Rachel Ventura, a Progressive Democrat who is challenging incumbent, Bill Foster in Illinois’ 11th Congressional District filed nearly 4,700 signatures with the Illinois State Board of Elections prior to 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25.
Illinois has a rigorous ballot access process that involves collecting hundreds of signatures from district residents. The minimum requirement for Illinois’ 11th District is 820 signatures. Ventura’s campaign collected more than five times the minimum number of signatures with a team comprised of volunteers.
“We have built a strong grassroots campaign that is ready to take our message of change to the doors of voters in Illinois’ 11th District,” said Ventura. “I feel confident that voters are ready for a politician who is not bought and paid for, someone who will be a strong voice for all residents, not just the wealthy donor class.”
Ventura is rejecting corporate PAC money and SuperPAC money, and is campaigning on a progressive platform that includes campaign finance reform, Medicare for all, the Green New Deal, criminal justice reform, and a reasonable pathway towards citizenship for undocumented residents.
Her congressional campaign is modeled after her successful Will County Board race. In her previous election, Ventura was outspent by 3:1 and still won with an 11-point margin over her Democratic opponent and eight points over the Republican Party. Her campaign knocked on more than 10,000 doors and placed hundreds of yard signs around the community.
In her congressional campaign Rachel and nearly 200 volunteers already have knocked on more than 5,000 doors, attended nearly 180 events, and placed more than 800 yard sign in laws.
In a recent meeting with supporters, Ventura said, “I’m so grateful to all of you who took time to talk to your friends and neighbors about our campaign’s message of real change and better representation. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough of bought and paid for politicians who ignore the voters who put them in office. I’m sick of seeing giant corporations and industries profit off the suffering of others. Americans need real representation, of, by and for the people.”
Rachel has scheduled a thank you party for volunteers and supporters from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Bishop Hill Winery, 310 Bridge Street, Joliet.
—Rachel Ventura For Congress