Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Rachel Ventura, Illinois Senate District 43

We started this series of profiling and endorsing progressive candidates during the midterm elections of 2022. This year, the stakes for democracy are even higher. We believe that the people we profile are the strongest candidates to help preserve democracy and bring dignity to their constituents and their districts.

This week we kick off the 2024 election season with Rachel Ventura (she/her), who is a Democratic Socialist state senator from Illinois’ 43rd district, the part of the state in and around the city of Joliet. This single mother of twin daughters has degrees in Mathematics and Biology and has worked as an actuary and naturalist before joining a gaming company, Legendary Games. Rachel is passionate about taxing the rich, universal healthcare, campaign finance reform, and investing in the middle class.

Where are you based?
Joliet, IL (District 43)

What is your position/what position are you running for?
Illinois State Senate

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I am running on a platform of economic justice to help close the wealth gap. I vote on policies that strengthen the middle class, create jobs, invest in our infrastructure, provide renewal energy, and eliminate emissions that harm our planet.

What inspired you to run?
Seeing our broken system that works only for the rich and politically-connected frustrated me but ultimately it was the disrespect of our elected officials that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. We need elected officials who lead with compassion, intelligence, and an eye toward community.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district, state, and country?
I plan to continue my work in sustainable energy and addressing the climate crisis. This session I’m working to legalize psilocybin to help address the growing mental health crisis.

How long have you been in office?
I was elected in 2018 to the Will County Board where I served for 4 years and chaired [the] Public Health [committee]. I was the Vice President of the Forest Preserve. I was elected to the State Senate in 2022 and vice-chair [of the] Pensions [committee].

What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
On the county [level], we passed the greenest region compact and created the 708 Mental Health board. At the State [level], passing the zero emissions bill moving state vehicles to zero emissions is a much-needed step to transitioning away from fossil fuels.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Closing the wealth gap and investing in our families and communities is crucial. The Climate Crisis and access to universal healthcare are at the top of the list of concerns. Closing the corporate tax loopholes and taxing the rich can help shift the much-needed investments while providing relief to working families. Continuing our work in Illinois to move away from fossil fuels is needed but so is planting trees and native grasses in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Having our government meet the needs of the middle class and working class can have a shift in the dissatisfaction in our country. Rank Choice Voting can help lessen the divide and having government focus on items like universal healthcare, public broadband, and economic stability will help.

How would you foresee your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I am persistent, a problem solver, and bold. I don’t accept any corporate PAC dollars; so, I bring an unbiased view of what policies can help families without any conflict of interest.

What is your motto in life?
Carpe Diem. In Politics, it’s No Strings Attached.

Where can we find out more about you?
My campaign website www.electventura.com or on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) @electventura