Evans: We Need Common Sense & Bipartisanship back in D.C.

By Natalia Dagenhart

This election is going to be one of the most important elections in our lifetime. Our future and the future of our children and grandchildren depend on the decisions we make on November 5. Although early voting has already started in Illinois and particularly in DuPage, many people still have not voted and need additional information related to candidates and their platforms.

According to CNN, “the race for the US House of Representatives may be the most exciting campaign to watch in 2024.” In Illinois, the 11th Congressional District is currently held by Democrats. Republicans have a chance to flip this district and that would be critical in their effort to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives.

Currently, House Republicans control 220 seats, and Democrats control 212. There are currently three vacant seats in the House (left by one Republican and two Democrats). All 435 House seats are up for re-election in 2024. Representatives are elected to serve a two-year term representing their district.

Jerry Evans is the Republican candidate for 11th Congressional District in Illinois. The 11th District encompasses portions of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, DeKalb and Boone counties.

Evans is a father, husband, music school owner, and educator. “I want to make this district one of the best places to raise a family, start a business, and for people to experience their dreams,” said Evans in February 2024 while giving an interview to the Chicago Sun Times. “I believe that real opportunity, a working economy, and the American Dream are for everyone — no matter their background. I believe it is time for a new direction. I would be honored to represent the people of the 11th district in Congress, and work for them.”

I prepared questions that I think might be interesting for people residing in the 11th Congressional District. The more we know about our candidates, the more intelligent and informed our decision during this election cycle is going to be.

N.D. Dear Mr. Evans, thank you so much for your time! It’s my pleasure to interview you today.

Why did you decide to run for Congress?

I believe in the hope and promise of America, and I would like the future of our children to be even better than ours. I am concerned over the rising cost of living, the astonishing amount of illegal immigration and the recent rise in crime. I believe we can find common ground, bring people together, and create common sense solutions to these issues, yet career politicians have not solved them. As a small business owner with a young family, I know what it’s like to pay a mortgage, feed a family, and have to make payroll for my employees. We need fresh new ideas in Washington D.C. and I can help bring some common sense solutions to these problems.

Why do you call yourself a political outsider?

I attended Wheaton College and started a business on my own. I have three beautiful children and an amazing wife. While I have been a dedicated member of my community through my church and several community organizations, I have never served in political office.

Bill Foster has served the 11th District since 2013 and previously represented the 14th District. He has tons of experience in politics. Why do you think people should vote for you instead of voting for an experienced politician?

I do appreciate Representative Foster’s nearly 15 years of public service, but I believe it’s important and necessary to have new ideas in Washington. I believe it’s time for a change, and I can help find common ground to solve the issues we face.

In your opinion, what is the biggest problem in the US?

The biggest problem in the US is that the rise in crime and the rising prices of goods have made it more difficult for people to reach the American Dream, especially when it comes to owning a home, raising a family, and keeping our communities safe.

Talking about illegal immigration, do you have any proposals for solving this fast-growing problem?

We need to first finish a border barrier, end “catch & release,” hire additional Border Patrol and invest in new technologies to secure the border. Additionally, we must hire more judges to more quickly adjudicate asylum claims that can currently take several years to be processed, which I believe is unfair. We should also reinstate the “Remain the First Safe Nation” policy and then implement a merit based immigration system so that our public services are not overwhelmed.

Living in safe cities, towns and communities is essential. What can be done to make our country more safe?

Violent crime is an issue, particularly here in Illinois. We need to have zero tolerance for violent crime, especially those perpetuated with a firearm. When in Congress, I will finally pass “Kate’s Law” which will immediately deport any illegal immigrant found to have committed a violent crime, but we will also implement mandatory minimum sentencing for gun crime. However, we need to do more to give offenders a second chance and we’ll do so by putting an end to repeat offenses by implementing professional and life skills training in our prisons, like the DuPage County Sheriff has done with incredible results that are being studied worldwide.

Do you support School Choice and why?

Absolutely. Education is essential to our children and the future health of the American economy. No family should be stuck in a failing school district just because they might live in a lower income community. I believe that money should follow the student, not the system. Every child deserves the best education they can get, and a parent should be able to decide if there’s a better private, public or charter school for their child. Additionally, we should offer more resources to parents who decide to homeschool their children.

As a small business owner, what would you do to support small businesses if you were elected?

There’s so much regulation that impedes small businesses with limited access to capital, from expanding or even getting started at all, so eliminating antiquated or unnecessary regulations needs to be the first thing. Additionally, we can do things like incentivize community banks, which are so important to prospective entrepreneurs who need access to capital. Additionally, we need to bring down manufacturing costs by lowering the price of energy and bringing jobs back to the U.S.

Do you believe in free speech?

Free speech is at the foundation of the U.S. and we must always ensure that it is protected for this generation and the next.

N.D. Thank you so much for your time!

Natalia Dagenhart