevich. He understands that rejecting AIPAC money is a prerequisite for honest leadership and true accountability. Joey refuses to trade conscience for campaign cash, and he is willing to say what too many in Congress will not; that supporting a genocide is unacceptable no matter who commits it. I am working with Joey because he stands firmly against U.S. complicity in the mass killing of innocent people, including Palestinians, and believes our foreign policy must be rooted in human dignity, justice, and the value of every life.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

CITIZENS AGAINST AIPAC CORRUPTION / TRACK AIPAC ENDORSES  JOSEPH “JOEY” RUZEVICH FOR CONGRESS 

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Tivoli Bowl Meet &amp; Greet

Hang out with Joey and his team. Ask questions, play games, build community.

Eisenhower warned of the constantly growing Military Industrial Complex in his farewell address. Unfortunately, that warning fell on deaf ears. The United States now has over 900 military bases around the globe and we are set to see the first Trillion Dollar military budget. All of this spending exploded while the Pentagon failed 7 consecutive audits in a row. We have also been involved in regime change wars for decades to install leaders friendly to US business interests. We are trying to dominate by force rather than diplomacy and building relationships. Congress must rein in the power of the President by reasserting their authority under the War Powers Act. The amount of money we spend on war expansion is beyond comprehension. Worse yet is the waste of tax dollars that could go to programs that benefit Americans. Regardless of where you stand on where the money is being spent, we can all agree there should be someone looking over the money to ensure it isn’t wasted or stolen. That is the job of an Inspector General. There was no Inspector General assigned to watch the now \$170 billion we have sent to Ukraine. It would only take a fraction of that (roughly \$21 billion per year) to provide free school lunches for all American students. We spent trillions on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with billions of this money lost to corruption, and what do we have to show for it in the end? In many cases, the money we spend prolongs wars and stands in the way of peace. Our refusal to limit spending on weapons to Israel has created a sense of impunity that has led to more destruction, attacks on other countries in the Middle East, and a refusal to end the conflict. We have the money to build a better society, but we are just wasting it on war.

Eisenhower warned of the constantly growing Military Industrial Complex in his farewell address. Unfortunately, that warning fell on deaf ears. The United States now has over 900 military bases around the globe and we are set to see the first Trillion Dollar military budget. All of this spending exploded while the Pentagon failed 7 consecutive audits in a row. We have also been involved in regime change wars for decades to install leaders friendly to US business interests. We are trying to dominate by force rather than diplomacy and building relationships. Congress must rein in the power of the President by reasserting their authority under the War Powers Act. The amount of money we spend on war expansion is beyond comprehension. Worse yet is the waste of tax dollars that could go to programs that benefit Americans. Regardless of where you stand on where the money is being spent, we can all agree there should be someone looking over the money to ensure it isn’t wasted or stolen. That is the job of an Inspector General. There was no Inspector General assigned to watch the now \$170 billion we have sent to Ukraine. It would only take a fraction of that (roughly \$21 billion per year) to provide free school lunches for all American students. We spent trillions on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with billions of this money lost to corruption, and what do we have to show for it in the end? In many cases, the money we spend prolongs wars and stands in the way of peace. Our refusal to limit spending on weapons to Israel has created a sense of impunity that has led to more destruction, attacks on other countries in the Middle East, and a refusal to end the conflict. We have the money to build a better society, but we are just wasting it on war.

Ending Endless Wars &amp; Wasteful Pentagon Spending

Do you feel like your concerns are represented in Congress? Of course not, and you're not alone. Before we can fix our problems, we must acknowledge that right now the only ones getting what they want are billionaires, corporations, Wall Street and select foreign countries. Our members of Congress should represent the interests of the American people, not wealthy donors or corporate lobbyists. I promise that I won’t take a dime of corporate PAC money. That is the bare minimum every voter should expect. The problem is not just with corporate money but also whether your member of Congress is willing to stand up for you, even if that means challenging their own party. Your Congressman might not take money directly from a specific corporation or PAC but the party might, or the leadership in Congress might. So when it comes time to vote on legislation packed with corporate handouts, your Congressman might just go along with it. We need leaders who are willing to challenge the corporate owned establishment in order to pass legislation that actually benefits the people. That is why I am running for Congress.

Do you feel like your concerns are represented in Congress? Of course not, and you're not alone. Before we can fix our problems, we must acknowledge that right now the only ones getting what they want are billionaires, corporations, Wall Street and select foreign countries. Our members of Congress should represent the interests of the American people, not wealthy donors or corporate lobbyists. I promise that I won’t take a dime of corporate PAC money. That is the bare minimum every voter should expect. The problem is not just with corporate money but also whether your member of Congress is willing to stand up for you, even if that means challenging their own party. Your Congressman might not take money directly from a specific corporation or PAC but the party might, or the leadership in Congress might. So when it comes time to vote on legislation packed with corporate handouts, your Congressman might just go along with it. We need leaders who are willing to challenge the corporate owned establishment in order to pass legislation that actually benefits the people. That is why I am running for Congress.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

Representing You and Only You

Being a politician was never meant to be a life long career. There is also something to be said about passing the torch to the next generation instead of clinging to power until the very end. I strongly support term limits for both chambers of Congress - two terms for the Senate and six terms for the House, 12 years in total for each. Term limits and/or age limits for Supreme Court Justices should also be instituted, as should strengthening ethics laws for Supreme Court Justices. We must also immediately ban stock trading for all members of Congress. It is no secret members of Congress are given access to sensitive information that the public does not have. Buying &amp; selling of stocks should not be allowed for people with this exclusive access. Members of Congress are getting rich from insider trading and it is clearly affecting their votes. Many are invested in weapons manufacturers, companies that are polluting our environment, and corporations that come to Congress asking for corporate welfare or multimillion dollar government contracts. Banning stock trading is a common sense anti-corruption proposal the vast majority of Americans agree with. I can work with other members of Congress who are serious about stock trading reform to get it passed into law. Additional legislative guardrails, such as banning members of Congress from working as lobbyists after leaving office, can be put in place to ensure corruption is impossible to commit rather than hoping our leaders do the right thing.

Being a politician was never meant to be a life long career. There is also something to be said about passing the torch to the next generation instead of clinging to power until the very end. I strongly support term limits for both chambers of Congress - two terms for the Senate and six terms for the House, 12 years in total for each. Term limits and/or age limits for Supreme Court Justices should also be instituted, as should strengthening ethics laws for Supreme Court Justices. We must also immediately ban stock trading for all members of Congress. It is no secret members of Congress are given access to sensitive information that the public does not have. Buying &amp; selling of stocks should not be allowed for people with this exclusive access. Members of Congress are getting rich from insider trading and it is clearly affecting their votes. Many are invested in weapons manufacturers, companies that are polluting our environment, and corporations that come to Congress asking for corporate welfare or multimillion dollar government contracts. Banning stock trading is a common sense anti-corruption proposal the vast majority of Americans agree with. I can work with other members of Congress who are serious about stock trading reform to get it passed into law. Additional legislative guardrails, such as banning members of Congress from working as lobbyists after leaving office, can be put in place to ensure corruption is impossible to commit rather than hoping our leaders do the right thing.

Legislative Guardrails: Term Limits and Anti-Corruption Laws

Chicago, Illinois — January 6th, 2026 — Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich shows an unprecedented level of momentum for a first time candidate in the final months of 2025. Following the official launch of Joey’s campaign in October of 2025, expectations for a newcomer challenging an incumbent were low. However, an organic &amp; insatiable desire for change within the Democratic base led to Ruzevich, a 28yr old Software Engineer, receiving a stark amount of support. 2025 totals:<ul><li>$115,000 raised</li><li>10,000 doors knocked</li><li>130 Meet &amp; Greets </li><li>84 Volunteers</li><li>12 Endorsements</li><li>Over 1 million social media impressions</li></ul>Ruzevich and his campaign have a level of momentum rarely seen in first time candidates. The metrics prove that the message Joey champions, his expertise in technology, and his genuine nature are all resonating with voters of Illinois’ District 6.Members from all communities are coming out to support the unifying message Ruzevich is putting forth: we must represent the American people over corporate donors &amp; foreign lobbies. Ruzevich consistently points out that the incumbent he is challenging, Rep. Sean Casten, has accepted roughly $850,000 in donations from private equity firms, corporations and foreign aligned lobbying groups. These donations inherently come with strings attached.There is a palpable energy across the country for candidates like Joey who represent a real generational and moral shift in our politics. The Democratic base no longer trusts the current leadership's ability to defend our constitution against any threats. “Strongly worded letters” have become the infamous branding of Democrats that lack the ability to lead with integrity. Everyone is ready for a change. Ruzevich, when asked if he believes the support he has received is enough to win, answered with the following: “As a great man once said, ‘It always seems impossible, until it’s done.’”.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, AI &amp; Data center regulation, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

Chicago, Illinois — January 6th, 2026 — Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich shows an unprecedented level of momentum for a first time candidate in the final months of 2025. Following the official launch of Joey’s campaign in October of 2025, expectations for a newcomer challenging an incumbent were low. However, an organic &amp; insatiable desire for change within the Democratic base led to Ruzevich, a 28yr old Software Engineer, receiving a stark amount of support. 2025 totals:$115,000 raised10,000 doors knocked130 Meet &amp; Greets 84 Volunteers12 EndorsementsOver 1 million social media impressionsRuzevich and his campaign have a level of momentum rarely seen in first time candidates. The metrics prove that the message Joey champions, his expertise in technology, and his genuine nature are all resonating with voters of Illinois’ District 6.Members from all communities are coming out to support the unifying message Ruzevich is putting forth: we must represent the American people over corporate donors &amp; foreign lobbies. Ruzevich consistently points out that the incumbent he is challenging, Rep. Sean Casten, has accepted roughly $850,000 in donations from private equity firms, corporations and foreign aligned lobbying groups. These donations inherently come with strings attached.There is a palpable energy across the country for candidates like Joey who represent a real generational and moral shift in our politics. The Democratic base no longer trusts the current leadership's ability to defend our constitution against any threats. “Strongly worded letters” have become the infamous branding of Democrats that lack the ability to lead with integrity. Everyone is ready for a change. Ruzevich, when asked if he believes the support he has received is enough to win, answered with the following: “As a great man once said, ‘It always seems impossible, until it’s done.’”.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, AI &amp; Data center regulation, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

FIRST TIME CANDIDATE JOSEPH “JOEY” RUZEVICH&nbsp;SHOWS UNPRECEDENTED MOMENTUM&nbsp;IN CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS IN IL-06

Springfield, Illinois — November 3rd, 2025 — Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich filed nominating petitions to run for Congress in Illinois’ 6th District, entering the Democratic primary challenging Rep. Sean Casten. Ruzevich said the district needs “bold, new leadership that delivers for people when the Democrats are in power.” Ruzevich was able to submit signatures from over 3,200 voters eager for change and bold new leadership.“This campaign is about delivering on promises the Democrats have been making for decades.” Ruzevich said. “We need leaders who have the motivation and courage to break through the red tape and go against the special interest groups in order to pass legislation that benefits the average American.”While connecting with the community, Ruzevich confirmed that Congressman Casten has become disconnected from the needs of his local constituents. Ruzevich’s campaign will focus on confronting the affordability crisis that is squeezing households across the district, breaking up big tech and other monopolies, reinvigorating the American Dream for the next generation, ending the endless war machine, and standing for justice &amp; human rights. Ruzevich refuses to accept corporate PAC and AIPAC money. Joey’s freedom from donor control will allow him to implement concrete solutions to challenges facing the working families of Illinois’ 6th District.Joey grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Brother Rice High School before attending Moraine Valley Community College and Loyola University in New Orleans, where he earned a degree in Computer Science on an athletic scholarship. After playing basketball professionally in Europe for two years, he returned home to Illinois to build a career as a software engineer and today operates his own small business developing mobile applications. His work as a software engineer and a small business owner gave him firsthand experience with both the power of innovation while highlighting the challenges of monopolies and affordability. These experiences will shape his campaign to reinvigorate the American Dream for families across the 6th District.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: sawsan@joey4congress.comPhone: 708-369-0564

Springfield, Illinois — November 3rd, 2025 — Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich filed nominating petitions to run for Congress in Illinois’ 6th District, entering the Democratic primary challenging Rep. Sean Casten. Ruzevich said the district needs “bold, new leadership that delivers for people when the Democrats are in power.” Ruzevich was able to submit signatures from over 3,200 voters eager for change and bold new leadership. “This campaign is about delivering on promises the Democrats have been making for decades.” Ruzevich said. “We need leaders who have the motivation and courage to break through the red tape and go against the special interest groups in order to pass legislation that benefits the average American.” While connecting with the community, Ruzevich confirmed that Congressman Casten has become disconnected from the needs of his local constituents. Ruzevich’s campaign will focus on confronting the affordability crisis that is squeezing households across the district, breaking up big tech and other monopolies, reinvigorating the American Dream for the next generation, ending the endless war machine, and standing for justice &amp; human rights. Ruzevich refuses to accept corporate PAC and AIPAC money. Joey’s freedom from donor control will allow him to implement concrete solutions to challenges facing the working families of Illinois’ 6th District. Joey grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Brother Rice High School before attending Moraine Valley Community College and Loyola University in New Orleans, where he earned a degree in Computer Science on an athletic scholarship. After playing basketball professionally in Europe for two years, he returned home to Illinois to build a career as a software engineer and today operates his own small business developing mobile applications. His work as a software engineer and a small business owner gave him firsthand experience with both the power of innovation while highlighting the challenges of monopolies and affordability. These experiences will shape his campaign to reinvigorate the American Dream for families across the 6th District. More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">www.joey4congress.com</a>. Contact:Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

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JOEY RUZEVICH LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO CHALLENGE SEAN CASTEN IN DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

The Post Office has been a vital resource for rural and urban Americans. It is one of the most reliable governmental institutions despite decades of defunding. We must protect this institution from further erosion and against the threat of privatization. The Post Office providing basic banking needs for Americans would be a much needed lifeline to many people who have been burned by profit hungry banks in the past. I will work to pass the Postal Banking Act when in Congress in order to provide this financial opportunity to all Americans.

The Post Office has been a vital resource for rural and urban Americans. It is one of the most reliable governmental institutions despite decades of defunding. We must protect this institution from further erosion and against the threat of privatization. The Post Office providing basic banking needs for Americans would be a much needed lifeline to many people who have been burned by profit hungry banks in the past. I will work to pass the Postal Banking Act when in Congress in order to provide this financial opportunity to all Americans.

Protecting the Post Office, Institute Postal Banking

Knock doors with Joey and the team! No experience required, we will train &amp; pair you with an experienced canvasser before going out.This form will launch an email to be sent to <a href="mailto:lynn@joey4congress.com">lynn@joey4congress.com</a> - or just show up!

Elmhurst Canvass

Palos Hills, IL — February 11th, 2026 — Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 6th District, will host a The New Guard Town Hall on Friday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Moraine Valley Community College, bringing together a new generation of candidates committed to affordability, accountability, and people-first leadership.The town hall will feature candidates for Congress and the U.S. Senate who are running grassroots campaigns focused on challenging the old guard and delivering real solutions for working families. The event will include a moderated discussion and audience Q&amp;A on issues that matter to voters.Ruzevich, a local software engineer, small business owner, and former machine-learning researcher for the Department of Defense, is hosting the event as part of his campaign’s commitment to open, community-centered dialogue.“Too many decisions in Washington are made without the people most affected ever being in the room,” Ruzevich said. “This town hall is about changing that and creating space for honest conversation, real accountability, and leadership that actually reflects the communities we live in.”Ruzevich’s campaign is centered on:<ul><li>Investing in infrastructure, education, and energy capacity instead of endless war</li><li>Regulating AI and data centers to protect kids, privacy, and local power grids</li><li>Breaking up monopolies and supporting unions to strengthen the middle class</li><li>Defending civil and human rights without exception</li><li>Restoring opportunity through livable wages and fair economic policy</li></ul>Raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Ruzevich comes from a working-class family and helped his father with carpet cleaning and flood repair as part of a small business. He now runs his own small business and is running a people-powered campaign under the banner “One of Us — For All of Us.”The town hall is free and open to the public, and dinner will be served.Event Details:What: The New Guard Candidates Town Hall (Hosted by Joey Ruzevich)When: Friday, February 13, 2026, at 6:30 PMWhere: Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 College Parkway, Building M, Rm 2, Palos Hills, IL 60465Candidate Line-up:Joey Ruzevich, Congressional Candidate IL-06Bryan Maxwell, US Senate CandidateByron Lopez, Congressional Candidate IL-04Morgan Coghill, Congressional Candidate IL-10Bushra Amiwala, Congressional Candidate IL-09Kevin Ryan, US Senate CandidateKina Collins, Congressional Candidate IL-07Dylan Blaha, Congressional Candidate IL-13Registration: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/MVCCTownhall">https://tinyurl.com/MVCCTownhall</a>About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, AI &amp; Data center regulation, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

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CANDIDATE JOSEPH “JOEY” RUZEVICH TO HOST THE NEW GUARD CANDIDATES TOWN HALL

Chicago, Illinois — December 23, 2025 — The Justice Coalition, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. “Joey Ruzevich is part of a new wave of Democratic leadership—one that refuses corporate influence, centers community voices, and leads with moral clarity, even when it’s politically inconvenient. His campaign is rooted in a simple belief: public service means standing with people, not powerful interests,” stated The Justice Coalition. “This March, IL-06 voters have a choice. Joey offers a real path forward, grounded in the political moment, and with an unwavering commitment to the community that raised him. Voting for Joey sends a clear message: real Democratic leadership puts people first, at home and abroad.” “I am extremely grateful to be endorsed by The Justice Coalition - an organization committed to pursuing meaningful change at all levels of government. TJC is full of community leaders &amp; activists who have constantly delivered for communities across Illinois. I’m honored to be a part of the slate of candidates endorsed by this organization..” said Joey Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.&nbsp;Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign Manager for Ruzevich for Congress, issued the following statement: “As a Palestinian American who lives in this district, I know firsthand what it feels like to be ignored by an elected official that is required to represent us. Our communities deserve a leader who listens to all of his constituents—not just the ones who are politically convenient. IL-06 needs a representative who unifies our communities, not divides them. We need a leader who engages with us, not gaslights us. We need a leader who recognizes the full humanity of every individual he serves. Joey Ruzevich is that leader. He shows up, he listens, and he represents all of us. He is one of us, for all of us. That’s the leadership our district deserves.” About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests. More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">www.joey4congress.com</a>. Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224 Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

Chicago, Illinois — December 23, 2025 — The Justice Coalition, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. “Joey Ruzevich is part of a new wave of Democratic leadership—one that refuses corporate influence, centers community voices, and leads with moral clarity, even when it’s politically inconvenient. His campaign is rooted in a simple belief: public service means standing with people, not powerful interests,” stated The Justice Coalition. “This March, IL-06 voters have a choice. Joey offers a real path forward, grounded in the political moment, and with an unwavering commitment to the community that raised him. Voting for Joey sends a clear message: real Democratic leadership puts people first, at home and abroad.” “I am extremely grateful to be endorsed by The Justice Coalition - an organization committed to pursuing meaningful change at all levels of government. TJC is full of community leaders &amp; activists who have constantly delivered for communities across Illinois. I’m honored to be a part of the slate of candidates endorsed by this organization..” said Joey Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.&nbsp;Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign Manager for Ruzevich for Congress, issued the following statement: “As a Palestinian American who lives in this district, I know firsthand what it feels like to be ignored by an elected official that is required to represent us. Our communities deserve a leader who listens to all of his constituents—not just the ones who are politically convenient. IL-06 needs a representative who unifies our communities, not divides them. We need a leader who engages with us, not gaslights us. We need a leader who recognizes the full humanity of every individual he serves. Joey Ruzevich is that leader. He shows up, he listens, and he represents all of us. He is one of us, for all of us. That’s the leadership our district deserves.” About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests. More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">www.joey4congress.com</a>. Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224 Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

THE JUSTICE COALITION ENDORSES JOSEPH “JOEY” RUZEVICH FOR CONGRESS IN IL-06

Social Security is a vital lifeline for many seniors in our country, but Congress has unfortunately been kicking the can down the road for years even though funding is running out for younger generations who have paid into Social Security all their lives. At this rate, Social Security benefits will have to be cut in less than a decade, so when Democrats retake power we must finally pass legislation that addresses the funding of Social Security.\n\nBernie Sanders &amp; Elizabeth Warren have put forth the Social Security Expansion Act which would fully fund Social Security for the next 70 years and raise average monthly benefits for seniors to \$2,400. It does this by simply requiring the wealthy to pay the same percent of their income into Social Security as the rest of us.&nbsp; I will strongly support this legislation once in office. We must pass it into law without further delay.

Social Security is a vital lifeline for many seniors in our country, but Congress has unfortunately been kicking the can down the road for years even though funding is running out for younger generations who have paid into Social Security all their lives. At this rate, Social Security benefits will have to be cut in less than a decade, so when Democrats retake power we must finally pass legislation that addresses the funding of Social Security.\n\nBernie Sanders &amp; Elizabeth Warren have put forth the Social Security Expansion Act which would fully fund Social Security for the next 70 years and raise average monthly benefits for seniors to \$2,400. It does this by simply requiring the wealthy to pay the same percent of their income into Social Security as the rest of us.&nbsp; I will strongly support this legislation once in office. We must pass it into law without further delay.

Protecting Social Security

In the past few decades, union membership has dropped dramatically due to neoliberal policies and a deliberate effort to prevent unionization. As a result, wealth and power have increased dramatically for the top 1% while wages for workers have failed to keep up with inflation, resulting in extreme levels of income inequality. We need to strengthen union membership across the country. An organized population is one that cannot be taken advantage of. We should pass the PRO Act, make union busting a criminal offense, and stand in solidarity with workers. By encouraging unionization and worker co-ops, we can begin to close the wage gap, improve working conditions, and revitalize the middle class.

In the past few decades, union membership has dropped dramatically due to neoliberal policies and a deliberate effort to prevent unionization. As a result, wealth and power have increased dramatically for the top 1% while wages for workers have failed to keep up with inflation, resulting in extreme levels of income inequality. We need to strengthen union membership across the country. An organized population is one that cannot be taken advantage of. We should pass the PRO Act, make union busting a criminal offense, and stand in solidarity with workers. By encouraging unionization and worker co-ops, we can begin to close the wage gap, improve working conditions, and revitalize the middle class.

Supporting Unions Across America

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Dupage Indivisible Month Meeting

Indivisible of DuPage hosts a monthly meeting for all residents that have a desire to get involved in their community. Joey regularly attends these meetings to speak with voters and build connections.

Gaza is the moral issue of our time. We’ve seen the destruction of every single university &amp; hospital, the demolition of 90% of residential neighborhoods, the forced starvation &amp; slaughter of innocents, and the deliberate targeting of journalists &amp; emergency responders. Our leaders in office enthusiastically fund this moral atrocity while giving the smallest, most meaningless words of concern for the Palestinian people. This undeniable genocide is only allowed to happen because of the financial and military support of the United States. Similar to anyone with a heart that has been paying attention, I wanted to do something to stop what is happening in Gaza. Over the last 2 years, I joined protests with tens of thousands of other people in downtown Chicago, I called &amp; wrote to my representatives, and I posted online to raise awareness. Unfortunately, none of this has led to any change in Congress. I’ve come to the understanding that the only way I could enact change in this case was to hold a position of power myself.One Congressman’s vote may not be enough by itself but my election to office will enable the growing faction of anti-war candidates to band together to block U.S. bombs, weapons, and taxpayer dollars from being used to commit war crimes. We must build a voting bloc that is able to stop these atrocities from continuing in our name.In order for their to be justice, the Palestinians must be provided the right of return to the land &amp; homes that have been stolen from them. They must be provided complete equality under the law and the human rights abuses must end.Gaza is the litmus test for all politicians &amp; candidates. If they cannot say this is a genocide or sign onto the Block the Bombs Act, they have no place representing the American people.

Gaza is the moral issue of our time. We’ve seen the destruction of every single university &amp; hospital, the demolition of 80% of residential neighborhoods, the forced starvation &amp; slaughter of innocents, and the deliberate targeting of journalists &amp; emergency responders. Our leaders in office enthusiastically fund this moral atrocity while giving the smallest, most meaningless words of concern for the Palestinian people. This undeniable genocide is only allowed to happen because of the financial and military support of the United States. Like anyone with a heart who has been paying attention, I wanted to do something to stop what is happening in Gaza. Over the last 2 years, I joined protests with tens of thousands of other people in downtown Chicago, I called &amp; wrote to my representatives, and I posted online to raise awareness. Unfortunately, none of this has led to any change in Congress. I’ve come to the understanding that the only way I could enact change in this case was to hold a position of power myself.\n\nOne Congressman’s vote may not be enough by itself but my election to office will enable the growing faction of anti-war candidates to band together to block U.S. bombs, weapons, and taxpayer dollars from being used to commit war crimes. We must build a voting block that is able to stop these atrocities from continuing in our name.

Gaza

Knock Doors in Hodgkins, Shift 2

ICE must be dissolved as an agency and immigration enforcement should be returned to the jusidiction of the DOJ. The entire DHS should be removed as it is a redundant agency that was created following 9/11 and has done nothing but consume taxpayer dollars as well as kidnap, terrorize and kill US citizens. No agency that does this is capable of reform and it must be dissolved. The weakness of Democratic leadership, namely Schumer &amp; Jeffries, to not use the leverage of Government Funding to demand a dissolution of ICE shows their inability to defend their Democratic constituents. We must have new leadership in Congress. Additionally, the entire immigration system needs to be reconfigured. Unfortunately, there are 2 giant forces constantly lobbying to prevent any real reform. The first are corporations who exploit undocumented workers. The second are US companies, mainly tech, who exploit H1B visa employees. The work-visa program unfortunatley includes many cases where an employer abuses workers knowing they can't fight back because getting fired means losing their visa. Generally, these immigrant workers are paid less than what an American would be paid for the same work, they do not have the same rights or protections as other workers, and are not adequately protected by workers’ compensation laws. Many of these companies preferentially employ foreign workers in order to keep salaries low and prevent any unionization efforts that could lead to better compensation or working conditions. Even worse, neither of these situations provides a real path to citizenship. This system negatively affects both immigrants and Americans while benefiting only the corporations. I also want to see foreign students who graduate from a US college or university receive a work visa stapled to their diploma. It’s nearly impossible right now for a well educated student visa graduate to find an employer willing to pay the government &amp; legal fees necessary to sponsor them for a work visa. Making this process easy will encourage the best and brightest not only to study in the United States but also to build their inventions here, do groundbreaking research here, save lives in the healthcare field here, or any number of contributions we would all benefit from.There is also a huge backlog of visa applications cases from several countries due to immigration quotas, leading to extensive waiting periods of a decade or more. This is why we must pass a comprehensive immigration reform plan that addresses all these issues as soon as possible. We should continue to accept asylum seekers and refugees as well. We also need to address the shortage of qualified immigration judges so that we can evaluate asylum claims promptly. I often think about the quote on the Statue of Liberty - one my grandfather saw when he arrived as an immigrant on Ellis Island - which reads “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”. This is the spirit of America I grew up believing in.Finally, we must pass legislation that allows all DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) recipients to immediately become full US citizens. These are people who were brought to this country as children. They had no choice if they wanted to come here and no choice in how they entered the US. DACA recipients have spent their whole lives in the US. They have grown up here, worked &amp; paid taxes here, fallen in love and started families here. This is the only country they've ever known and they want to be able to proudly say "I'm an American citizen". Let's give them that chance.

&nbsp;static const String policyImmigrationReform = '''The entire immigration system needs to be reconfigured. Unfortunately, there are 2 giant forces constantly lobbying to prevent any real reform. The first are corporations who exploit undocumented workers. The second are US tech companies who hire H1B visa employees. In many cases the worker’s immigration status is held over their head by their company.&nbsp; Generally, these immigrant workers are paid less than what an American would be paid for the same work, do not have the same rights as other workers, and are not adequately protected by workers’ compensation laws. Many of these companies preferentially employ foreign workers in order to keep salaries low and prevent any unionization efforts that could lead to better compensation or working conditions. Even worse, neither of these situations provides a real path to citizenship. This system negatively affects both immigrants and Americans while benefiting only the corporations. There is also a huge backlog of visa applications from several countries due to immigration quotas, leading to extensive waiting periods of a decade or more. This is why we must pass a comprehensive immigration reform plan that addresses all these issues as soon as possible. I also want to see foreign students who graduate from a US college or university receive a work visa stapled to their diploma. It’s nearly impossible right now for a well educated student visa graduate to find an employer willing to pay the government fees to sponsor them for a work visa. Making this process easy will encourage the best and brightest not only to study in the United States but also to build their inventions here, do groundbreaking research, save lives in the healthcare field, or any number of contributions we would all benefit from. We should continue to accept asylum seekers and refugees as well, and we need to address the shortage of qualified immigration judges so that we can evaluate asylum claims promptly. I often think about the quote on the Statue of Liberty - one my grandfather saw when he arrived as an immigrant on Ellis Island - which reads “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”. This is the spirit of America I grew up believing in.

ICE &amp; Immigration Reform

Chicago, Illinois — December 24, 2025 — The Justice Coalition, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. “Joey Ruzevich is part of a new wave of Democratic leadership—one that refuses corporate influence, centers community voices, and leads with moral clarity, even when it’s politically inconvenient. His campaign is rooted in a simple belief: public service means standing with people, not powerful interests,” stated The Justice Coalition. “This March, IL-06 voters have a choice. Joey offers a real path forward, grounded in the political moment, and with an unwavering commitment to the community that raised him. Voting for Joey sends a clear message: real Democratic leadership puts people first, at home and abroad.” “I am extremely grateful to be endorsed by The Justice Coalition - an organization committed to pursuing meaningful change at all levels of government. TJC is full of community leaders &amp; activists who have constantly delivered for communities across Illinois. I’m honored to be a part of the slate of candidates endorsed by this organization..” said Joey Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.&nbsp;Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign Manager for Ruzevich for Congress, issued the following statement: “As a Palestinian American who lives in this district, I know firsthand what it feels like to be ignored by an elected official that is required to represent us. Our communities deserve a leader who listens to all of his constituents—not just the ones who are politically convenient. IL-06 needs a representative who unifies our communities, not divides them. We need a leader who engages with us, not gaslights us. We need a leader who recognizes the full humanity of every individual he serves. Joey Ruzevich is that leader. He shows up, he listens, and he represents all of us. He is one of us, for all of us. That’s the leadership our district deserves.” About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests. More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">www.joey4congress.com</a>. Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224 Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

Chicago, Illinois — December 24, 2025 — The Justice Coalition, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.“Joey Ruzevich is part of a new wave of Democratic leadership—one that refuses corporate influence, centers community voices, and leads with moral clarity, even when it’s politically inconvenient. His campaign is rooted in a simple belief: public service means standing with people, not powerful interests,” stated The Justice Coalition. “This March, IL-06 voters have a choice. Joey offers a real path forward, grounded in the political moment, and with an unwavering commitment to the community that raised him. Voting for Joey sends a clear message: real Democratic leadership puts people first, at home and abroad.”“I am extremely grateful to be endorsed by The Justice Coalition - an organization committed to pursuing meaningful change at all levels of government. TJC is full of community leaders &amp; activists who have constantly delivered for communities across Illinois. I’m honored to be a part of the slate of candidates endorsed by this organization..” said Joey Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign Manager for Ruzevich for Congress, issued the following statement: “As a Palestinian American who lives in this district, I know firsthand what it feels like to be ignored by an elected official that is required to represent us. Our communities deserve a leader who listens to all of his constituents—not just the ones who are politically convenient. IL-06 needs a representative who unifies our communities, not divides them. We need a leader who engages with us, not gaslights us. We need a leader who recognizes the full humanity of every individual he serves. Joey Ruzevich is that leader. He shows up, he listens, and he represents all of us. He is one of us, for all of us. That’s the leadership our district deserves.”About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

PEACE ACTION ENDORSES JOSEPH “JOEY” RUZEVICH FOR CONGRESS IN IL-06

Glen Ellyn, Illinois — December 3rd, 2025 — Elected official Lynn LaPlante, Dupage County Board Member, announced her endorsement for Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich for the Illinois 6th congressional district.Lynn believes “Joey is a part of the new generation of leadership ready and willing to step up and challenge the status quo. As an expert in technology, he is well aware of the environmental hazards from data centers and AI, and puts his subject matter expertise to work regulating safety and affordability issues within tech.Joey has already demonstrated that he’s focused on connecting with ALL constituents of District 6, rather than focusing on special interest groups that write big checks. He is the moral leader in Congress we need right now, and a true representative of the average American.”Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich expressed deep appreciation for the endorsement. “Lynn LaPlante’s endorsement is a tremendous honor,” said Ruzevich. “Her commitment to community, creativity, and honest leadership reflects the same vision I have for bringing accountability and forward thinking solutions to Illinois’ 6th District. I look forward to working alongside her to champion policies that support working families, protect our communities, and ensure that everyone, not just the well connected, has a voice in shaping our future.”About Lynn LaPlante:Lynn is a community activist, volunteer and four-term elected Precinct Committeeperson, with a focus on gun violence prevention, equal rights, fighting climate change, and ensuring affordable insulin for all. Lynn is the Founder and President of Glen Ellyn Women Leaders (GEWLS), a member of the Glenbard West Boosters Board, Bridge Communities and Vice-President of the Association of Music Parents.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey grew up in Chicago's southwest suburbs, graduated from Brother Rice, attended Moraine Valley Community College, and earned a Computer Science degree from Loyola University New Orleans on an athletic scholarship. After two years playing professional basketball in Europe, he returned to Illinois, built a career as a software engineer, and now owns a mobile application development small business. His career has shown him the power of innovation alongside the challenges of monopolies and affordability, experiences that will drive his campaign to restore the American Dream in the 6th District.Through his community outreach, Ruzevich found Congressman Casten is disconnected from his constituents' needs. Ruzevich's campaign will address the affordability crisis, break up big tech and other monopolies, revitalize the American Dream, end the endless war machine, and champion justice &amp; human rights. Ruzevich refuses corporate PAC and AIPAC money, ensuring his freedom from donor control, which allows him to implement concrete solutions for the working families of Illinois’ 6th District.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-966-9813

Glen Ellyn, Illinois — December 3rd, 2025 — Elected official Lynn LaPlante, Dupage County Board Member, announced her endorsement for Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich for the Illinois 6th congressional district.Lynn believes “Joey is a part of the new generation of leadership ready and willing to step up and challenge the status quo. As an expert in technology, he is well aware of the environmental hazards from data centers and AI, and puts his subject matter expertise to work regulating safety and affordability issues within tech.Joey has already demonstrated that he’s focused on connecting with ALL constituents of District 6, rather than focusing on special interest groups that write big checks. He is the moral leader in Congress we need right now, and a true representative of the average American.”Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich expressed deep appreciation for the endorsement. “Lynn LaPlante’s endorsement is a tremendous honor,” said Ruzevich. “Her commitment to community, creativity, and honest leadership reflects the same vision I have for bringing accountability and forward thinking solutions to Illinois’ 6th District. I look forward to working alongside her to champion policies that support working families, protect our communities, and ensure that everyone, not just the well connected, has a voice in shaping our future.”About Lynn LaPlante:Lynn is a community activist, volunteer and four-term elected Precinct Committeeperson, with a focus on gun violence prevention, equal rights, fighting climate change, and ensuring affordable insulin for all. Lynn is the Founder and President of Glen Ellyn Women Leaders (GEWLS), a member of the Glenbard West Boosters Board, Bridge Communities and Vice-President of the Association of Music Parents.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey grew up in Chicago's southwest suburbs, graduated from Brother Rice, attended Moraine Valley Community College, and earned a Computer Science degree from Loyola University New Orleans on an athletic scholarship. After two years playing professional basketball in Europe, he returned to Illinois, built a career as a software engineer, and now owns a mobile application development small business. His career has shown him the power of innovation alongside the challenges of monopolies and affordability, experiences that will drive his campaign to restore the American Dream in the 6th District.Through his community outreach, Ruzevich found Congressman Casten is disconnected from his constituents' needs. Ruzevich's campaign will address the affordability crisis, break up big tech and other monopolies, revitalize the American Dream, end the endless war machine, and champion justice &amp; human rights. Ruzevich refuses corporate PAC and AIPAC money, ensuring his freedom from donor control, which allows him to implement concrete solutions for the working families of Illinois’ 6th District.More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com">www.joey4congress.com</a>.Contact:Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-966-9813

DUPAGE COUNTY BOARD MEMBER, LYNN LAPLANTE, ENDORSES JOEY RUZEVICH FOR ILLINOIS 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Every election season the Democratic Party acknowledges human-caused climate change and says we must address this crisis for “future generations”…yet they haven’t come close to meeting the scale, scope and urgency of the climate &amp; energy crisis. They have not mustered the political will in large part because they accept campaign contributions from and create laws on behalf of oil &amp; coal companies as well as other industries that produce massive carbon emissions, water contamination, and industrial waste. This allows these companies to operate with impunity, while also preventing solutions that thousands of climate scientists agree are needed to protect our planet. Most of Congress continues to vote for bloated military budgets, which has led to the U.S. military becoming the largest institutional source of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. As a result of their inaction, Chicago area children experience asthma at a much higher rate than the national average. Too often, factories with the worst pollution rates are located in minority neighborhoods, and the residents suffer from health problems as a result. Infrastructure is neglected, and the air and water is unsafe. This happens all over the country as well. Look at South Memphis where the NAACP had to sue XAi (owned by Elon Musk) for running diesel generators 24/7 for months, blanketing the town in heavy exhaust fumes. Our health is being sacrificed for profit. &nbsp; I do not and will not accept contributions from any industry, corporation or individual that harms the health and well being of U.S. residents. I am untethered to polluters and in Congress I will::&nbsp;<ul><li>Increase the use of next generation nuclear energy and small modular reactors. The US Navy has built and deployed 1-2 SMRs on submarines &amp; battleships every year for the past 70yrs with a perfect safety record. We must lean on their expertise to build out this incredibly clean &amp; dense energy source.&nbsp;</li><li>Co-sponsor the Green New Deal to rapidly expand clean, renewable energy that creates local jobs and lowers energy bills.&nbsp;</li><li>Include provisions in legislation that forbid companies from polluting marginalized communities and also provide oversight for environmental justice</li><li>Propose a national moratorium on new data centers. Data centers are causing electricity prices to skyrocket while they use enormous amounts of our fresh water.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide funding to fulfill international climate change pledges made at the United Nations COP.</li><li>Ban extraction on federal public lands and offshore drilling.</li><li>Protect the right to protest for climate activists and whistleblowers from meritless lawsuits and criminalization.</li><li>Phase out fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and pollute our air and water</li></ul> I’m not sitting around waiting until I’m in Congress to protect families neighboring our district. In early February of this year, I went to Naperville City Hall to speak on behalf of residents, and we successfully blocked a company from installing a data center that would have polluted nearby neighborhoods and caused our utility bills to skyrocket. This is the kind of action that you can expect from me day in and day out when I’m your representative in Congress.&nbsp;Finally, I would like to point out that we are not alone in this fight for a livable, beautiful planet. Look at how the Republican base reacted when they were faced with the threat of pieces of land in National Parks being sold for commercial development. We can leverage the respect for nature &amp; maintaining a balanced ecosystem that many Republicans have for our beautiful country to work together and pass legislation. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie reached across the aisle to get the Epstein files released. That’s certainly a higher bar than energy reform and national parks funding.

Climate and Energy

I will never celebrate the loss of human life. The light of human consciousness is sacred. That is why, on the day Dick Cheney passed away, I chose to mourn the tens of thousands of young American soldiers and the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi &amp; Afghani civilians who lost their lives due to unjust wars that were architected, pursued and persisted long past the point of failure by Richard “Dick” Cheney. Weapons of Mass Destruction was a lie. Dick Cheney went on Meet the Press and held up a NY Times article with an anonymous source claiming Iraq had WMD &amp; the precursors to nuclear weapons. It was later revealed that Cheney himself was the anonymous source for the NY Times article. Cheney knew the claim of WMD was ridiculous on its face. He needed it to be printed by “the paper of record” to give the lie some credibility. This allowed Dick Cheney to sell the American public a war he was desperate to start.Dick Cheney profited hundreds of millions of dollars personally from the death and destruction he brought upon the Arab world, sacrificing American lives in order to do it. Cheney gave the company he owned, Haliburton, no-bid contracts during the war. “No-bid contracts” means no other company could place a bid for a government contract, the contract was automatically awarded to Haliburton. $1 Trillion was spent on meaningless wars and Dick Cheney took a lot of it for himself.Cheney’s war legacy is far longer and more disturbed, including brutal torture programs, that it becomes too egregious to describe for a public statement. When President Eisenhower warned us about the Military Industrial Complex in his farewell address, he was speaking of men like Dick Cheney and Henry Kissinger. Men who spent their lives igniting the flames of war and extinguishing the light of human consciousness. Men who could have spent their lives building the world up instead of burning it down for natural resources and profit. While I do not celebrate Dick Cheney’s death, I do not mourn him. I will work to be a Congressman who prevents unjust wars; a leader who has the motivation to stand up to the War Machine; a representative that uses tax dollars for our communities over endless war.Statement by Joseph “Joey” RuzevichCandidate for Congress in Illinois’ 6th District

The Death of Dick Cheney

While growing up as the only son among four sisters, I was able to hear and see first hand the entirely different world women experience from men.&nbsp; Especially salient is the issue of bodily autonomy. I am repulsed by the idea of the government dictating what my sisters -- and all girls and women -- can and can’t do with their bodies.&nbsp;Women are often treated like second class citizens in the U.S. with no clear legal recourse. This is why we must ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Women work the lowest wage jobs, take time from paid work to be the caregivers for children and elders, as well as experience violence more than men, which hurts women, families and communities. I will push for funding and laws that aid women economically and protect girls and women from violence and discrimination.&nbsp; Democrats said for years they would protect women’s right to choose as a motivator to get people out to vote. Democrats had the ability to codify Roe v. Wade in 2009 when they had a supermajority in Congress and again in 2021 when they controlled the House, Senate and the presidency, but they failed to codify it into law every time they were in power.The Epstein files are sadly another stark reminder that in the U.S. today, girls and women’s bodies do not belong to themselves and are targeted for exploitation.&nbsp; When half our population is denied bodily autonomy and full equality, it's impossible to say the U.S. is a Democracy.I will support and will push for: <ul><li>Fully paid 12 weeks parental leave for births or placements, with tax credits to businesses</li><li>Expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and making the Child Tax Credit (CTC) permanent</li><li>Laws that prevent and punish wage theft, which is the biggest white collar crime and victimizes women the most&nbsp;</li><li>Women's Health Protection Act that codifies Roe v. Wade and protects patients from state-level bans and restrictions. I will also push senators to remove the filibuster so that we can pass this long overdue legislation&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Medicare for All, which would provide free comprehensive reproductive health care &amp; IVF coverage. This would benefit Black women in our district in particular, whose maternal mortality rate can be six times higher than for white women.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Expanded funding to federal programs that increase access to capital and lending for women-owned small businesses&nbsp;</li><li>Expanded funding to the Violence Against Women Act programs as well as the <a href="http://petandwomensafety.com/#/10/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">PAWS – Pet and Women Safety Act</a>, which provides grants to domestic violence shelters/housing to accommodate pets, and other protections and aid&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Expanding Access to Family Planning Act which increases funding for Title X family planning clinics</li></ul><ul><li>Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, which prohibits the punishment of individuals traveling across state lines for reproductive care.</li></ul>

Womens Rights

The federal minimum wage has been at \$7.25 since 2009. This is a poverty wage in every state in the country. We must provide a living wage for workers. I support raising the federal livable wage to at least $25 per hour as well as having the livable wage tied to inflation the same way social security payments are. Subsidy for small businesses to support the livable wage hike, $15 from restaurants, $10 from the government. To compete with Walmart, Amazon&nbsp;

The federal minimum wage has been at \$7.25 since 2009. This is a poverty wage in every state in the country. We must provide a living wage for workers. I support raising the federal minimum wage to at least $25 per hour as well as having the minimum wage be tied to inflation the same way social security payments are.Subsidy for small businesses to support the minimum wage hike, $15 from restaurants, $10 from the government. To compete with Walmart, amazon&nbsp;

Raising The Federal Livable Wage

The tech billionaires are wielding their massive wealth and power to lobby for sweetheart deals and generous government contracts. Their technology affects every aspect of our daily lives and these oligarchs are acting with little regard for the general public. Their focus, along with every industry, is the desire for maximal profit regardless of harm done to the public. We need to drag these tech CEOs before Congress and expose them. As a former Silicon Valley software engineer, I will be able to ask these CEOs questions that our current Congress is incapable of. It is embarrassing to watch the questions asked by our representatives who barely know the difference between TikTok and Instagram let alone how the technology actually works and its increasingly negative impacts on society. I don’t claim to be all knowing but I am capable of asking informed questions about recommendation algorithms, monopolization of markets, regulating companies as utilities rather than platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, and more. I can also anticipate the deflections these CEOs will use to avoid answering questions and I won’t get confused when they start using technical terms. I can hold their feet to the fire in a way no other representative would be able to. Software runs our lives, so we need someone in office who understands it.

The tech billionaires are wielding their massive wealth and power to lobby for sweetheart deals and generous government contracts. Their technology affects every aspect of our daily lives and these oligarchs are acting with little regard for the general public. Their focus, along with every industry, is the desire for maximal profit regardless of harm done to the public. We need to drag these tech CEOs before Congress and expose them. As a former Silicon Valley software engineer, I will be able to ask these CEOs questions that our current Congress is incapable of. It is embarrassing to watch the questions asked by our representatives who barely know the difference between TikTok and Instagram let alone how the technology actually works and its increasingly negative impacts on society. I don’t claim to be all knowing but I am capable of asking informed questions about recommendation algorithms, monopolization of markets, regulating companies as utilities rather than platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, and more. I can also anticipate the deflections these CEOs will use to avoid answering questions and I won’t get confused when they start using technical terms. I can hold their feet to the fire in a way no other representative would be able to. Software runs our lives, so we need someone in office who understands it.

The Tech Oligarchy

Starting a family should not be placed behind a massive economic barrier. The hospital costs alone can set new parents back tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Add on the high cost of child care for 2 working parents (or the loss of income if one parent stays home to care for the children) combined with rising grocery bills, home prices, and college tuition, it becomes a real struggle to stay afloat. The extended child tax credit of 2020 should have never been allowed to expire in 2022. That tax credit alone was able to lift 50% of children out of poverty. Paid maternity leave should be written into law and we can provide tax credits to companies to offset the maintained salaries. Our Congress must act now so millions of people across America are not priced out of having a family.

Starting a family should not be placed behind a massive economic barrier. The hospital costs alone can set new parents back tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Add on the high cost of child care for 2 working parents (or the loss of income if one parent stays home to care for the children) combined with rising grocery bills, home prices, and college tuition, it becomes a real struggle to stay afloat. The extended child tax credit of 2020 should have never been allowed to expire in 2022. That tax credit alone was able to lift 50% of children out of poverty. Paid maternity leave should be written into law and we can provide tax credits to companies to offset the maintained salaries. Our Congress must act now so millions of people across America are not priced out of having a family.

Family Support

The American people need more than strongly worded letters and passionate speeches from our leaders. The leadership of the party must either take bold action immediately or allow others to step forward to do what they will not.&nbsp; We need Democratic leadership to step up not only when the opposition is in power but also when Democrats are in power. Democrats must deliver real change when in power as opposed to only talking about how terrible the other side is. Democrats must start wielding power on behalf of the working class with as much enthusiasm as Republicans have been wielding their power to benefit the wealthy and chip away at our rights. There should be no procedural rule or Parliamentarian that gets in the way of legislation the American people need.

The American people need more than strongly worded letters and passionate speeches from our leaders. The leadership of the party must either take bold action immediately or allow others to step forward to do what they will not.&nbsp; We need Democratic leadership to step up not only when the opposition is in power but also when Democrats are in power. Democrats must deliver real change when in power as opposed to only talking about how terrible the other side is. Democrats must start wielding power on behalf of the working class with as much enthusiasm as Republicans have been wielding their power to benefit the wealthy and chip away at our rights. There should be no procedural rule or Parliamentarian that gets in the way of legislation the American people need.

Democratic Leadership Must Change

Aaron Bushnell Event

Aaron Bushnell Commemoration - Chicago Israeli ConsulateThis is a press conference remembering US Airman Aaron Bushnell. Joey will be giving a 2min speech at this event. Also, Joey's deputy campaign manager Sawsan Abubaker will read Aaron's final written statement explaining his decision to self immolate in front of the Israeli Consulate in D.C. on Feb 25th, 2024. May he rest in peace.

Tinley Park, Illinois — January 19, 2026 — The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 4016 has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.“Local Branch 4016 is proud to endorse Joey Ruzevich for Congress in the Sixth District,”&nbsp; said Branch 4016 leadership. “Joey understands the challenges facing working-class families and city letter carriers, and he has shown a genuine dedication to protecting workers’ rights and strengthening our communities.”Ruzevich will advocate for policies that defend unions, protect the U.S. Postal Service from privatization, and expand worker protections. His platform includes strong support for collective bargaining rights, fair wages, safe working conditions, and preserving the Postal Service as a trusted public institution serving every community; urban, suburban, and rural alike.“The Democrats are only Pro-Union as much as the Leadership &amp; Donors allow them to be. When the Railroad Workers threatened to strike in 2021 Democrats were in power and they sided with the Billionaire owners of the rail companies. I will always stand with the workers, the unions, and their right to collectively bargain. This union endorsement is truly special. My humble thanks go out to all letter carriers. You are the eyes and ears of our neighborhoods. I will make sure you have the safety equipment you need and the respect you deserve. Thank you for this endorsement.“&nbsp;Illinois’ 6th District includes thousands of union households and public service workers who have increasingly called for leadership that prioritizes affordability, integrity, and accountability in government. The endorsement from NALC Branch 4016 reflects growing momentum among organized labor behind Ruzevich’s campaign.About Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich:Joey Ruzevich is a software engineer and Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. His campaign is centered on affordability, government accountability, ending endless wars, supporting working families, and building real representation that puts the American people before special interests. More information about Joey Ruzevich &amp; his campaign is available at <a href="http://www.joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">www.joey4congress.com</a>. Contact:Miz Hernandez, Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:miz@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">miz@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 224-775-5224 Sawsan Abubaker, Deputy Campaign ManagerEmail: <a href="mailto:sawsan@joey4congress.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sawsan@joey4congress.com</a>Phone: 708-369-0564

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIES LOCAL 4016 ENDORSES JOSEPH “JOEY” RUZEVICH FOR CONGRESS

The way things are going right now, AI will not be used to cure cancer. It will be used to find new ways of extracting the maximal amount of profit for corporations. Grocery stores are implementing “dynamic pricing” which is just facial recognition being used to determine the maximum amount they believe you will pay for eggs &amp; bacon. Landlords are using RealPage Software to price gouge renters. Spotify creates AI bands so they don’t have to pay royalties to real artists. AI generated images and videos are being used to avoid paying human animation and CGI artists.&nbsp; We can pass legislation that ensures this technology is used for the benefit of the masses. Instead, what we have now is a handful of people being made wealthy beyond belief while all of our lives become worse. We must regulate this technology with respect to safety and application for the public good over private profiteering. It’s not just how AI is applied, the creation of Large Language Models (LLMs) through massive data centers is also negatively impacting Americans. These data centers are driving up electricity prices around the country for the average middle class citizen. Illinois alone has over 200 data centers and our electricity bills have all spiked dramatically in recent years. Yes, we must expand our energy production but in the meantime, the technology companies worth hundreds of billions of dollars should be responsible for paying the premium on the electricity they use. We cannot socialize the costs of these data centers while privatizing the profits. Our communities are also being polluted by the construction and waste produced by these behemoth buildings. It is important to make sure these centers are constructed in such a way so that they are not radically disturbing the residents or completely destroying the surrounding ecosystem. Unfortunately, what has been happening is that AI companies are paying off local governments to approve data centers that their cities do not have the resources to support and allow them to cut corners no matter how fiercely the residents resist. We need someone in federal office that understands this technology deeply and stands up to these massive corporations (which in some cases have more money than many small nations).

The way things are going right now, AI will not be used to cure cancer. It will be used to find new ways of extracting the maximal amount of profit for corporations. Grocery stores are implementing “dynamic pricing” which is just facial recognition being used to determine the maximum amount they believe you will pay for eggs &amp; bacon. Landlords are using RealPage Software to price gouge renters. Spotify creates AI bands so they don’t have to pay royalties to real artists. AI generated images and videos are being used to avoid paying human animation and CGI artists.&nbsp; We can pass legislation that ensures this technology is used for the benefit of the masses. Instead, what we have now is a handful of people being made wealthy beyond belief while all of our lives become worse. We must regulate this technology with respect to safety and application for the public good over private profiteering. It’s not just how AI is applied, the creation of Large Language Models (LLMs) through massive data centers is also negatively impacting Americans. These data centers are driving up electricity prices around the country for the average middle class citizen. Illinois alone has over 200 data centers and our electricity bills have all spiked dramatically in recent years. Yes, we must expand our energy production but in the meantime, the technology companies worth hundreds of billions of dollars should be responsible for paying the premium on the electricity they use. We cannot socialize the costs of these data centers while privatizing the profits. Our communities are also being polluted by the construction and waste produced by these behemoth buildings. It is important to make sure these centers are constructed in such a way so that they are not radically disturbing the residents or completely destroying the surrounding ecosystem. Unfortunately, what has been happening is that AI companies are paying off local governments to approve data centers that their cities do not have the resources to support and allow them to cut corners no matter how fiercely the residents resist. We need someone in federal office that understands this technology deeply and stands up to these massive corporations (which in some cases have more money than many small nations).

AI &amp; Data Center Regulation

Polish American Alliance 2026 Candidate Forum

Joey grandparents were first generation Polish Americans and Joey recently visited Zakopane, Krakow &amp; Warsaw in June 2025. Joey looks forward to speaking with the Polish American Alliance and earning their support for the March 2026 primary.