Delia Ramirez: 2026 candidate for the 3rd Congressional District

Bio

Office sought: 3rd Congressional District

Party: Democrat

City: Chicago

Age: 43

Previous offices held: State Representative - IL HD4

Q&A

What is your view on the role of tariffs in the American economy? Do you support the president’s policies on setting tariffs on goods from other countries?

I do not support President Trump’s tariff policies. His policies have been a disaster for working families in Illinois and across the country. Corporations like Walmart have raked in billions in refunds because of Trump’s unconstitutional tariffs, while working people have been squeezed by massive price increases on groceries, gas, and other necessities. The way we actually tackle our affordability crisis is by addressing the root causes of so much inequity: raising wages for workers, guaranteeing universal access to healthcare, housing, and childcare, and making sure the ultra-wealthy and corporations are paying their fair share for the public goods and services everyone needs to thrive.

What should Congress do to protect Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid? Will Congress act in time to prevent significant cuts in Social Security benefits?

Throughout my career in public service, I have been a staunch advocate for protecting and expanding our social safety net, which includes Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. The reality is that Congress has not acted fast enough to avert potentially devastating cuts to Social Security, and the current administration’s destabilizing staffing cuts have only made matters worse. I support the Social Security 2100 Act, which would guarantee that benefits would be solvent through the turn of the century. This should be our minimum starting point. While I support protecting Medicaid, ultimately I want to see us move towards a system of universal healthcare where Medicare is guaranteed to all.

How do you rate the state of health care in America? In particular, what are your views on the Affordable Care Act and the concept of Medicare for All?

The state of healthcare in America is deeply concerning and interconnected with so many other pressing issues we are facing as a nation, including the affordability crisis, deepening mental health issues, and widespread inequality. Our system measures success by the record profits that insurance companies and corporations make while working people are denied the preventive and emergency life-saving care they need. While I appreciate the goals of the Affordable Care Act to expand access to affordable care to more people, I support universal healthcare via Medicare for All because healthcare should be a human right guaranteed to all.

How would you describe the working relationships in the U.S. House today? What can be done to promote more effective government in Congress, and what will you do personally to work toward this goal?

Relationships in the U.S. House are deeply fractured and polarized, making effective governance extremely difficult. I am happy to reach across the aisle to work towards common goals, and have done so throughout my career on veterans and housing issues. However, we must be clear that at the root of the division and dysfunction we are seeing today is the President’s extreme, hateful, and authoritarian rhetoric. We cannot demand bipartisanship and compromise when one side is demanding healthcare, housing, and childcare for all while MAGA republicans are literally eroding our constitutional rights, cheering while ICE kidnaps and kills our neighbors with impunity, and working with this administration to weaponize the federal government against its own citizens. These authoritarian tactics and policies should be deeply concerning to anyone who cares about the health of our democracy. This crisis will not be resolved by bipartisanship; it will be avoided if we take clear and decisive action to resist democratic backsliding and hold this administration accountable for its actions.

Do you believe the nation's election system and those of the individual states are secure and fair? If not, what must be done to improve them?

Yes, our elections are secure and fair. Now, let me be clear: I believe there is much more we could be doing to encourage and foster civic engagement and participation in our democracy. That includes expanding and protecting voting rights and curtailing the influence of money in our politics.

If elected, what will you do to help make Congress more effective?

As an elected member of Congress who is now about to finish my second term, I am proud of my record in office. I have unapologetically fought for working people and advocated for policies that will materially improve people’s lives. I have stood up to protect human and civil rights both here and abroad. I have developed a constituent service office that is responsive, accessible, and representative of the district we serve. I have worked every day to set an example of values-driven leadership that is deeply rooted in the communities I represent and ready to be a vocal champion for their concerns in Congress.