Ashley Young

Junaid Ahmed is a father, husband, small business owner, community activist, and candidate for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District. Ahmed believes that in the wealthiest nation on the planet, everyone should be able to thrive, not just the wealthy. He wants to break the old policies of the past and move the country forward with a values-driven progressive platform of Medicare for All, raising the minimum wage, campaign finance reform, ensuring debt-free higher education, and expanding human rights. While this is the first time Ahmed has run for office, he has on-the-ground political experience volunteering for Democratic campaigns, organizing rallies, and lobbying elected officials to support Medicare for All. His protesting efforts helped spur the Illinois General Assembly to shut down all immigrant detention centers in the state and severely restrict how local law enforcement can collaborate with ICE agents. Ahmed prides himself as a grassroots progressive who wants to put the power of the government back into the hands of everyday people.