Illinois' 1st Congressional District Candidates: Eric Carlson

ILLINOIS — For the first time in nearly 30 years, Illinois voters on Nov. 8 will elect someone not named Bobby Rush to the U.S. House Illinois' 1st Congressional District.

The Republicans in the June Primary Election chose Eric Carlson in a tight race for the nod. Carlson secured the nomination with 40.5 percent of the votes. Challenger Jeff Regnier tallied 39.1 percent of votes. Only around 350 votes separated the two.

Democrat Jonathan Jackson secured his party's nomination in the June Primary Election. Jackson came out on top in a crowded field of 17 Democrats seeking the nomination. He won the June Primary with 28 percent of the votes; challenger Pat Dowell finished second with 19.2 percent of votes.

Rush announced in January that he would not be seeking re-election this year, marking the first time someone other than him will occupy the seat in Congress that he's held since 1993.

Rush's decision made the normally secure race wide open for the first time in nearly 30 years. Rush had won every race he was in for the seat with at least 70 percent of the votes.

The 1st Congressional District map was redrawn following the completion of the 2020 U.S. Census. It now covers an area stretching from the South Side of Chicago all the way down to Bourbonnais in the southern end of the District, totaling more than 700,000 people represented in the District.

Patch sent each of the candidates questionnaires to give each the opportunity to allow voters to get to know more about them.

Here's a look at the Republican Candidate, Eric Carlson.

Name

Eric Carlson

Campaign website

https://www.ericcarlsonforcong...

City or town of residence

Lemont

Office sought

U.S House

District, if applicable

1st Congressional District

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

Business Management Certificate - Lincoln Trail College

Occupation

Nonprofit Program Director

Family

Yes.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Age

54

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running because failed democrat policies are destroying this state and this country. Common sense, logic, and reason need to be brought back in to government.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am the only veteran in the race and have a long history of serving and helping my fellow Americans not just being a "spokesperson". I am not beholden to any person or entity because I have not taken any money from PAC's, businesses, or any special interest group or entity. I am pledging half of my congressional pay to nonprofits in the 1st District, I am not doing this for profit, fame, or personal gain.

If you are challenging an incumbent, how would you perform differently if elected?

This is an open seat for the vacancy left by Bobby Rush.

How would you characterize the events of Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol?

A security failure at all levels that must be investigated to find out why Nancy Pelosi did not heed intelligence warnings about possible disruptions. There also need to be investigations of the several agitators who were not brought forth in the show-trial held by the House this past summer. Many Americans still have many questions about the 2020 election that have never been answered to their satisfaction. Without confidence in the safety and security of our election system, greater division and mistrust will manifest across the country.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In no particular order as all must be addressed immediately - inflation, energy independence, border security/illegal migrants, China, crime, fentanyl, simplified election process to name just a few.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a former member and Team and Squad Leader in the 75th Ranger Regiment and a graduate of, among other courses, U.S. Army Ranger School, the premiere military leadership program, I have experience in leading in high pressure environments. My experience in running several businesses also allows me to come at everyday issues facing small businesses which are the backbone of our economy. Having been in the construction trades for 20 years, I truly know the life of working class/blue collar Americans. I also have great insight into the corrupt Chicago/Cook County/Illinois system that is destroying our way of life here in the 1st District.

What was your first paying job, and what did you learn from it?

At the age of 7 I received my first paycheck working in my Fathers business cleaning toilets and taking out garbage. A strong work ethic and responsibility was instilled in me from an early age. I also got to work beside, and to learn from Veterans who were members of the Greatest Generation, from them I learned many life lessons.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It certainly wasn't "Hey, run for Congress".

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am not a politician and I am not running for personal gain. I am running to try and save this country from continuing down the road to destruction that we are currently on. It is time for real every-day Americans to literally take back their country. Congress was never envisioned as a 30 or 40 year career by the founders, you serve and then you go home and let another carry the torch for a time. Term limits, career politicians and bureaucrats must go.

Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade? And do you support the Illinois Reproductive Health Act?

The Supreme Court made the proper decision sending the issue back to the states. It is easier for voters to contact and influence their state representatives and senators who have a smaller constituency than their member of Congress. This should never have been a Federal issue. The Illinois "Reproductive Health Act" has several issues and the first is it's name as it is NOT about reproduction, but about abortion and the taking of life "(c) A fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent rights under the laws of this State.
(Source: P.A. 101-13, eff. 6-12-19.)" Where are the "rights" for the health of the unborn?

Do you think the 2020 presidential election results are fair and legitimate? Why or why not?

There are many unanswered questions that were swept aside because of January 6th. The lack of evidentiary hearings and the cases of fraud brought forth being dismissed for "lack of standing" is absolutely inexcusable and the allegation must be fully investigated by Congress. If the American people lose trust in our election system, as they have with many governmental agencies, then this country cannot last.