Endorsement: Junaid Ahmed for Congress (IL‑08)

This is Endorsement #16 — for Junaid Ahmed, running for Congress in Illinois’ 8th Congressional District (IL‑08).

Election note: Illinois’ primary is Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

I’m backing Ahmed because he’s running a people-powered campaign that says no corporate or special-interest money, while centering priorities like healthcare as a human right, quality education, and an economy that works for all of us.

His story also adds weight to the campaign: he’s the son of an immigrant father, built a tech business in Illinois, and helped launch Chi-Care during the pandemic to deliver hot meals and survival supplies to unhoused neighbors.

Why this endorsement

• Unbought campaign. Ahmed says the campaign is 100% by the people and rejects corporate or special-interest money.
• Material, working-class priorities. He’s running on healthcare as a human right, stronger economic security, quality education, and protecting Social Security and Medicare.
• Service-rooted candidacy. Chi-Care and his broader community work make this feel grounded in real-world needs, not just consultant language.
• Strong progressive coalition. His endorsers include Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, Chuy Garcia, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Delia Ramirez, Justice Democrats, Our Revolution, Sunrise Movement, and End Citizens United.

If you’re in IL‑08 — or you want to back more unapologetically people-powered candidates — donate, volunteer, and share.