Jeff Walter: 2026 candidate for 11th Congressional District

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: 11th Congressional District

City: Elburn

Age: 66

Occupation: Elburn mayor; retired IT consultant

Previous offices held: Precinct committee person, village trustee, village president

Q&A

What is your top issue and how do you propose to address it?

My top issue is affordability, because families in this district are being squeezed by rising taxes, higher utility bills, housing costs, healthcare expenses, and federal policies that drive up local costs without delivering better results.

I plan to address this by attacking the problem at its source in Washington — pushing back against unfunded federal mandates, cutting regulatory costs that get passed down to taxpayers, simplifying the tax code to let working families keep more of what they earn, and demanding real accountability for how federal dollars are spent.

As a mayor, I see firsthand how federal decisions hit local budgets and household bills, and I will use that experience in Congress to focus on practical reforms that lower everyday costs, restore fiscal discipline, and make government work for the people it serves.

Do you support the unilateral foreign policy course President Trump has taken with such actions as the bombing of Iran, assaults on Venezuelan ships and the seizure of the Venezuelan president?

I support a strong, decisive foreign policy when it clearly advances U.S. national security interests, but I do not believe unilateral action should be the default. The President — including Donald Trump — must have the authority to act swiftly in fast-moving situations to protect American lives and deter adversaries, and there are circumstances where limited, targeted actions can be justified.

At the same time, sustained military operations, regime-change efforts, or actions with broad geopolitical consequences should involve Congress, clear objectives, and a defined end state.

My standard is consistent: strength with purpose, speed when necessary, and accountability always — using executive authority to respond to immediate threats while ensuring Congress fulfills its constitutional role in authorizing prolonged or expansive uses of force.

The executive branch has expanded its powers in recent years on foreign policy, economic tariffs, executive orders and more. Are you satisfied with the direction these activities are moving? If so, why? If not, what needs to be done differently?

I am not satisfied with the continued expansion of executive power across administrations of both parties. While the President must be able to act decisively in emergencies — especially on national security — too often Congress has ceded its Article I responsibilities on foreign policy, tariffs, spending, and major domestic policy through inaction or vague delegations of authority.

That trend weakens accountability and produces policy whiplash as priorities change by executive order rather than durable law.

What needs to change is Congress reclaiming its constitutional role. That means restoring regular order, clearly defining limits on emergency and tariff authorities, reasserting congressional approval for sustained military actions, and conducting rigorous oversight of executive agencies. Strong presidential leadership and a strong Congress are not in conflict — they are both required.

Durable policy should come from legislation debated and passed by the people’s representatives, not from governing by executive action alone.

What should U.S. border policy be? If elected, what would you do to make it happen?

U.S. border policy should be enforcement-first, lawful, and humane, with clear accountability. A nation cannot be sovereign or compassionate if it cannot control who enters, enforce its laws, and quickly resolve claims.

That means secure borders, consistent interior enforcement, and a legal immigration system that is orderly, merit-based, and fair to those who follow the rules.

If elected, I would push to restore operational control of the border by fully resourcing Border Patrol, deploying modern technology and targeted barriers where they work, ending catch-and-release through timely adjudication and removals, and enforcing existing law — including worksite enforcement and cooperation against cartels and fentanyl traffickers.

I would support the continued mission of ICE, paired with professional, humane standards. At the same time, I am open to earned pathways to legal status for otherwise law-abiding individuals — but only alongside real border control and reforms that prevent future illegal entry. The goal is simple: a secure border, a lawful system, and policies that protect communities while honoring America’s values.

What should be the government’s role in assuring health care for Americans? What should be done regarding the ACA to better perform this function?

The government’s role in health care should be to set fair rules, protect patients, and ensure access, while allowing competition and innovation to control costs and improve quality. Government should focus on transparency, consumer choice, and a strong safety net for those who truly need help — not running health care from Washington.

The goal should be affordable coverage, better outcomes, and fewer bureaucratic barriers between patients and doctors.

Regarding the Affordable Care Act, it should be reformed, not expanded as-is. I would support changes that increase plan choice, promote competition across state lines, expand Health Savings Accounts, and reduce mandates that drive up premiums for working families. We should strengthen protections for preexisting conditions while giving individuals and small businesses more flexibility to choose plans that fit their needs.

Improving price transparency, encouraging preventive care, and reducing administrative waste are key to making health care more affordable and sustainable — without moving toward a government-run system.

What is your vision for a solution to conflicts involving Israel and the Palestinians? What should the United States be doing to advance this position?

My vision for resolving the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is grounded in security, realism, and a durable peace that protects innocent lives. Israel has an unquestionable right to defend itself against terrorism and to exist as a secure, sovereign nation.

Any lasting solution must begin with an end to violence, the rejection of terrorism, and accountability for groups that use civilians as human shields.

The United States should stand firmly with Israel’s right to self-defense while also supporting humanitarian assistance for civilians and encouraging regional diplomacy that reduces escalation. Progress will not come from imposed timelines or symbolic gestures, but from conditions-based negotiations that promote security, economic opportunity, and responsible governance.

The U.S. should use its diplomatic leverage to strengthen moderate regional partners, isolate extremist actors, and pursue a path that prioritizes peace, stability, and mutual recognition over perpetual conflict.