Kina Collins
Kina Collins (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 7th Congressional District. She is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026.[source]
Biography
Collins studied at Louisiana State University.[1] Collins' professional experience includes working as a political organizer and founding the Chicago Neighborhood Alliance.[1]
2026 battleground election
Ballotpedia identified the March 17, 2026, Democratic primary for Illinois' 7th Congressional District as a battleground election. The summary below is from our coverage of this election, found here.
Thirteen candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Illinois' 7th Congressional District on March 17, 2026.
Incumbent Danny K. Davis (D) is retiring. The last time the district was open was 1996, when Davis was first elected. Davis was most recently re-elected in 2024 with 83% of the vote. For a list of U.S. Representatives who are not running for re-election in 2026, click here.
The section below lists candidates leading in media attention and fundraising. To read more about how Ballotpedia defines noteworthy candidates, click here.
- Richard Boykin (D) is a lawyer who served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners from 2014 to 2018 and previously worked as Davis’s chief of staff.[2][3] Boykin says he would focus on lowering the cost of living and promoting public safety.[4]
- Kina Collins (D) is a political organizer.[5] Collins says she would support "Medicare for All, housing as a human right, fair wages, clean air and water, and an economy that centers people over profit."[6]
- Melissa Conyears-Ervin (D) was elected Chicago City Treasurer in 2019 and previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019.[7] Conyears-Ervin says she would focus on the economy and would support "apprenticeships, fair wages, and local manufacturing."[8] Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot endorsed Conyears-Ervin.[9]
- Thomas Fisher (D) is an emergency physician.[10] Highlighting his experience as a doctor, Fisher says he would support universal healthcare and would address "inadequate insurance, inflexible jobs, and a frayed safety net."[11] 314 Action endorsed Fisher.[12]
- La Shawn Ford (D) is a former teacher who was elected to the Illinois House in 2007. Ford says he would focus on creating jobs, improving public health, and supporting criminal justice reform.[13] Davis endorsed Ford.[14]
- Jason Friedman (D) is the owner and former president of a real estate business.[15][16] Friedman says he would work to create jobs, support unions, and improve the education system.[17] The Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs endorsed Friedman.[18]
Multiple candidates are campaigning on their political experience. Boykins says he "spent decades developing relationships at all levels of government" and would be able to allocate federal funding to the district.[3] Highlighting her experience as Chicago Treasurer, Conyears-Ervin says she would be able to "expand pathways for homeownership, grow small-business opportunities, and encourage responsible investment."[8] Ford says his legislative career has been "rooted in trust, accessibility, and the belief that government should open doors."[13] Highlighting his work in the office of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Friedman says he has a "background in public service and Democratic causes."[15]
Collins and Conyears-Ervin both ran in previous Democratic primaries for the district. Collins received 14% of the vote in 2020, 46% in 2022, and 19% in 2024. Conyears-Ervin received 21% of the vote in 2024.
As of November 2025, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, Inside Elections with Nathan Gonzales, and Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball each rated the general election Safe/Solid Democratic.
Also running in the primary are Anthony Driver Jr. (D), David Ehrlich (D), Rory Hoskins (D), Anabel Mendoza (D), Jazmin Robinson (D), Reed Showalter (D), and Felix Tello (D).
Elections
2026
See also: Illinois' 7th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on March 17, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.
General election for U.S. House Illinois District 7
Nathan Billips and Anita Rao are running in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 7 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Nathan Billips (Independent) | |
| Anita Rao (Independent) | ||
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7
The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7 on March 17, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Richard Boykin | |
 | Kina Collins | |
 | Melissa Conyears-Ervin | |
 | Anthony Driver Jr. | |
 | David Ehrlich | |
 | Thomas Fisher | |
 | La Shawn Ford | |
 | Jason Friedman | |
 | Rory Hoskins | |
 | Anabel Mendoza | |
 | Jazmin Robinson | |
 | Reed Showalter | |
 | Felix Tello | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Danica Leigh (D)
- Kamaria Kali (D)
- Jerico Brown (D)
- William Volny (D)
- John McCombs (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7
Patricia Easley and Chad Koppie are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7 on March 17, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Patricia Easley | |
 | Chad Koppie | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Tekita Martinez (R)
Polls
- See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from RealClearPolitics, when available. We will regularly check for polling aggregation for this race and add polls here once available. To notify us of polls available for this race, please email us.
Election campaign finance
Candidate spending
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Boykin | Democratic Party | $129,285 | $79,500 | $49,785 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Kina Collins | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Melissa Conyears-Ervin | Democratic Party | $225,375 | $10,332 | $223,775 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Anthony Driver Jr. | Democratic Party | $102,600 | $27,436 | $75,164 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| David Ehrlich | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Thomas Fisher | Democratic Party | $377,899 | $54,681 | $323,217 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| La Shawn Ford | Democratic Party | $256,631 | $23,457 | $233,174 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Jason Friedman | Democratic Party | $1,500,959 | $416,508 | $1,084,451 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Rory Hoskins | Democratic Party | $101,631 | $45,975 | $55,656 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Anabel Mendoza | Democratic Party | $24,925 | $18,512 | $6,413 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Jazmin Robinson | Democratic Party | $9,067 | $8,942 | $125 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Reed Showalter | Democratic Party | $103,210 | $4,078 | $99,132 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Felix Tello | Democratic Party | $8,410 | $1,898 | $6,512 | As of September 30, 2025 |
|
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
|||||
Satellite spending
- See also: Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[19][20][21]
If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add, email us.
| By candidate | By election |
|---|---|
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: Illinois' 7th Congressional District election, 2024
Illinois' 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 19 Republican primary)
Illinois' 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 19 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Illinois District 7
Incumbent Danny K. Davis defeated Chad Koppie, Lien Choi, and Lowell Seida in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 7 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Danny K. Davis (D) | 83.3 | 222,408 |
| Chad Koppie (R) | 16.7 | 44,598 | |
 | Lien Choi (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 133 | |
 | Lowell Seida (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 13 | |
| Total votes: 267,152 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7
Incumbent Danny K. Davis defeated Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Kina Collins, Nikhil Bhatia, and Kouri Marshall in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7 on March 19, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Danny K. Davis | 52.4 | 42,248 |
| Melissa Conyears-Ervin | 21.3 | 17,154 | |
| Kina Collins | 18.9 | 15,188 | |
 | Nikhil Bhatia | 4.7 | 3,808 | |
 | Kouri Marshall | 2.7 | 2,156 | |
| Total votes: 80,554 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Rhonda Sherrod (D)
- Kip Knutson (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7
Chad Koppie advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7 on March 19, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chad Koppie | 100.0 | 5,604 |
| Total votes: 5,604 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Collins in this election.
2022
See also: Illinois' 7th Congressional District election, 2022
General election
General election for U.S. House Illinois District 7
Incumbent Danny K. Davis defeated Chad Koppie, Roger Romanelli, and Joshua Loyd in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 7 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Danny K. Davis (D) | 99.9 | 167,650 |
| Chad Koppie (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 83 | |
| Roger Romanelli (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 10 | ||
 | Joshua Loyd (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 3 | |
| Total votes: 167,746 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7
Incumbent Danny K. Davis defeated Kina Collins and Denarvis Mendenhall in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 7 on June 28, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Danny K. Davis | 51.9 | 39,230 |
| Kina Collins | 45.7 | 34,574 | |
 | Denarvis Mendenhall | 2.4 | 1,808 | |
| Total votes: 75,612 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Edward Ward (D)
2020
See also: Illinois State Senate elections, 2020
General election
General election for Illinois State Senate District 7
Incumbent Heather Steans won election in the general election for Illinois State Senate District 7 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Heather Steans (D) | 100.0 | 90,009 |
| Total votes: 90,009 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Illinois State Senate District 7
Incumbent Heather Steans advanced from the Democratic primary for Illinois State Senate District 7 on March 17, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Heather Steans | 100.0 | 47,121 |
| Total votes: 47,121 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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Campaign website
Collins' campaign website stated the following:
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Our Campaign’s Top Issues
KINA BELIEVES IN
A Moral Vision for Chicago 7th
Our district is rich in history, culture, and courage, from the Great Migration to the Great Recession, the people of the 7th have never stopped fighting for what’s right. We are the workers, the dreamers, the parents, the organizers, and the elders who built Chicago from the ground up. Yet, too often, our government has failed to match our courage with its care.
We see it every day, in the senior rationing insulin, the teacher buying supplies out of her paycheck, the renter choosing between groceries and rent, the youth dodging bullets on their walk home. These are not the inevitable outcomes of urban life; they are the consequences of policy choices. And we have the power to choose differently.
My vision for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District is simple but profound: every person deserves to live with dignity, safety, and opportunity, no exceptions. That means Medicare for All, housing as a human right, fair wages, clean air and water, and an economy that centers people over profit. It means investing in communities, not cages, in schools, not prisons, in peace, not perpetual war.
It means ending the false choices that divide us, between safety and justice, growth and equity, or prosperity and sustainability. We can have all of these if we build a government as bold and compassionate as the people it serves.
In Congress, I will not only advocate for policies but also fight for our people. For the single parent in Austin working two jobs without healthcare. For the union worker in Bellwood demanding fair wages. For the immigrant family in Pilsen, seeking safety and a sense of belonging. For the young people in West Englewood, daring to dream of a future without violence or fear.
Our struggle is collective, and so is our liberation. The path forward will be built by all of us, organizers, faith leaders, youth, and elders, standing shoulder to shoulder, demanding what we deserve: a government that loves us back.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Dignity for Seniors
Our elders built this district; they deserve to age with dignity, stability, and care. I’ll fight to protect Social Security and Medicare, lower prescription drug costs, expand home- and community-based care, and ensure every senior in the 7th can live a full and supported life.
In Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, nearly one in five residents is over the age of 60, and far too many are struggling to make ends meet. The average Social Security benefit barely covers the cost of rent in Chicago, and prescription drug prices have more than tripled over the past decade. In neighborhoods like Austin and Lawndale, many seniors live on fixed incomes in aging housing stock that’s unsafe or inaccessible, while vital programs like Meals on Wheels and in-home care remain underfunded.Our elders deserve better.
They deserve the peace of mind they have earned through a lifetime of work and contribution. That’s why I will protect and expand Social Security and Medicare, not cut them. I’ll oppose any effort to raise the retirement age or privatize these essential programs. Instead, I’ll support the Social Security 2100 Act (H.R. 4583), which strengthens the trust fund, expands benefits, and ensures every senior can retire with dignity.
I will also champion the Medicare for All Act (H.R. 3421), ensuring that every senior and every person has full coverage for vision, dental, hearing, and long-term care. No one should have to skip medication or delay care because of cost.
To make prescription drugs affordable, I’ll build on the Inflation Reduction Act’s progress by supporting legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate all drug prices and cap insulin costs at $35 for everyone, not just those on Medicare.
Aging with dignity also means being able to remain safely in your home and community. I’ll co-sponsor the Better Care Better Jobs Act, which expands funding for home- and community-based services (HCBS) so that older adults can receive care at home, caregivers can earn living wages, and families can breathe easier knowing their loved ones are supported.
For seniors facing housing insecurity, I’ll support the Affordable Housing for Seniors Act, which expands Section 202 housing programs and invests in retrofitting public housing for accessibility and energy efficiency.
And because too many of our elders live in isolation, I’ll push for federal investment in senior centers, digital literacy programs, and mental health supports to combat loneliness and strengthen intergenerational connections across our communities.
Our elders are the backbone of this district: veterans, retired teachers, caregivers, and lifelong organizers who fought for the rights we now enjoy. We owe them more than survival; we owe them joy, security, and respect.
In Congress, I’ll make sure every senior in Illinois’ 7th District can age with dignity, surrounded by care, community, and love.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Economic Development
Building a Strong, Inclusive Local Economy
A strong economy starts with investing in the people, neighborhoods, and businesses of our communities. In the 7th Congressional District, we have immense talent, creativity, and potential, but systemic inequities too often block our communities from thriving. In Congress, I will fight for policies that create good jobs, support small businesses, expand access to capital, and ensure economic justice for all residents.
Support for Small and Local Businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. I will:
Increase access to capital for local entrepreneurs, particularly women, Black, Latino, and immigrant-owned businesses, through programs like the Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Advantage Program and federal grant initiatives like the Build Back Better Small Business Investment Fund.
Expand community development financial institutions (CDFIs) by supporting legislation such as the CDFI Fund Reauthorization Act, ensuring underserved neighborhoods can access loans, credit, and business services.
Incentivize locally-owned businesses to grow through federal tax credits, workforce development support, and procurement opportunities.
Workforce Development & Job Creation
Every resident deserves access to meaningful, well-paying work. I will:
Invest in job training programs aligned with high-demand industries such as clean energy, technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing through support for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and targeted federal grants.
Support apprenticeship programs and union partnerships, connecting students and young adults to career-track opportunities through legislation like the National Apprenticeship Act.
Promote equitable employment for returning citizens by expanding programs under the Second Chance Act and advocating for federal contracts to prioritize businesses that hire formerly incarcerated individuals.
Expand funding for YouthBuild programs, linking skills development directly to local housing, energy, and infrastructure projects.
Innovation & Green Economy
Our local economy should lead the way in sustainability and innovation. I will:
Champion investment in green infrastructure and renewable energy jobs through programs like the Green New Deal, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and funding initiatives under the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
Support small businesses in clean energy and sustainable agriculture, leveraging federal grant programs such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program.
Encourage tech and innovation hubs in underserved neighborhoods, providing residents access to mentorship, tools, and networks through federal initiatives like the TechHire program and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
Community Revitalization & Equitable Development
Economic growth should lift neighborhoods, not displace them. I will:
Expand affordable housing and small business support in redevelopment projects using programs like the National Housing Trust Fund, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and Opportunity Zones with equity protections.
Promote local hiring requirements for federally-funded infrastructure projects through legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Invest in arts and culture as economic drivers, leveraging federal initiatives like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants to support local artists and cultural institutions.
Fair and Inclusive Economic Policy
Economic policy must reduce disparities and create opportunities for everyone. I will:
Raise the federal minimum wage through support for legislation like the Raise the Wage Act. I support a federal minimum wage of at least $25/hr.
Protect workers’ rights, including collective bargaining, paid leave, and equitable access to benefits through the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
Invest in public transportation and broadband, linking communities to jobs, education, and opportunity through programs funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD).
KINA BELIEVES IN
Constituent Services
Commitment to Improved Constituent Services
As your Congresswoman, I am dedicated to ensuring that the residents of Illinois’ 7th Congressional District have a federal office that is accessible, responsive, and accountable. I believe that effective representation begins with listening to the community, understanding your needs, and providing timely assistance with federal programs and services.
My office will prioritize:
Accessibility for All Residents: Every constituent should have multiple ways to contact our office, including in-person appointments, virtual consultations, phone, and email support. We will ensure language access and culturally competent services to serve all residents.
Responsive Casework: Whether it’s Social Security, veterans’ benefits, immigration inquiries, or federal grant programs, my office will provide expert guidance and hands-on support to help residents navigate federal bureaucracy efficiently and compassionately.
Community Engagement & Accountability: I will hold regular town halls, listening sessions, and neighborhood visits throughout the 7th District to ensure your voice shapes policy priorities and federal initiatives. We will publish regular updates on casework outcomes and constituent concerns to maintain transparency and trust.
Youth and Marginalized Populations: Our office will create programs specifically designed to ensure that young people, communities of color, and historically underserved populations have access to information, services, and civic participation opportunities.
I am committed to bringing the power of Congress to your neighborhood and ensuring that no constituent feels unheard, overlooked, or unsupported. Together, we can build a district office that truly works for the people, by the people, and with the people.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Tax Justice
Making the Wealthy Pay Their Fair Share
Economic fairness starts with ensuring that the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to our communities. In Congress, I will fight to close loopholes, eliminate tax breaks that favor the ultra-rich, and invest the resulting revenue into programs that lift working families, expand opportunity, and strengthen the local economy in the 7th District.
I support proposals like Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Ultra-Millionaire Tax, which would impose an annual tax on households with a net worth above $50 million. This tax would generate revenue to fund universal childcare, tuition-free public college, and expanded health care access. I also support Senator Bernie Sanders’ wealth tax proposals on households with wealth over $32 million, creating a system where those who have benefited most from our economy contribute meaningfully to the public good.
No one should have to struggle to make ends meet while a handful of billionaires avoid paying their fair share. I will fight for a tax system that is progressive, fair, and just, ensuring that those who have benefited most from our economy contribute to building stronger communities, schools, and infrastructure in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District.
Closing Tax Loopholes
I will fight to:
Eliminate tax loopholes for hedge funds, private equity, and carried interest, ensuring that income from investments is taxed at the same rate as wages.
Crack down on offshore tax havens and corporate shelters that allow the wealthiest individuals and large corporations to avoid paying taxes.
Close loopholes that favor inheritance for the ultra-wealthy, ensuring estates over $50 million are fairly taxed under proposals like the For the 99.5% Act (Warren/Sanders).
Corporate Responsibility
I will champion policies to hold corporations accountable and ensure they contribute to the communities they profit from:
Implement a financial transaction tax, as proposed in progressive budgets, to generate revenue from high-volume trading and speculative activity.
Strengthen corporate tax enforcement to prevent large multinational corporations from avoiding U.S. taxes, as outlined in Bernie Sanders’ corporate responsibility proposals.
Require publicly traded companies to disclose CEO-to-worker pay ratios, promoting transparency and equitable compensation practices.
Funding Social Programs for Working Families
Revenue generated from fair taxation will be reinvested in:
Universal childcare and early education programs
Tuition-free public higher education and expanded Pell Grants
Expanded access to Medicare and public health initiatives
Workforce development, clean energy jobs, and community infrastructure projects
Affordable housing and small business support in underserved communities
YOUR NAME BELIEVES IN
Healthcare Coverage + Equity
Every resident of Illinois’ 7th Congressional District deserves full access to quality, affordable healthcare. Health care is a fundamental human right, yet millions of Americans still face barriers to care, high costs, and discriminatory practices. I am committed to transforming our health system to meet the needs of every family, every child, and every senior in our district.
Single Payer, Medicare-for-All
I will fight for a universal, single-payer Medicare-for-all system, ensuring that all residents, including immigrants and undocumented individuals, have access to comprehensive, quality healthcare. This system will address disparities in access, reduce administrative waste, and contain long-term costs through increased bargaining power. While we work toward this vision, I will also focus on closing gaps in coverage within the existing healthcare system, making sure no one falls through the cracks.
Culturally Competent Medical Care
Healthcare must be accessible to all, regardless of language or background. I will support legislation requiring insurance providers, including Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurers, to cover interpretation and translation services as part of standard patient care. By funding language services, we can dramatically improve outcomes for non-English speakers and ESL communities, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving care.
Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights in Healthcare
I will fight to preserve and strengthen protections for the LGBTQ+ community, safeguarding access to necessary medical care, mental health services, and substance use treatment. This includes addressing root causes of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse by supporting legislation such as the Customer Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act. Every person deserves the ability to live a healthy, dignified life without discrimination.
Preserving Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP
Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP collectively serve more than 130 million Americans, including seniors, children, and working families. In Congress, I will advocate for the preservation and long-term sustainability of these programs, ensuring they remain a reliable safety net for future generations.
Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure
Strong public health systems are critical to prevention, crisis response, and community well-being. I will support continued CDC grants and federal resources for workforce training, public health infrastructure, and updated information systems. This will empower states and communities to respond to health emergencies, reduce disparities, and save lives.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Democracy for the People
Our democracy works best when everyone has an equal voice and an equal vote. But right now, billionaires, lobbyists, and special interests wield far too much power, drowning out the voices of everyday people. That’s why I proudly support H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a bold reform package to put power back where it belongs: in the hands of the people.
The For the People Act is a historic step toward building a government that is transparent, accountable, and truly representative of the people it serves. It’s about protecting our right to vote, ending political corruption, and restoring faith in our democracy.
Kina’s Priorities:
Protect and Expand the Right to Vote
Establish automatic and same-day voter registration.
End partisan gerrymandering by requiring independent redistricting commissions.
Restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated people who have completed their sentences.
Expand early voting and vote-by-mail options nationwide.
Make Election Day a federal holiday so every working person can cast their ballot.
Get Big Money Out of Politics
Overturn Citizens United and end unlimited corporate spending in our elections.
Require transparency in campaign donations and ban dark money groups from buying influence.
Support public financing of campaigns through small-dollar matching, ensuring that working people, not wealthy donors, decide who represents us.
Strengthen Ethics and Accountability in Government
Enforce strong conflict-of-interest and ethics rules for members of Congress and the Supreme Court.
Close the revolving door between Congress and corporate lobbyists.
Require presidential candidates to disclose tax returns and financial interests.
Ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks while in office.
Build a Democracy That Includes Everyone
Protect voting access for people with disabilities, seniors, and those living in rural or underserved areas.
Strengthen language access and ballot materials for multilingual communities.
Defend the voting rights of Black, Brown, and Indigenous voters who have faced systemic suppression for generations.
Kina Collins believes that democracy is not a privilege; it’s a right.
The For the People Act is more than legislation; it’s a promise to rebuild trust in government, ensure every vote counts, and make Washington work for all of us, not just the wealthy few. I will fight to pass these reforms and continue the work of creating a democracy that truly reflects the people it represents.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Reproductive and Sexual Health
Protecting a Woman’s Right to Choose
I will fight to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services and disproportionately impacts low-income women, women of color, immigrants, and young people who rely on Medicaid.
Expanding Access to Sexual Health Education
Every young person deserves comprehensive, medically accurate sexual health education, inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth. I will oppose efforts to defund evidence-based programs such as the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP), and I will fight to protect Title X funding, ensuring that clinics like Planned Parenthood continue providing critical care.
Supporting the Women’s Health Protection Act
I will champion the Women’s Health Protection Act, which protects access to reproductive healthcare by prohibiting restrictive state and federal laws. This includes preventing crisis pregnancy centers from withholding full and accurate healthcare information from expectant mothers.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Maternal Health
Supporting the MOMMA Act
I support the Mothers and Offspring Maternal & Morbidity Awareness (MOMMA) Act, introduced by Representative Robin Kelly. This legislation tackles the alarming rise in Black maternal mortality by:
Establishing standardized obstetric care protocols,
Improving data collection systems, and
Extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers up to one year postpartum.
Expanding Access to Alternative Birthing Options
Doulas, midwives, lactation counselors, and other paraprofessionals are essential yet underutilized resources in maternal care. I will fight to expand access to these services by:
Licensing and standardizing care for doulas and midwives,
Improving postpartum mental health services,
Reducing disparities in breastfeeding support, and
Ensuring holistic care is covered by public and private insurance.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Public Health and Safety
Public health is the foundation of strong, resilient communities.
In Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, we face urgent challenges, gun violence, trauma, environmental hazards, housing insecurity, and inequitable access to healthy food. I will fight in Congress to address these issues comprehensively, with a focus on prevention, equity, and community empowerment.
Gun Violence
Gun violence is a public health epidemic, and it continues to devastate neighborhoods despite Illinois’ strong state laws. I will support federal legislation to:
Ban assault weapons, bump stocks, and high-capacity magazines.
Raise the legal age for gun purchases to 21 and require comprehensive background checks for all gun sales, closing loopholes that allow guns to flow from states with weaker laws.
Fund the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to study gun violence as a public health crisis, ensuring research is robust, well-resourced, and actionable.
Support the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act, closing loopholes that allow individuals with histories of domestic abuse to obtain firearms.
Gun violence prevention requires both legislation and community-based strategies to protect lives and promote safety in every neighborhood.
Trauma
Trauma affects children, families, and entire communities. I will champion:
Investments in trauma-informed education, ensuring students have access to safe and supportive learning environments.
Flexible funding for local initiatives, allowing schools and community organizations to pilot innovative approaches to address childhood and community trauma.
Programs that help families heal from violence, addiction, and other forms of adversity, recognizing that trauma impacts long-term health, education, and economic outcomes.
Substance Abuse as a Public Health Emergency
Addiction and substance use disorders are public health crises, not crimes. The federal war on drugs has criminalized addiction, devastated communities, and diverted resources away from prevention and treatment. As your Congresswoman, I will reframe our approach, prioritizing prevention, treatment, and recovery over incarceration.
I strongly support the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Elijah Cummings. This landmark legislation proposes $100 billion in long-term investment to states and communities most affected by the opioid crisis. It represents the kind of decisive, sustained action we need to address addiction and its ripple effects on families and communities.
Environment & Climate Health
Environmental justice is public health justice. I will act to:
Combat climate change, sponsoring legislation to reduce pollution and mitigate extreme weather and heat events that disproportionately impact low-income communities.
Streamline federal data collection, linking environmental conditions to health outcomes so that policies and programs address real, measurable community needs.
Protect neighborhoods from environmental hazards like lead contamination and air pollution, with a focus on vulnerable populations and frontline communities.
Housing & Health
Safe, healthy housing is essential for physical and mental well-being. I will:
Expand Medicaid funding to support housing-related health interventions, helping families access stable and healthy homes.
Advance equitable housing policies, including the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, to promote desegregation and opportunity.
Strengthen Housing Choice Voucher programs, expanding subsidies so more families can choose safe, high-quality housing without fear of displacement or overcrowding.
Healthy Food & Nutrition
Access to nutritious food is a basic determinant of health. I will fight to:
Address food deserts by supporting federal tax credits and grants for full-service grocery stores in underserved communities.
Incentivize smaller retailers to stock healthy and affordable food options.
Expand the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, providing sustainable investment to ensure all residents have access to fresh produce and nutritious meals within walking distance.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Affordable Housing
Safe, Affordable, and Equitable Homes for All
Access to safe, affordable housing is a cornerstone of thriving communities. In Congress, I will fight for policies that protect tenants, expand homeownership opportunities, and ensure equitable access to housing across the 7th District and the nation.
Protecting Renters and Federal Housing Programs
Families deserve stability and dignity in their homes. I will:
Protect existing federal rental assistance programs and fight against unsustainable rent increases that burden families.
Expand Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) so more households can choose where they live without compromising their financial security.
Increase funding for the National Housing Trust Fund, supporting the development and preservation of affordable housing.
Renew funding for HUD’s Section 202 program, the only federal program explicitly serving seniors, which has not supported new construction since 2011.
Expand Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs, connecting families to opportunities that help them achieve long-term financial independence.
Pathways to Homeownership
I believe every family should have a fair shot at owning a home. I will:
Support legislation that expands federal assistance for low-income families seeking to purchase homes.
Invest federal funding in creating diverse housing stock, putting more money in the pockets of renters earning under $100,000 who spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
Advocate for pilot programs providing federal matching funds to states developing comprehensive smart growth plans that integrate both affordable and market-rate housing.
Housing Equity and Fair Access
Equity and inclusion are essential in housing policy. I will:
Promote Medicaid support for housing-related services, recognizing the strong link between stable housing and health outcomes.
Advance the Affirmatively Further Fair Housing rule, ensuring equitable access to housing for all communities.
Ensure green space equity in public housing planning, collaborating with federal, state, and local stakeholders to improve access to parks and community spaces.
Expand VAWA protections to cover private housing, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Support access for formerly incarcerated individuals, removing barriers to federal housing assistance and banning discrimination based on marijuana convictions.
Supporting Artists and Youth in Housing
Housing isn’t just about shelter; it’s about building vibrant, creative communities. I will:
Establish federal incentives for municipalities to reserve affordable housing for certified, income-eligible artists, supporting cultural vitality in our neighborhoods.
Increase funding for YouthBuild programs, which provide disconnected youth with education, professional skills, and the opportunity to contribute to affordable housing construction in their communities.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Criminal Justice Reform
Safety, Fairness, and Community-Centered Justice
Our justice system should protect communities, rehabilitate individuals, and ensure fairness for all, not exacerbate inequities or criminalize poverty. In Congress, I will champion reforms that support youth, reduce mass incarceration, and create a more equitable, humane system for everyone.
Juvenile Justice Reform
Children deserve guidance and support, not a life marked by incarceration. I will:
Support the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, including amendments to raise the age of adult prosecution to 18 and end federal juvenile life without parole sentences.
Guarantee legal representation for migrant and unaccompanied children, ensuring fairness in immigration proceedings similar to protections in criminal court.
Decriminalizing Poverty
Our justice system should not punish people for being poor. I will:
End the cash bail system, supporting the No Money Bail Act of 2017, which encourages alternatives that ensure court appearances without punishing low-income defendants.
Limit exploitative fees, including excessive charges for inmate phone services, so families are not financially burdened by incarceration.
Reframe substance use as a public health issue, expanding access to drug courts, treatment, and support rather than incarceration.
Legalize and deschedule marijuana, commuting or expunging federal convictions related to marijuana possession, while reducing incarceration and allowing states to regulate responsibly.
Prison Reform
Prisons should focus on rehabilitation, fairness, and restoring dignity. I will:
Sponsor sentencing reform, tackling policies that perpetuate racial inequities, and reducing overly harsh sentences.
Ban private prison contracts at the federal and state levels, removing profit incentives from incarceration.
Reinstate parole and strengthen early release programs, expand good time credit, and incentivize recidivism reduction programs.
Abolish federal capital punishment, eliminating a morally and racially inequitable system.
Support compassionate release, especially for elderly and medically vulnerable inmates.
Law Enforcement Reform
Public safety requires accountability and trust. I will:
Establish a US Commission on Criminal Justice, conducting a national review and issuing recommendations for systemic reform.
Create a federally-mandated database of police shootings, ensuring accurate reporting to inform policy and public awareness.
Support independent investigations of officer-involved fatalities and in-custody deaths, including sexual assault cases.
Expand community policing and mental health response teams, integrating social workers and crisis counselors into law enforcement.
Justice should not end at the prison gate. I will:
Remove barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals, restoring access to public housing, SNAP, employment, professional licenses, voting, and education.
Stop census gerrymandering, ensuring incarcerated individuals are counted at their home address, not in prison locations.
Justice-Involved Women
Women in the justice system face unique challenges that require gender-responsive solutions. I will:
Promote trauma-informed care, including family visitation, reproductive and behavioral health, and pretrial services.
Support policies that maximize rehabilitation, reunification, and successful reentry, addressing the systemic inequities faced by incarcerated women.
Improve school discipline policies, guiding the Department of Education to support culturally competent, gender-informed approaches that prevent school-to-prison pipelines.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Investing in Education
Investing in Students, Teachers, and Communities
Every child, adult, and lifelong learner deserves access to high-quality education, safe schools, and opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and professionally. I will fight for policies that close achievement gaps, expand access, and empower communities to succeed.
Early Education
The foundation for lifelong learning begins in early childhood. I will:
Increase funding for maternal and early childhood programs, including the Maternal, Infant, and Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) and WIC, ensuring children and families receive the care and resources they need.
Expand Head Start and Early Head Start across the 7th District, providing low-income families with access to quality early learning programs.
Support consistent data collection in early education, creating a framework to track and improve outcomes across early childhood providers.
K-12 Education
Students deserve safe, supportive, and well-resourced schools. I will:
Fund school-based mental health initiatives that promote social and emotional wellness and ensure equitable access to counseling and support services.
Protect evidence-based programs like the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP) and expand healthy school meals through the Farm to School Act, connecting children with nutritious local foods.
Expand STEM and arts education, including grants targeting girls and underrepresented minorities, and increase support for career and technical education programs that include the arts.
Support teacher diversity and accountability, including recruiting teachers of color and funding pilot programs that increase graduation rates for minority students.
Invest in trauma-informed schools and restorative justice programs, funding counselors rather than additional police presence in schools.
Higher Education
Access to college should be a right, not a burden. I will:
Champion debt-free public higher education, supporting federal funding to make public college tuition, fees, and living expenses fully covered.
Allow student loan refinancing to reduce interest rates for borrowers and relieve financial strain.
Hold institutions accountable for the success of minority, low-income, and ELL students, ensuring that federal resources target those who need them most.
Pursue one-time student debt cancellation, helping nearly 50 million Americans overcome nearly $1.5 trillion in collective student debt.
Career & Continuing Education
Learning doesn’t stop after high school or college. I will:
Support the Youth Access to American Jobs Act, funding partnerships that guide students from high school into career pathways, apprenticeships, and workforce training.
Provide wraparound services for adult learners, including child care, health care, and elder care support to help adults complete education and career programs.
Increase funding for adult ESL programs through Title II of WIOA, ensuring adults gain the language and literacy skills necessary to succeed academically and professionally.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Protecting our Planet
Environment: Protecting Our Communities and Planet
Environmental justice is a public health issue, an economic issue, and a civil rights issue. As your Congresswoman, I will fight to ensure that every community, especially low-income and marginalized neighborhoods, has access to clean air, safe water, healthy food, and sustainable energy.
Climate Readiness & Mitigation
Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. In Congress, I will:
Tie federal climate resilience funding to community engagement, requiring low-income and minority populations to be included in planning and development decisions.
Increase funding for agencies studying climate change, including the EPA, NASA, NOAA, and the Department of the Interior.
Support locally-driven research in states and municipalities most impacted by climate threats to identify solutions tailored to community needs.
Lead Poisoning & Childhood Asthma Prevention
Our children’s health is also threatened by environmental hazards. Research shows that parts of the 7th Congressional District face dangerous levels of lead in water and air toxins that contribute to high rates of lead poisoning and childhood asthma, disproportionately impacting working-class Black and Latinx communities.
As your Congresswoman, I will treat these threats as national public health emergencies. I will work to create a national task force of experts and community leaders dedicated to preventing lead exposure and reducing asthma triggers in schools and neighborhoods. Strong and swift investments in prevention, remediation, and community health programs can protect entire generations of children from lifelong damage.
Public Health & Environmental Justice
Environmental hazards are public health crises. I will:
Ensure health insurers cover care for pollution-related illnesses and advocate for remediation of Superfund and contaminated sites in disproportionately impacted communities.
Push for data collection on environmental injustice, so we can track damage and take targeted action to prevent and repair harm.
Expand the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, creating access to grocery stores and sustainable farming programs in underserved communities.
Renewable Energy & Green Jobs
We must transition to a clean, equitable energy economy. I support:
A Green New Deal and rapid decarbonization of the power grid, aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2035.
Rejoin the Paris Climate Accords and commit to significant carbon emission reductions across all sectors.
Expanding STEAM education and financing programs for small businesses developing clean energy technologies, ensuring equity in the emerging green workforce.
Reducing Toxics & Pollution
Communities deserve protection from environmental toxins. I will:
Empower the EPA to enforce and expand regulations on toxic waste in air, water, and soil.
Support the S.2183 - Superfund Polluter Pays Restoration Act of 2021, ensuring polluting industries fund the cleanup of affected communities.
Mass Transit & Electric Vehicles
Equitable transportation is key to a sustainable future. I will:
Protect and expand tax incentives for EV buyers and manufacturers, promoting clean technology.
Create a regional planning body to improve access to safe, sustainable transit options in all neighborhoods.
Prioritize electrification in low-income and minority communities, which often rely on public transit but have historically been overlooked.
Protecting Public Lands & Tribal Sovereignty
Our public lands and natural resources are national treasures. In Congress, I will:
Promote equitable access to green spaces in federal housing developments and zoning decisions.
Expand protections for federal wilderness areas, curbing resource extraction to protect ecosystems, coastal regions, and climate stability.
Uphold the sovereignty of Tribal Nations, working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, EPA, and the Interior Department to respect tribal rights over water, land, and energy infrastructure projects.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Immigration Reform
Protecting Families and Building Inclusive Communities
Immigration is at the heart of American strength and diversity. In Congress, I will fight to resist cruel policies, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure that immigrant communities in the 7th District and across the nation can thrive with dignity, safety, and opportunity.
Resisting Cruel Policies & Ending Family Separation
Immigration enforcement should protect people, not punish families. I will advocate to:
End ICE enforcement funding for deportation activities, while redirecting essential functions, like human trafficking investigations, to other federal agencies.
Protect asylum seekers, including those fleeing domestic violence and gang persecution, ensuring their right to seek safety in the U.S.
Guarantee legal representation for all immigrants and undocumented individuals, including those detained in ICE facilities, free of charge.
Oppose linking protections for DREAMers to border wall funding, and reject independent funding for walls that cost billions without improving safety.
I also support renewed U.S. leadership abroad, including targeted foreign aid to help vulnerable populations forced to flee their countries due to political unrest, violence, or poverty.
Improving Protections
Dreamers and other undocumented immigrants deserve certainty and opportunity. I will:
Pass a clean DREAM Act, providing permanent legal status for the nearly 800,000 young people brought to the U.S. as children.
Support comprehensive immigration reform, creating pathways to citizenship for immigrant residents and increasing visas for skilled workers.
Empowering Immigrant Communities
Immigrant communities enrich our neighborhoods, schools, and economy. I will work to:
Protect the Census, opposing any citizenship question and safeguarding accurate population counts.
Expand educational opportunities, including increased federal support for English Language Learners, universal Pre-K, and Title 1 funding for schools serving diverse populations.
Preserve affordable housing and identify funding for cultural and community development projects, ensuring immigrant neighborhoods remain vibrant and stable.
I proudly support the platforms of ICIRR and the We Are All America Coalition, working to protect refugees, uphold human rights, and restore core American values.
YOUR NAME BELIEVES IN
Reparations
Reparations for Descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery
The United States has yet to address the profound intergenerational harm caused by chattel slavery and the systemic exclusion of Black Americans from wealth, education, and opportunity.
As your Congresswoman, I will fight for reparations policies designed specifically for descendants of U.S. chattel slavery, ensuring accountability, justice, and long-term investment in communities historically denied opportunity.
Federal Reparations Legislation
I strongly support H.R. 40 – Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans, which establishes a commission to:
Exclusively study the legacy of U.S. chattel slavery and its intergenerational effects on descendants.
Develop proposals tailored to reparations for descendants of U.S. chattel slavery, including direct financial payments, targeted community investments, and educational and health initiatives.
Coordinate with state and local governments to ensure reparative programs address historical inequities caused by slavery, Jim Crow, and other discriminatory policies.
By supporting H.R. 40, I will ensure that descendants of U.S. chattel slavery in the 7th Congressional District receive programs and resources designed to remedy the economic, educational, and social harm they have endured for generations.
Economic Justice & Community Investment
Reparations must go beyond direct payments. I will advocate for community-based economic investments that target neighborhoods and families descended from U.S. chattel slavery:
Homeownership programs to correct the historic exclusion of Black families from wealth-building opportunities through property ownership.
Business grants and entrepreneurship support for descendants of U.S. chattel slavery to encourage generational wealth creation and local economic development.
Targeted workforce development for industries including clean energy, technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, with an emphasis on creating high-paying, sustainable careers.
Education & Opportunity
Establish education equity funds that specifically address historic disparities affecting descendants of U.S. chattel slavery, from K-12 to higher education.
Provide tuition-free higher education and scholarships for descendants of U.S. chattel slavery, closing the opportunity gap caused by centuries of systemic exclusion.
Support programs that preserve and teach Black history and the history of slavery, ensuring communities understand the roots of structural inequities.
Health & Public Safety
Fund healthcare initiatives in communities historically denied access, including programs targeting maternal and infant mortality, chronic disease, mental health, and substance use.
Invest in public health infrastructure in neighborhoods where descendants of U.S. chattel slavery have faced environmental hazards, including lead contamination, poor air quality, and lack of access to healthy food.
Criminal Justice Reparations
Implement programs to address racial disparities in incarceration and policing that disproportionately impact descendants of U.S. chattel slavery.
Ensure formerly incarcerated descendants of U.S. chattel slavery have access to housing, employment, education, and social services, as a form of restorative justice.
Environmental Justice
Prioritize clean water, air, and safe housing in historically marginalized Black communities.
Direct federal investments in green infrastructure and sustainable development toward neighborhoods where descendants of U.S. chattel slavery live, correcting historic environmental injustices.
Accountability & Oversight
Create a National Reparations Task Force to track the implementation of reparations programs, measure outcomes, and ensure accountability to descendants of U.S. chattel slavery.
Require community representation on oversight committees to ensure reparations programs reflect the priorities and needs of the people they are designed to serv
KINA BELIEVES IN
Ending Wars + Supporting Veterans
The United States must prioritize diplomacy, accountability, and human life over endless military conflict. Our foreign policy should reflect justice, equity, and transparency, while fully supporting the veterans who have served our country.
As your Congresswoman, I will fight to end unnecessary wars, redirect wasted resources, and ensure that those who have sacrificed for our nation receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
Peace is not passive; it is a deliberate policy choice. Ending senseless wars protects lives abroad, strengthens our communities at home, and ensures that the veterans who have sacrificed the most receive the care, support, and respect they deserve. I will fight to ensure U.S. foreign policy reflects justice, accountability, and the real needs of our people.
Prioritizing Peace Through Legislation
Ceasefire Now (H.Res. 786)
I support the Ceasefire Now resolution introduced by Rep. Cori Bush, which calls for:
An immediate ceasefire in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Prompt facilitation of humanitarian aid into conflict zones.
Recognition that the killing of civilians violates international law.
Block the Bombs Act
I support this legislation to:
Withhold offensive weapons transfers until full compliance with U.S. and international law is verified.
Ensure congressional oversight of military assistance and accountability for how U.S. resources are used abroad.
Repeal of the 2002 Iraq War Authorization
I will work to repeal the outdated 2002 authorization, restoring Congress’s constitutional role in decisions about military action.War Powers Resolution (Iran)
I support measures to prevent unilateral military action, ensuring that any engagement of U.S. forces abroad is carefully considered and approved by Congress.Multilateral Diplomacy & Humanitarian Aid
Strengthen U.S. participation in the United Nations.
Expand unconditional humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
Promote diplomacy as the first line of defense, preventing unnecessary escalation and loss of life.
Redirecting Defense Spending to Support Veterans
The U.S. defense budget is bloated, yet many veterans still face challenges accessing care and resources. I will fight to:
Redirect a portion of defense spending toward comprehensive veteran services, including mental health care, job training, housing, and healthcare benefits.
Expand programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, VA hospitals, and PTSD/substance use treatment programs.
Audit defense contracts to eliminate wasteful spending and invest those resources in programs that directly support veterans and military families.
Veterans who have served faithfully deserve care, respect, and access to resources that meet their unique physical, mental, and economic needs.
KINA BELIEVES IN
Equality for LGBTQ+ Americans
Every person deserves to live free from discrimination, fear, and violence, regardless of who they are or who they love.
As your Congresswoman, I will fight for the full equality, safety, and dignity of LGBTQ+ people across Illinois’ 7th Congressional District and throughout the nation.
LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and they must be protected in every area of public life, from housing and employment to health care, education, and beyond. I will work to advance bold federal action that not only defends against attacks on equality, but expands the rights and protections our communities deserve.
Enshrining Equal Rights in Law
Pass the Equality Act (H.R. 15 / S.5)
I will fight to finally pass the Equality Act, which would:
Explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, education, credit, jury service, and public accommodations.
Expand the 1964 Civil Rights Act to ensure full federal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.
Pass the Do No Harm Act
Prevent misuse of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Protect access to reproductive and gender-affirming care, public services, and workplace protections without religious exemptions being used as a loophole for discrimination.
Protect Marriage Equality Act (Respect for Marriage Act - S. 4556)
Codify marriage equality into federal law to ensure that same-sex and interracial marriages remain legally recognized nationwide, no matter how the Supreme Court may rule in the future.
Ensuring Health, Safety, and Dignity
Protect Gender-Affirming Care
I will oppose any attempt, federal or state, to criminalize or restrict gender-affirming healthcare. Instead, I will champion legislation that:
Ensures access to medically necessary, evidence-based care for transgender and nonbinary people.
Expands funding for LGBTQ+ health clinics and inclusive mental health services.
Protects healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care from political attacks and harassment.
Increase Federal Funding for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth
Support legislation like the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act to provide shelter, safety, and affirming care for LGBTQ+ youth, who make up a disproportionate share of unhoused young people.
Ending Discrimination in Schools and Public Life
Pass the Safe Schools Improvement Act (H.R. 2653)
Mandate anti-bullying policies that protect LGBTQ+ youth in schools.
Ensure federal funding supports inclusive education and mental health supports for LGBTQ+ students.
End Book Bans and Censorship
Defend educators, libraries, and students from extremist efforts to erase queer history, books, and voices from our classrooms and communities.
Promote inclusive curricula that reflect the full diversity of American experiences.
Support the LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act (H.R. 4176)
Require federal agencies to collect voluntary data on sexual orientation and gender identity in surveys to ensure policies reflect the needs of LGBTQ+ communities.
Protecting LGBTQ+ Service Members and Veterans
Strengthen enforcement of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act to include protections for LGBTQ+ veterans and service members.
Expand VA healthcare services to include gender-affirming care and culturally competent mental health services for LGBTQ+ veterans.
Support the Restore Honor to Service Members Act to upgrade discharges for veterans forced out under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
My Commitment
In Congress, I will:
Defend LGBTQ+ rights from extremist attacks at every level of government.
Center the voices of trans and nonbinary people in policy decisions.
Work alongside movements like the Equality Federation, Human Rights Campaign, and National Black Justice Coalition to deliver lasting equity for our LGBTQ+ community.
— Kina Collins' campaign website (December 1, 2025)
Campaign ads
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2024
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2022
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House Illinois District 7 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kina Collins 2026 campaign website, "About Me," accessed November 24, 2025
- ↑ Austin Weekly News, "Richard Boykin announces candidacy for 7th District congressional seat," September 19, 2025
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Richard Boykin 2026 campaign website, "Meet Richard, accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ Richard Boykin 2026 campaign website, "The People’s Playbook: A Contract with the 7th District," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ Kina Collins 2026 campaign website, "About Me," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ Kina Collins 2026 campaign website, "Our Campaign's Top Issues," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ LegiStorm, "Former State Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Melissa Conyears-Ervin 2026 campaign website, "Home," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ Politico, "Will Durbin endorsement lose luster?" November 11, 2025
- ↑ Thomas Fisher 2026 campaign website, "Meet Dr. Thomas Fisher," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ Thomas Fisher 2026 campaign website, "Issues," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ 314 Action, "Thomas Fisher," accessed November 25, 2025
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 La Shawn Ford 2026 campaign website, "Experience That's Ready On Day One for the People of the 7th Congressional District," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ CBS News, "Congressman Danny Davis announces he won't run for re-election, endorses La Shawn Ford for his seat," July 31, 2025
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Jason Friedman 2026 campaign website, "Meet Jason," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Top candidates for the US House in Illinois’ 2nd, 7th, 8th and 9th districts for the 2026 election," August 19, 2025
- ↑ Jason Friedman 2026 campaign website, "Jason on the Issues," accessed November 23, 2025
- ↑ JAC, "Jason Friedman," accessed November 25, 2025
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," December 12, 2021
