Congressional Catch-up: Justin Ford

Justin Ford is a public health professional and union organizer running for congress as a democrat in Illinois’ Ninth Congressional District.

Economy

Ford said the U.S. economy is creating massive amounts of wealth but needs to do a better job of sharing it among the workers that create it. 

To achieve this, Ford wants to strengthen unions by enforcing the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931, which requires projects using federal money to pay workers local prevailing wages. He hopes to repeal the Taft-Hartly Act of 1947, which restricts the power of unions and to pass the proposed Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which would strengthen Unions. 

Ford is also a proponent of a four-day work week, which he believes would increase productivity, decrease burnout and give people more time outside of work. 

Immigration

Ford said there is no reason for ICE to be deporting people at the current rate and shouldn’t terrorize communities. He said it was unacceptable for ICE to wear plain clothes and drive unmarked cars. That being said, Ford believes ICE shouldn’t be abolished. He thinks ICE is needed to vet immigrants and provide resources. 

Ford said the country needs to reform its immigration system to double the amount of people let in — possibly through a points based system similar to Canada and Australia — while treating immigrants from Central and South America as refugees and building infrastructure to process them into the country. 

Young Voters

Democrats did very poorly among Gen-Z men in 2024. Ford said this is due to economic pressures, including massive college debt, expensive childcare, lack of jobs and housing prices. He said the Democrats need to provide opportunities for youth to participate in society by building an economy where young people have a place. He believes young men voted for President Donald Trump because they were disillusioned with the democratic party having not delivered.

Protecting Democracy

Ford said the largest threat to democracy is money in politics and corporate ownership of U.S. democracy. 

To solve this, Ford proposes overturning Citizens United v. FEC and creating programs to publicly finance campaigns. Being a citizen candidate without big money donors, Ford said he doesn’t have the reach other candidates with more money do. He is also a proponent of expanding the House of Representatives. 

Gaza, Israel and the Age Divide

Ford said Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and has been for a long time. He also said the reason young people are generally more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause is because they grew up witnessing what is being done in Gaza and not the early struggles of Israel and World War Two. 

Ford said the U.S. shouldn’t restrict all weapon exports to Israel while trying to bring the killing to an end, possibly through economic sanctions and blockades.

Abortion

Ford said abortion is should be available and accessible to all people and should be seen as healthcare. He also believes the U.S. should go beyond just abortion to guarantee all women safe pregnancies while guaranteeing good maternal health and affordable childcare. He said a woman’s choice to have an abortion is completely her own decision. 

Climate Change

Ford said climate change must be addressed quickly in order to save the planet from global warming. He said this issue must be addressed by a clear plan and concrete policy goals. He is skeptical of plans like the Green New Deal, which he said are more similar to a collection of talking points than actual policy. 

Most Important Issue

Ford said he wants people to start for politicians based on their policy instead of platitudes. He is focused on supporting unions and implementing a four-day work week.