Sean Brown: 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate

Bio

Office sought: U.S. Senate

City: Orland Park

Age: 42

Occupation: Lawyer

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

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

Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege tied to your job or your zip code. I will fight for Universal Care Plus, a fully government-funded healthcare system with no premiums, no deductibles, and no out-of-pocket costs for patients. It will cover preventive care, primary care, prescriptions, and routine mental health services, so people get care early instead of waiting until a crisis. Universal Care Plus will compete alongside private insurance, driving down costs while guaranteeing that every family can see a doctor, get treatment, and stay healthy without fear of financial ruin.

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 do not support President Trump’s unilateral foreign policy course. America is strongest when we lead with our allies, respect international law, and use military force only as a last resort. Actions such as striking Iran, engaging Venezuelan vessels, or seizing a foreign head of state without congressional authorization or broad international support risk escalating conflicts, undermining global stability, and endangering American lives. National security requires strength, but also restraint, accountability, and diplomacy. As a nation, we must reject impulsive, go-it-alone actions and return to a foreign policy rooted in the Constitution, alliances, and the long-term security interests of the American people.

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 direction we’re heading. In recent years, too much power has been concentrated in the executive branch, whether through foreign military actions, trade tariffs, or sweeping executive orders. No matter who is president, governing by unilateral decisions shuts out Congress and, ultimately, the American people. Our Constitution was designed to prevent any one person from having unchecked power. We need to restore balance by ensuring Congress does its job — debating, voting, and holding the executive branch accountable. Strong leadership matters, but so does transparency, cooperation, and respect for the rule of law. That’s how we protect our democracy and earn back public trust.

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

U.S. border policy should be humane, lawful, and economically smart. Our current system is failing families, workers, and communities on both sides of the border. If elected, I would prioritize an immigration system that treats people with dignity while meeting our nation’s economic needs. That means modern border management, faster and fairer asylum processing, and an end to policies that separate families or leave people in dangerous limbo. I would expand legal pathways for workers in industries like agriculture, healthcare, and construction, so businesses can fill jobs and migrants are not forced into the shadows. We must aggressively target traffickers and cartels who exploit vulnerable people, not criminalize those seeking safety or opportunity. A humane and functional system strengthens our economy, reflects our values, and restores order at the border.

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 is to ensure that all Americans can access affordable care so families, businesses, and the broader economy can thrive. Rising health costs act like a hidden tax on workers and employers, suppress wages, and make it harder for small businesses to compete. While the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage and stabilized the insurance market, too many Americans still face high premiums, deductibles, and surprise costs that strain household budgets. We should adopt my plan, the Universal Care Plus, which would eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, increase competition in the private sector, and reduce costs system-wide. Investing in preventive and mental health care keeps people healthier, more productive, and out of emergency rooms. Affordable health care isn’t just a moral issue — it’s an economic necessity that strengthens our workforce and lowers long-term public spending.

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 just and lasting peace that guarantees Israel’s right to live in security while ensuring Palestinians have dignity, safety, and a viable future. Endless cycles of violence benefit no one. A durable solution must protect civilians, respect human rights, and recognize the legitimate aspirations of both peoples. The United States should work toward a negotiated two-state outcome, achieved through diplomacy — not force — where Israelis and Palestinians can govern themselves and live side by side in peace. To advance this, the U.S. must be an honest broker: supporting Israel’s security, opposing terrorism, and also insisting on humanitarian protections and meaningful political progress for Palestinians. We should work closely with regional and international partners, prioritize ceasefires that protect civilians, and invest in economic development that reduces desperation and instability. Peace will not come from unilateral actions, but from sustained diplomacy, accountability, and leadership committed to long-term stability.