Hoan Huynh: 2026 candidate for 9th Congressional District

Bio

Office sought: 9th Congressional District

City: Chicago

Age: 36

Occupation: State Representative

Previous offices held: Currently Illinois House of Representatives District 13

Q&A

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

My top issue is lowering the cost of living for working families — especially housing, healthcare, and everyday essentials. I would push for aggressive prescription drug price reforms, including stronger Medicare negotiation and caps on out-of-pocket costs. I would support major federal investments to expand the supply of affordable housing and protect renters, while cracking down on corporate and speculative practices that drive up prices. And I would fight for infrastructure and transit funding that reduces household costs and connects people to jobs — because affordability isn’t just one policy, it’s the whole ecosystem families rely on.

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?

No. I do not support unilateral military actions that bypass Congress and undermine the Constitution. The use of force must be grounded in clear legal authority, congressional oversight, and a strategy that prioritizes diplomacy and human rights. When presidents act unilaterally — especially in ways that escalate conflicts or destabilize regions — it weakens democratic accountability and increases the risk to American service members and civilians abroad.

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’m not satisfied. Congress has ceded too much authority to the executive branch, and that imbalance has grown across both parties. We need to restore Congress’s Article I powers by reasserting its war powers, strengthening oversight, and requiring congressional approval for major actions such as new tariffs and prolonged military operations. I also support reforms that increase transparency around executive orders and emergency declarations, so presidents cannot use them as workarounds to avoid democratic debate and accountability.

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

U.S. border policy must be secure, orderly, and humane. That means investing in modernized ports of entry, smart screening, and effective asylum processing so that claims are handled quickly and fairly. I would support resources for immigration courts, legal representation, and case management to reduce backlogs. I also believe we must prioritize enforcement on serious threats and trafficking networks — not families and long-term residents who are contributing to our communities. And we have to address the root causes of migration through targeted diplomacy and humanitarian support.

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 has a responsibility to ensure every American can access affordable, quality healthcare. The ACA was a major step forward, but it needs to be strengthened. I would support expanding subsidies to lower premiums, protecting people with pre-existing conditions, and closing coverage gaps — especially in mental health and reproductive healthcare. I would also support stronger price transparency and enforcement against medical billing abuses, and continued action to lower prescription drug costs. The goal is simple: people shouldn’t have to choose between getting care and paying rent.

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 is a durable peace rooted in human rights, international law, and the safety and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians. The United States should support immediate protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and a sustained diplomatic push toward a long-term political resolution that guarantees security for Israel and legitimate self-determination for Palestinians. U.S. policy must be consistent: we should support our allies while also insisting on compliance with international law and prioritizing de-escalation, accountability, and a viable pathway to peace.