Yasmeen Bankole: 2026 candidate for the 8th Congressional District

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: 8th Congressional District

City: Hanover Park

Age: 32

Occupation: Former regional director

Previous offices held: Hanover Park Village Board trustee since 2021

Q&A

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

I believe that lowering costs and making life more affordable is the most important issue in my district. This can be done by strengthening our essential national social programs, including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The aim should also be to put more money in the pockets of middle-class families, and to do so, we must fight to repeal the billionaire tax giveaways found in the so-called Big, Beautiful, Bill.

We must also work to secure good-paying union jobs and protections by passing the PRO Act and raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $17/hour by passing the Raise the Wages Act of 2025. I will advocate for the reversal of recently instituted tariffs, which have made working families pay more, hurt small businesses, and cause economic upheaval, by supporting the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 (restoring Congress’ constitutional authority to oversee foreign trade).

Additionally, childcare and healthcare costs have become unsustainable and as such, we must re-prioritize the passage of legislation focused on implementing universal childcare and healthcare.

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 approve of the Trump administration kidnapping another world leader and further destabilizing the country of Venezuela, nor any of his other unilateral foreign policy actions. Collectively, these actions appear to lurch our country toward World War III. I believe America must lead with strength, values, and strategic alliances.

We should support democracies, deter adversaries, invest in diplomacy, and maintain a strong national defense. Our leadership is essential for global stability, economic security, and the safety of our communities here at home.

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?

The Trump administration has imposed high tariffs on many nations, along with many other aggressive actions on foreign policy. I believe these actions have been taken in a chaotic manner and caused harm to U.S. businesses and working families.

The tariffs are making it unaffordable for middle-class individuals to meet basic needs, and the constant changes in the tariffs cause instability on a local, national and global scale.

As such, I would advocate for passage of the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 and the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act.

American foreign policy must reflect American values. And when the Executive Branch fails to live up to those values, Congress must hold them accountable.

We must also remember that our greatest foreign policy asset is diplomacy and foreign aid, and that investments in humanitarian assistance and development can prevent conflicts before they start and reduce the need for military intervention. We cannot bomb our way to peace.

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

I fully support comprehensive immigration reform, that’s both modern and efficient, but I believe this can be done without cruelty and treating human beings with dignity. I would advocate for the passage of the DREAM Act, which would provide a pathway for citizenship for undocumented minors, as well as amnesty programs that allow for this path as well.

I also believe that ICE operations have used dehumanizing strategies to terrorize our communities, racially profile our neighbors, and damage community relations with law enforcement. In December 2025, in my Hanover Park Trustee capacity, I spearheaded the passage of an ordinance that prohibited ICE operations on village-owned property.

Additionally, in 2023, I spearheaded the passage of a Welcoming Ordinance in Hanover Park. In Congress, I would support the dismantling of ICE as it currently stands, work to rescind the additional funding granted to ICE via the Big, Beautiful, Bill, vote NO on additional ICE funding, advocate for investigations into ICE agents who have violated the law and join on as a co-sponsor of the three articles of impeachment filed against Secretary Noem. Our nation deserves law and order, not violence and chaos.

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?

Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. For too long we have seen life expectancies and healthcare access determined more by income and ZIP code than anything — and that is wrong.

The ACA has allowed us to make great strides, but I still talk to neighbors every day who struggle, whether due to high prescription drug costs, lack of providers near their homes, or the impact of Trump’s tariffs.

With this in mind, I would proudly sponsor legislation championing universal healthcare, which allows people to prioritize prevention and early intervention treatments over expensive emergency care. In the wealthiest country in the world, there is no excuse for working-class people to pay more for health insurance than any other major developed country on Earth.

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 horrified and saddened by the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine. I hope to see a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians alike have equal opportunities for self-determination and self-governance. This includes a permanent, lasting ceasefire.

The U.S. must be committed to working toward this solution, and engaging in good-faith negotiations, to ensure that the international community has the tools at their disposal to establish lasting peace.