Unchallenged for 30 years—until now
With just days left before our end-of-quarter fundraising deadline on June 30, I want to take a moment to reflect on what you have helped us build—and why this moment matters so much.
We launched this campaign after hosting salons in living rooms, parks, and dive bars across the district. We listened to neighbors who felt unheard, unseen, and left behind. We’ve heard stories of rising rents, crumbling transit, empty promises, and political leaders more interested in clout and preserving power than getting to work.
But here’s the truth: we’re taking on an entrenched incumbent who hasn’t had a primary opponent in 30 years. That’s three decades without having to run on the issues. People are ready for a change—and they’re ready for a fighter.
Last week at our first candidate forum, person after person came up to me and said, “Thank you for running. Thank you for standing for something, not just speaking empty words.” That’s what this campaign is about. Not just showing up when it’s convenient, but doing the hard work. Listening. Knocking doors (even in 100° heat). Meeting people where they are, and making the case for change.
When we knocked on doors in North Center, someone said to me, “Wow. No one has ever knocked on my door before and asked me what I thought.” Well, I’m a new kind of leader—one who listens. That’s the difference we’re making together.
And we have a real chance to make history. If elected (with your help!), I’ll be only the second openly gay State Senator in Illinois history—and the first to represent the largest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the state, Boystown. Representation matters, and it’s long overdue.
But to get our message out to voters, we need your help.
Our campaign is gaining momentum, but we’re against the establishment and status quo power brokers who will move heaven and earth to keep things exactly as they are.
We don’t take corporate PAC money. We rely on grassroots supporters like you to power this campaign.