John Elleson: 2026 candidate for 9th Congressional District

Bio

Office sought: 9th Congressional District

City: Arlington Heights

Age: 64

Occupation: Minister

Previous offices held: No prior government office held

Q&A

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

I want to bring people together, cross party lines and try to get big things done. We have big issues to deal with. Immigration, the deficit, social security, defense, energy, good paying long lasting jobs, foreign affairs. I think we need to be a moral compass for the world. We need to be a good people, a good nation, that thinks and does right. Knock off the stupid stuff, the division, be smart and wise. Work on common sense solutions to big problems. Try and build bridges and bring people together.

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 think as a nation with world responsibilities, we need to do good where we can. If people are being slaughtered or imprisoned by dictators, and we can help we need to try. Walk softly and carry a big stick. A 19th century African proverb, used by FDR. I’m find with what we did in Iran, bombing of the nuclear site. I would go farther and consider helping again. 30,000 potentially slaughtered innocent people by the mullahs. Let’s go for a government change in Iran, but be careful. Iran use to be an ally of Israel, now bitter enemies. I dream of a Middle East that is better.

We did a good job in Venezuela. Are military is to be commended.

I spent a few years in China after the Beijing riots in 1991. I started teaching in Chinese Universities to encourage those who sought freedom. I was arrested in China for showing a video during Passover and Easter. The Provincial Government gave me permission in this University Town then changed their mind after 1000 students showed up to view the religious film. I was held for 8 hours and released. I knew then China would be a Country we may have to deal with one day. Very militant government. The everyday people are great though.

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?

Yea I am. Tariff policy may be ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, but I’m for trying to even the economic playing field. Other countries use tariffs, we should be able to. Don’t think it should be a regular, long term way of doing things, but we have to level the playing field and think of our workers here at home. We need good high paying factories that makes things here in the US. We could do better and I’m glad we are thinking of our young people who will inherit a country we leave them.

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

No one should come to the US illegally or over stay their visas intentionally. We need to know who is in the country. Have the right laws and enforce them. We have a lot of illegals in our church. I love them, help them, write letters for them, go to court for them. But at the end of the day, the law is the law. I will fight for all people, but I have to be honest with the law.

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?

This is a difficult issue. Many administrations have tried to tackle this issue. We need to stay on it and keep trying. Maybe Health savings accounts for new young people. Assist those who cannot afford it. Subsidies those where we can. Medicare needs to stay solvent. But we cannot give government healthcare to the whole world. Missionaries, the private sector, benevolent organizations, could help people, but it shouldn’t be the federal government giving healthcare to illegal immigrants (emergency care- yes). Our local hospital emergency rooms were full a few years back with illegal immigration and others had a hard time getting care. It’s something we need to keep working on. We need to be compassionate, with a tender heart, but we need to keep healthcare solvent and affordable for the middle class.

We shouldn’t be putting people on Social Security when they are young and can still work. We need to keep Medicare solvent. It should be for the older- retired people and those who are truly disabled. ACA, we need to think how to make it better, long lasting, and affordable. A big job, but let’s keep working on it in a bi-partisan way.

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 am pro Israel. I am pro Palestinian. I am pro people. After the October attack on Israel, I flew the Israeli flag high at our church. I had many older Israeli people stop by the property, crying, leaving notes, phone calls, thanking us the solidarity. I had some Palestinians threaten me. I understand both. Israel is in a tough neighborhood and they need the US. To many nations have come against them and they need a US friend. We need to work on good policy that builds bridges with Middle East governments. The Abraham Accords are doing this. Let’s support getting along and improving relationships. It’s changing for the good.