Tosi Ufodike: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 51

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Illinois House District 51

City: Hawthorn Woods

Age: 49

Occupation: Small business owner

Previous offices held: Ela Township Trustee

How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?

I am extremely supportive of the American dream and welcoming immigrants into our country. I also believe in common-sense immigration, not exacerbating a problem that is already placing a massive burden on our communities and most vulnerable citizens.

We must prioritize funding and resources for vulnerable U.S. citizens, especially veterans, ensuring their needs for health care, education, housing, and basic necessities are met first. We should redirect state budget allocations to significantly increase support for struggling Illinois families, addressing food insecurity and helping with rising costs of living.

For migrants, seek federal or private funding sources to provide basic humanitarian assistance without diverting state resources from citizens.

Advocate for other states to share responsibility for migrant support to reduce Illinois' burden.

Are you satisfied with the state's existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?

The current ethics policies for Illinois senators and representatives are inadequate and need significant strengthening. Key changes that should be made include:

• Stricter limits on lobbying activities by former lawmakers

• More robust financial disclosure requirements

• An independent ethics commission with stronger investigative and enforcement powers

• Harsher penalties for ethics violations

• Mandatory ethics training for all elected officials

• Tighter restrictions on conflicts of interest and outside employment

• Greater transparency around campaign financing

These changes would help restore public trust and ensure higher ethical standards among elected leaders. Illinoisans deserve representatives who are fully accountable and committed to serving the public interest.

Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?

Yes, I would support this requirement. I believe in transparency and improved accessibility. Voters could more easily contact and engage with candidates. We work for our residents. Residents should have a standardized way to reach candidates. I am deeply committed to direct, personal engagement with voters through multiple channels.

How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?

The implementation of the SAFE-T Act, particularly its no cash bail provisions, has raised concerns about public safety and the balance of justice. While some positive criminal justice reforms have been made (body cameras, establishment of drug courts for alternative sentencing), there is still work to be done. We must strengthen support for law enforcement by improving recruitment and retention of officers and enhance community relationships and trust-building initiatives.

Moving forward, we need a balanced approach that maintains public safety, supports law enforcement, and creates opportunities for all residents while continuing to address inequities in the criminal justice system. This requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment of current policies to ensure they serve all Illinoisans effectively.

We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?

I am an advocate for keeping firearms out of the hands of those who are dangerous or who have mental health challenges. We must strengthen our mental health resources within our schools, partnering with families to ensure students get the help they need. In state law, we should prioritize safe storage, background checks, and appropriate training.

Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?

I support lifting this mandate. We should not make it so difficult for our Seniors to renew their licenses. Studies show Seniors are less likely to text and drive. Seniors are one of the safest groups of drivers. Let’s respect our Seniors and remove this mandate. We can continue to monitor and review driving data for 75+ drivers. We have to make sure we are educating our Seniors and provide resources to family members, so they make the best decisions about driving.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?

I spent over 20 years working for General Electric as an auditor traveling the world ensuring processes were cost efficient and streamlined. I am a small-business owner who understands the effects of rising costs and over regulation. I am a wife and Mom and always will put our children and families first.

I am running to bring down the cost of living, support our teachers and parents, and prioritize public safety. I want better wages for workers and job training for young people. I will be the voice our families, children, and seniors deserve. I will focus on common sense solutions that unite us rather than divide us. I would love to earn your vote. Thank you.