What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?

I have long used my electric bike, divvy bikes, and public transit to travel around. Since running for Congress, I’ve had to drive much more to get around the district. This speaks to the need to expand transit access across IL-02.

What are some transportation challenges in your district?

For decades, communities in IL-02 have faced disinvestment, and as a result there are inadequate bus and train options for our residents. This is true both in the Southland and in the southern part of the district. We need to invest in robust public transportation here, as well as ensure that bike lanes are plentiful and safe for riders. I am so proud to have played a role in the passage of NITA which will help south suburban and downstate transit.

How do you view Congress’s role in setting priorities for public transit, passenger rail, and strengthening accessibility in transportation?

Congress must treat public transit and passenger rail as core infrastructure by funding them at the scale of the climate, equity, and economic challenges we face in our community. Congress must prioritize frequent, reliable service and modern rail systems that connect working families to jobs, schools, and healthcare while reducing congestion and emissions. Strengthening accessibility must be a priority, advancing ADA compliance, universal design, and affordable fares so transportation truly serves everyone. We should be making our communities as walkable and as accessible as possible.

What’s your position on the Federal government and Illinois’ current transportation infrastructure spending, and if you could change anything, what would it be?

In Springfield, I’m proud to have been one of the leaders of passing the NITA legislation that prevented our public transit system from falling off a fiscal cliff. Right now, too much federal spending still prioritizes highway expansion over modern, affordable, and climate-resilient transit. I would shift funding toward public transit, passenger rail, and repair of existing systems first, especially Metra, Pace, and CTA connections that working families in the suburbs rely on every day. I would also require stronger accountability so investments reduce emissions, improve safety, and expand access for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income communities rather than reinforcing inequality.

The federal government should be taking lead on dense, transit oriented development that make all of our communities more vibrant and enjoyable.

What is your position on investing to expand passenger rail service in Illinois, including the development of high-speed rail?

I support expanding passenger rail in Illinois, including moving forward with true high-speed rail that connects Chicago to downstate cities and the broader Midwest with fast, affordable, and reliable service. This is a jobs program, a climate solution, and an equity investment that gives working families real alternatives to long commutes and expensive car dependence. We should prioritize publicly owned, union-built rail projects that serve everyday riders.

Federal funding for Illinois transportation projects – such as the Red Line Extension and Red-Purple Modernization projects – has come under threat from the Trump administration. How do you plan to shore up funding for critical infrastructure projects under a hostile federal climate?

I will come to Congress with the mindset of an organizer, and start first by building relationships with my colleagues. I believe that this kind of relationship building is the foundation of successful legislating, and this approach in Springfield has allowed us to deliver big progressive wins on dozens of bills. In Congress, I’ll organize on issues like transportation and health care to work toward real change.

Our streets have become increasingly militarized in the past several months as the Trump administration has ramped up DHS and ICE activity in our cities. This past summer, Congress voted to increase the ICE budget larger than most of the world's militaries.

What is your position on ICE and related immigration enforcement?

ICE is causing terror in our communities and it is beyond reform. I was the first candidate in this race to call for ICE’s abolition and Kristi Noem’s impeachment, and I’ll be a voice for our immigrant neighbors and against state-sponsored attacks of our own civilians as a Member of Congress.