Jeannie Evans: 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate

Bio

Office sought: U.S. Senate

City: Chicago

Age: 55

Occupation: Lawyer

Previous offices held:

Q&A

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

Top issues is strengthening the economy, and promoting job growth and opportunity. Small businesses are the growth engine of the economy. I will work to make Illinois a welcoming, dynamic environment for small businesses so that more companies will launch and locate in Illinois to succeed. We will reduce red tape, streamline the business formation process, and offer support to small businesses in adopting digital tools and technologies that will help them thrive. Small businesses should not need to finance their operations with credit cards. As an antitrust enforcement leader who has recovered billions for consumers, I will work to make the financial markets more competitive so that small businesses can obtain more favorable loans. We will bring more capital to Illinois, and promote University-Industry partnerships, to make capital, training, and talent available to innovators, and to create high-paying jobs for our graduates. In Illinois, they will have the tools needed to scale up and create the jobs of tomorrow. I will work to reduce the tax burden and remove unreasonable regulations so that businesses of all sizes can expand, hire, and invest in their employees.

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 President Trump’s interventions in Venezuela and Iran. These U.S. actions address political, economic, and humanitarian crises while advancing American strategic interests.

Ousting Maduro disrupted illegal drug flows into the U.S., reduced rivals like China, Russia, and Iran’s foothold in the Western Hemisphere, and will stem migrant flows. Boosting Venezuelan oil production cuts reliance on adversarial sources and lowers prices for Americans. Now is the ideal time to dismantle Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. Iran has ditched negotiations, amassing near-weapons-grade uranium for 10 bombs. It’s extended missile ranges, threatening U.S. allies in the Arabian Gulf, Israel, and military bases, while Houthis attack U.S.-linked ships with Iranian missiles. These operations send a clear message to adversaries doubting our resolve. As U.S. Senator, I’ll prioritize diplomacy backed by economic tools and, if needed, military force to hold threats accountable and ensure peace.

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 support Trump’s use of foreign policy levers at his command. For decades, adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran have threatened the security of the United States and its key allies around the world, including in the South China Sea, and exploited U.S. businesses, undercutting the employment and wages of U.S. workers, and stealing intellectual property. We have shifted to peace through strength — negotiating from a position of power. The current administration has brought other nations to the table, yielding progress on trade imbalances. This has delivered wins for Illinois families. I believe executive actions should focus on short-term measures, such as military actions and economic sanctions. Measures that are not time-critical should be brought to Congress. This includes long-term measures that impact Illinois families, such as tariffs, trade wars, or long-term military interventions. As US Senator, I'll push for reforms that boost transparency, ensure Congressional involvement in key decisions, and restore balance. This strengthens our democracy, safeguards freedoms, and delivers accountable governance that works for Illinois — from Peoria's factories to Chicago's innovators.

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

U.S. border policy should emphasize strong security, fair enforcement of our immigration laws, and legal pathways that support our economy and communities. Secure borders are essential to prevent illegal crossings, human trafficking, and security threats while allowing skilled workers and families to contribute through proper channels. If elected, I will advocate for increased resources for advanced border technology, additional personnel, and efficient asylum processing. Drawing from my commitment to safe streets and communities, I'll push for bipartisan legislation that combines robust enforcement with reforms to fix outdated systems — streamlining legal immigration to meet workforce needs in Illinois and beyond. By working across the aisle, we can achieve practical solutions that protect our nation, reduce chaos at the border, and promote opportunity for all.

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 healthcare should be to promote greater access, affordability, and patient choice through competitive markets and targeted protections for vulnerable groups. We should encourage innovation and cost reduction, and promote quality care without unnecessary bureaucracy. The Affordable Care Act has provided coverage to many, but it needs real improvements to substantially lower premiums, expand options, and increase transparency. Temporary fixes like extending Covid-era enhanced subsidies won’t address the underlying causes of sky-high healthcare costs and will balloon the national deficit. I support reforms, such as allowing for more flexible and affordable plans, promoting interstate insurance competition, and applying antitrust principles to address monopolies in pharmaceuticals and providers. These changes will make the system more efficient, drive down costs, and deliver better health care outcomes for Illinois families and Americans everywhere.

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?

I support lasting peace that secures Israel's right to exist safely while enabling Palestinians to build a future, ideally through a viable two-state solution achieved through direct talks and mutual respect. This requires security guarantees, governance reforms, economic development, and regional cooperation to build trust and stability such as those embodied in President Trump’s plan to end the Gaza conflict. Israel is a democratic ally in a volatile region partnering with the U.S. in missile and military weapons development and foreign intelligence. Hamas’s refusal to disarm is concerning and refusal to disarm poses a risk not just to Israel and the U.S but also to Palestinians whom Hamas uses as human shields. The United States should serve as a mediator, strengthening alliances like the Abraham Accords to foster broader normalization, providing targeted aid linked to progress on security, human rights, and anti-terrorism, and encouraging economic opportunities in Palestinian areas. As US Senator, I will support policies that bolster Israel's defense, promote dialogue, and advance regional peace — ensuring America's leadership contributes to a safer, more stable Middle East.