Meet Willie Preston: Illinois 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary Candidate

State Sen. Willie Preston is among 10 angling for U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly's seat in the 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary March 17.

Having held the seat since 2013, Kelly’s bid to replace outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has set the stage for a contentious primary. Early voting is already underway.

The winner will face Republican Mike Noack—the sole Republican on the March 17 ballot—in November.

The 2nd Congressional District includes the far southeast side of Chicago (including Hyde Park); Cook County suburbs of Blue Island, Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Dolton, Flossmoor, Glenwood, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lansing, Matteson, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, Sauk Village, South Holland, and Steger; Crete, Monee, Peotone, and University Park in Will County; Aroma Park, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Kankakee, Manteno, and Momence in Kankakee County; portions of southern Will and Kankakee counties, including Pembroke Township.

CANDIDATE

Willie Preston

TOWN OF RESIDENCE

Chicago

POSITION SOUGHT

Congress-2nd District of Illinois

PARTY AFFILIATION

Democrat

FAMILY

Wife Brittany, 6 children, ages 9 through 20.

EDUCATION

Attended Chicago State and Roosevelt Universities

OCCUPATION

Illinois State Senator, elected in 2022.

PREVIOUS OR CURRENT ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICE

Illinois State Senate-District 16; Local School Council

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

electpreston.com

The single most pressing issue facing our district or state is ___________, and this is what I intend to do about it.*

Fear. People on the South Side, the Southland and Central Illinois are afraid. Of losing their retirement security. Not being able to pay bills. Fearful for their lives that are being threatened by gun violence. Afraid of lying and out-of-touch politicians like Donna Miller, Robert Peters and Jesse Jackson Jr., who are deceiving voters and have no idea how they actually live. I intend to fight to restore trust in representation with honest service - and I will fight like hell to bring back trade schools, build new hospitals, make our streets safer - and ensure that people's lives are improved.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I tell the truth. As a former janitor, butcher and union carpenter, I have actually lived like the people of this district.

If you support tax cuts in Illinois, what spending should be eliminated to offset those cuts? Please be specific.

I support relief for Middle Class and working-class taxpayers that should be paid for by eliminating breaks for vulture capital firm that prey on tax-distressed properties and thus disrupt our communities.

Do you believe an inequity exists between funding for wealthy and poor schools? If so, what would you do to address the disparity?

Yes. There are several equalizing efforts, but ending our reliance on property taxes - and bringing property tax justice to homeowners on the South Side, the Southland and Central Illinois - as I have been fighting for in the Illinois Senate - will be key.

What would you do to help constituents struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living, housing and healthcare?

Of course we need to repeal the massive cuts in the recent Trump-GOP budget bill - including massive cuts to Medicaid. And of course we need to stop these idiotic tariffs that threaten farmers and consumers alike. But we need to start using the antitrust laws on the books to break up corporations that gouge consumers, insurance behemoths that have too much control over our health system and the vulture capital firms like BlackRock that have a stranglehold on the housing market. We need to increase the federal minimum wage, to pass Medicare for All and to end subsidies for massive mega-farm corporations and create local markets so that our food is healthier - and more affordable.

Do you support redistricting in a non-census year?

Hell no - and I led the charge against the recent gerrymander attempts.

Do you support the full release of the Epstein files with the victims' names redacted? What should Congress do to pressure the DOJ into following the law with the full release of the Epstein files?

Yes. Congress should hold this administration in contempt for protecting these nasty and connected people, Republican or Democrat.

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in the Chicago area and beyond? Why or why not? If not, what changes do you think should be made?

I support secure borders and getting dangerous criminals off the street. But Midway Blitz was an unconstitutional disaster that used Klan-like tactics to terrorize our population, using racial profiling and excessive force. As a leader in Chicago following the shooting of Laquan McDonald, I am keenly aware of how culture affects the misuse of force - particularly deadly force - by law enforcement agencies. ICE must be reined in. We need massive reforms, including the bare minimum of removing masks, requiring judicial warrants and purging its ranks of known white supremacists.

Do you support the repeal of the SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail? Why or why not, and do you think wealthier defendants should have an easier route to release?

No. Ending cash bail was the right thing to do. But I do think there are reforms that are needed to keep repeat offenders off the street.

Would you push to repeal the TRUST Act, which bars local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement? Why or why not?

No. The problem is not a lack of local cooperation. The problem with federal immigration policy comes from the top.

Where do you agree and disagree with President Donald Trump on policy?

I agreed with the initial efforts by the Trump administration to remove harmful additives and chemicals from our food supply, but now they're backsliding. I disagree with this administration on healthcare, union rights, Civil Rights, Voting Rights, ending D.E.I programs and quite a bit else.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I practice radical transparency and always tell it like it is - even when it's hard. As a former SEIU janitor, butcher and union carpenter who has fought for everything I have, I understand the struggles facing so many people in this district. As an activist, I have fought against powerful institutions and not am a yes-man who is going to ask for permission to do what's right. And as a father of six and a husband, I will fight for every family as if it's my own.