Tamika La'Shon Hill

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Tamika La'Shon Hill
Image of Tamika La'Shon Hill

Candidate, U.S. House Illinois District 9

Elections and appointments
Next election

March 17, 2026

Education

High school

Thornton Township High School

Personal
Birthplace
Chicago, Ill.
Religion
Christianity
Profession
Public policy advocate
Contact

Tamika La'Shon Hill (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 9th Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on March 17, 2026.[source]

Hill completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Tamika La'Shon Hill was born in Chicago, Illinois. She earned a high school diploma from Thornton Township High School. Hill also attended Harper College, Colorado Technical University, and Benedictine University. Her career experience includes working as a public policy advocate. As of 2025, Hill was affiliated with the Rights of Americans Association National Committee.[1]

Elections

2026

See also: Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on March 17, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9

The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9 on March 17, 2026.


Candidate Connection = 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.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9

Rocio Cleveland and Mark Su are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9 on March 17, 2026.


Candidate Connection = 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.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Tamika La'Shon Hill completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hill's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I’m Tamika La’Shon Hill, a systems-driven reformer, grassroots organizer, and proud Chicagoan running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois’ 9th District. My journey—from federal candidate to President of the Rights Of Americans Association National Committee—has been defined by a relentless commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive civic empowerment.

I specialize in reverse-engineering complex compliance systems and building resilient campaign infrastructure that withstands scrutiny and uplifts communities. Whether I’m designing donor vetting dashboards, forensic audit protocols, or signature collection frameworks, my focus is always on operational clarity and legacy-building.

I’m organizing this campaign remotely from a nursing home, turning personal adversity into a rallying point for innovation and grassroots action. My lived experience fuels my fight for accessible governance, disability rights, and economic justice. I believe every voter deserves a representative who not only understands the system—but can redesign it to work for everyone.

This campaign isn’t just about winning a seat. It’s about setting new standards for how campaigns are run, how communities are engaged, and how leadership is passed on with dignity and purpose.
  • 1. Transparency isn’t optional—it’s foundational. I’m committed to building a campaign that sets a new standard for public accountability. From donor vetting dashboards to audit-resilient compliance frameworks, I believe voters deserve full clarity on how campaigns operate, raise funds, and make decisions. I don’t just talk about transparency—I operationalize it.
  • 2. Grassroots power can overcome any barrier. I’m organizing this campaign remotely from a nursing home, proving that physical limitations don’t limit civic leadership. By mobilizing volunteers, leveraging digital outreach, and designing inclusive systems, I’m showing that real representation starts with real people—wherever they are.
  • 3. Legacy matters. This campaign is about more than one election cycle. I’m building infrastructure that future candidates can inherit, stress-test, and improve. Whether it’s signature collection protocols, governance matrices, or community engagement tools, I’m laying the groundwork for lasting civic empowerment in Illinois’ 9th District and beyond.
I’m passionate about public policy that strengthens transparency, accessibility, and civic empowerment. I advocate for campaign finance reform that embeds audit resilience and donor accountability into every layer of fundraising. I champion disability rights and inclusive governance—organizing my campaign remotely from a nursing home has shown me how policy must evolve to meet people where they are. I also focus on legacy-building: designing systems and tools that future leaders can inherit, stress-test, and improve. My mission is to make government work for everyday people by demystifying its processes and empowering communities to lead.
I admire visionaries who build systems that outlast them—people who don’t just lead, but architect legacies. Folks like Shirley Chisholm, who didn’t wait for permission to run, and instead carved out a blueprint for generations of women and marginalized voices to follow. Or someone like Ella Baker, who believed in grassroots power and decentralized leadership long before it was trendy. Their brilliance wasn’t just in what they said—it was in how they operationalized justice.
🧭 Integrity and Transparency

Upholding ethical standards in every decision.

Making campaign finances, policy positions, and governance processes fully accessible to the public.

🧠 Competence and Clarity
Understanding the systems they’re elected to oversee—and being able to explain them clearly.

Designing solutions that are not just visionary but operationally sound.

🫱🏽‍🫲🏿 Responsiveness and Accessibility
Listening to constituents, especially those historically excluded.

Creating channels for feedback, participation, and real-time accountability.

🛠️ Resilience and Adaptability
Navigating challenges with creativity and grit.

Turning obstacles into opportunities for reform and empowerment.

🧬 Legacy-Minded Leadership
Building infrastructure that future leaders can inherit and improve.

Prioritizing long-term impact over short-term optics.
An elected representative in Congress must serve as both a steward of public trust and an architect of systemic change. The core responsibilities include:

Legislating with clarity and integrity: Crafting laws that reflect the needs of constituents, while ensuring transparency in how those laws are developed, debated, and passed.

Oversight and accountability: Monitoring federal agencies, budgets, and executive actions to ensure ethical governance and fiscal responsibility.

Constituent advocacy: Listening to and elevating the voices of the district—especially those historically marginalized—and translating their concerns into actionable policy.

Infrastructure-building: Designing systems that future leaders can inherit, improve, and use to serve the public more effectively. This includes compliance protocols, outreach frameworks, and legacy tools that reinforce resilience and transparency.

Bridge-building: Collaborating across sectors and ideologies to solve problems, not just score political points. The role demands both principled leadership and strategic coalition-building.
I want to leave a legacy of operational clarity, civic empowerment, and institutional resilience. My mission is to build systems that don’t just serve one campaign—but elevate future leaders, communities, and movements. I believe transparency should be a standard, not a slogan. I’ve spent my career designing compliance frameworks, donor vetting tools, and outreach strategies that withstand scrutiny and foster trust. My legacy will be measured not just in votes, but in the infrastructure I leave behind—tools, protocols, and pathways that others can inherit, improve, and use to reclaim their own power. I’m not just running for office; I’m building a blueprint for sustainable, inclusive leadership.
🗓 Event: The Iran Hostage Crisis

📍 Date: Began November 4, 1979
🎂 Your Age: 3 years old

Even if you didn’t grasp the full geopolitical weight at the time, the images of blindfolded Americans, the nightly news countdown (“Day 52… Day 200…”), and the national tension were everywhere. It was one of the first moments that shaped how Americans saw diplomacy, vulnerability, and global conflict. For many future leaders, it planted early questions about justice, accountability, and international power dynamics.
My first job was at Target Stores as a Sales Associate. I didn’t just learn how to stock shelves or ring up purchases—I learned how to listen. I learned how to solve problems on the spot, how to stay calm when the lines were long and the questions were endless. That job taught me that every role matters, and that dignity starts with how we treat each other—whether we’re behind a register or behind a policy. It’s where I first saw systems in action, and where I began to imagine how they could be improved. That mindset has never left me.
A strong contender would be The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley. Not just for its historical weight, but for its forensic clarity in tracing transformation, identity, and systemic critique. Malcolm’s evolution—from street hustler to global human rights advocate—is a masterclass in personal reinvention and institutional analysis.

Why that book? Because it doesn’t just tell a story—it builds a framework. It shows how lived experience can become political insight, how pain can be repurposed into power, and how legacy is forged through both confrontation and reflection. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just inspire—it operationalizes purpose.
If I could embody any fictional character, I’d choose someone like Oracle—Barbara Gordon’s post-Batgirl persona. Not just because she’s brilliant and resourceful, but because she turns limitation into infrastructure. She’s the unseen architect behind the scenes, coordinating heroes, decoding threats, and building systems that others rely on. She doesn’t need the spotlight to lead—she builds the network that sustains it.

That kind of role resonates with me: empowering others, designing resilient frameworks, and making sure the mission doesn’t fall apart when things get tough. It’s strategic, quiet leadership with lasting impact.
One of my greatest struggles has been navigating systems that weren’t built for transparency or equity—especially as a woman of color stepping into political leadership. Whether it was running for office, organizing remotely, or building compliance frameworks from scratch, I’ve often had to reverse-engineer protocols that others take for granted. The challenge wasn’t just technical—it was emotional. It meant reclaiming my independence, rebuilding after setbacks, and proving that resilience isn’t just survival—it’s strategy. With every obstacle, I’ve turned struggle into structure, creating tools and pathways that others can use to avoid the same pitfalls. That’s the heart of my campaign: transforming personal struggle into public empowerment.
🗳️ Direct Representation

Every member is elected directly by constituents in single-member districts.

With 435 seats, it reflects the most granular level of representation in federal government.

⏱️ Short Terms, High Accountability
Members serve two-year terms, which keeps them closely tied to their communities and forces regular engagement with voters.

💰 “Power of the Purse”
All revenue-raising bills must originate in the House, giving it unique control over federal taxation and spending.

🧩 Committee-Driven Structure
The House operates through a vast network of standing and subcommittees, allowing for specialized oversight and rapid legislative development.

🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏿 Demographic Diversity
Historically, the House has led the way in increasing representation of women, minorities, and younger leaders.

🔍 Investigative Authority

The House has broad powers to conduct investigations into federal agencies and social issues, often shaping public discourse and policy reform.
Yes—with a critical caveat. Prior experience in government or politics can be beneficial when it equips representatives with a deep understanding of legislative processes, regulatory frameworks, and constituent services. It can help them navigate complex systems, build coalitions, and draft policy with precision.

But experience alone isn’t enough. What matters more is how that experience is used. Does it reinforce transparency, accountability, and public trust? Or does it entrench insider privilege and status quo thinking?

I believe that lived experience, community leadership, and systems-level thinking are just as valuable—if not more so—than traditional political résumés. Representatives should be builders, not just insiders. My campaign is proof that operational clarity, grassroots innovation, and remote organizing can rival any conventional path to office. Experience should empower reform, not inhibit it.
Over the next decade, the United States faces a convergence of structural challenges that demand bold, transparent, and resilient leadership. First, we must confront the erosion of public trust in institutions—by reforming campaign finance, strengthening electoral integrity, and making governance more accessible and accountable to everyday people.

Second, we face a growing crisis of inequality—economic, racial, and geographic. Policy must evolve to close systemic gaps in healthcare, housing, education, and digital access, especially for disabled and marginalized communities.

Third, we must prepare for generational transitions in leadership, infrastructure, and civic engagement. That means investing in legacy systems, succession planning, and intergenerational empowerment—so that the next wave of leaders inherits tools, not just problems.

These challenges aren’t just political—they’re structural. And they require elected officials who understand how to reverse-engineer broken systems and rebuild them with clarity, equity, and long-term resilience.
wo-year terms for U.S. House representatives serve a vital purpose: they keep elected officials closely tied to the people they serve. The short cycle demands constant engagement, responsiveness, and accountability. It’s a built-in check that ensures representatives don’t drift too far from the needs of their district.

That said, the pace can also hinder long-term policymaking and infrastructure-building. Representatives often spend more time campaigning than legislating, which can dilute strategic focus and continuity. For reform-minded leaders like myself, who prioritize legacy systems and operational resilience, the challenge is to build lasting impact within a compressed timeline.

Ultimately, two-year terms are effective when paired with strong institutional memory, transparent governance, and tools that future leaders can inherit and improve. That’s the kind of infrastructure I’m committed to designing—so that every term, no matter how short, leaves a lasting imprint.
I support term limits as a tool to promote accountability, prevent entrenched power, and encourage fresh leadership. Public office should be a service—not a career. Term limits help ensure that elected officials remain responsive to their constituents rather than insulated by incumbency. They also create space for new voices, diverse perspectives, and innovative solutions that reflect evolving community needs.

That said, term limits alone aren’t enough. We also need transparent campaign finance systems, accessible ballot access, and robust civic education to truly democratize representation. My campaign is committed to building the infrastructure that makes leadership turnover not just possible—but sustainable and empowering.
Yes—though I don’t believe in imitation, I do believe in inspiration. I model my leadership on figures who combined operational clarity with moral courage and a deep commitment to systemic reform.

I’m inspired by Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, who ran “unbought and unbossed.” Her unapologetic advocacy for marginalized communities and her refusal to be tokenized resonate deeply with my own campaign’s values.

I also draw from Barbara Jordan, whose constitutional brilliance and integrity during the Watergate hearings showed how principled oversight can restore public trust. Her ability to translate complex systems into accessible truths is something I strive for in every compliance framework I build.

And I admire John Lewis, not just for his civil rights legacy, but for his belief in “good trouble”—the kind of strategic disruption that leads to lasting change. My campaign is rooted in that same spirit: challenging broken systems with dignity, precision, and purpose.

These leaders didn’t just hold office—they reshaped it. That’s the legacy I aim to build. If you'd like, I can help you craft a tribute post or campaign message that weaves these inspirations into your narrative.
Absolutely. One story that continues to shape my campaign came from a young caregiver in Rogers Park who was juggling three part-time jobs while caring for her disabled mother. She told me how she felt invisible to policymakers—too poor to be heard, too busy to organize, and too exhausted to advocate. Yet she was doing the work of a full-time nurse, social worker, and breadwinner, all without recognition or support.

Her story reminded me that policy isn’t abstract—it’s personal. It’s about the people who hold families together in silence, who navigate broken systems with grace, and who deserve more than lip service from their government. Her resilience mirrors my own journey organizing this campaign remotely from a nursing home. We’re both proof that leadership and strength come in many forms—and that representation must reflect the full spectrum of lived experience.

That story fuels my commitment to accessible governance, disability rights, and economic justice. It’s not just touching—it’s a call to action.
Yes—compromise is both necessary and desirable for effective policymaking, especially in a diverse democracy like ours. It’s not about diluting values; it’s about building coalitions that move policy forward while respecting the lived experiences of others. The best legislation often emerges from rigorous debate, principled negotiation, and a willingness to find common ground without abandoning core convictions.

As a candidate, I believe compromise should never mean sacrificing transparency, equity, or accountability. But it should mean listening deeply, adapting intelligently, and designing solutions that serve the broader public—not just the loudest voices or most powerful interests. Real progress requires both clarity of purpose and flexibility in approach. That’s the kind of leadership I bring to the table.
As a candidate for the U.S. House, I view the constitutional power to originate revenue bills as a strategic lever for equity, transparency, and accountability. This isn’t just a procedural rule—it’s a responsibility to ensure that the way we fund government reflects the values and needs of everyday people.

If elected, I would use this authority to:

Embed audit resilience into federal spending: Every revenue bill should be paired with clear compliance protocols, donor vetting standards, and public-facing dashboards that show where money comes from and how it’s used.

Advance economic justice: I’d prioritize tax structures that reduce burdens on working families, caregivers, and disabled individuals—especially those navigating systemic barriers without recognition or support.

Democratize budget priorities: Revenue bills should reflect community input, not just lobbyist influence. I’d push for participatory budgeting models and transparent allocation frameworks that empower constituents to shape federal investments.

Build legacy infrastructure: I’d design revenue legislation with long-term resilience in mind—so future lawmakers inherit systems that are clear, ethical, and adaptable.

This power isn’t just about raising money—it’s about raising standards. And I intend to use it to build a government that earns public trust, not just collects public funds.
The U.S. House should wield its investigative powers as a tool for truth, transparency, and accountability—not political theater. These powers are constitutionally implied and historically rooted in Congress’s duty to legislate wisely and oversee the conduct of public institutions2.

Here’s how I believe the House should use them:

🔍 Legislative Precision
Investigations should inform policymaking by uncovering facts, identifying systemic failures, and spotlighting gaps in existing laws. The goal isn’t just exposure—it’s reform.

🧭 Checks and Balances
The House must act as a watchdog over executive agencies, federal spending, and regulatory enforcement. Investigations help ensure that power is exercised ethically and within legal bounds.

🧑🏽‍⚖️ Public Trust and Education
Hearings and inquiries should demystify government operations for the public. When done transparently, they build civic understanding and restore faith in democratic institutions.

🛠️ Systemic Reform

Investigative findings should lead to structural improvements—not just headlines. That means translating oversight into actionable legislation, compliance protocols, and legacy infrastructure.
While I’m proud to lead with transparency and grassroots strength, my campaign is currently building its endorsement coalition. I welcome support from organizations and individuals who share our commitment to audit resilience, civic empowerment, and inclusive governance. If you’re ready to stand with us, let’s connect.
One story that has stayed with me came from a single mother who approached our team during a petition drive. She shared how she’d never voted before—not because she didn’t care, but because she felt invisible. She worked two jobs, raised her kids alone, and never saw a candidate who spoke directly to her reality. But when she saw our campaign talking about transparency, legacy, and building systems that serve everyday people, she said, ‘I finally feel seen.’ That moment reminded me why I do this—not just to win a seat, but to build a platform where every voice matters. Her story fuels my commitment to operational clarity and inclusive leadership.
One accomplishment I’m deeply proud of is designing and operationalizing a full-scale campaign compliance framework—from FEC filings to donor vetting dashboards—entirely under remote constraints. After pivoting from the 50th Ward aldermanic race, I didn’t just regroup—I rebuilt. I filed my Statement of Organization, launched the Rights Of Americans Association National Committee, and began mobilizing volunteers for a petition drive that meets audit-resilient standards. What makes this accomplishment meaningful isn’t just the technical precision—it’s the fact that I turned a transition into a blueprint. I created tools that future candidates can inherit, stress-test, and improve. That’s the kind of legacy I’m building: one rooted in transparency, resilience, and empowerment.
The United States government should play a proactive, principled, and strategic role in the development and use of artificial intelligence—one that balances innovation with public trust, national security, and civil rights.

Here’s how I believe that role should be shaped:

🏛️ Regulatory Stewardship
The government must establish clear guardrails for ethical AI use, including privacy protections, anti-bias standards, and transparency requirements. This includes oversight of both public and private sector applications to prevent misuse and discrimination.

🧠 Public Sector Innovation
Federal agencies should harness AI to improve service delivery, streamline operations, and enhance data-driven decision-making. From case management to citizen engagement, AI can make government more responsive and efficient—if deployed responsibly2.

🛡️ National Security and Infrastructure
AI is central to cybersecurity, defense, and critical infrastructure resilience. The government must invest in secure, domestically developed AI systems and ensure that strategic technologies are not vulnerable to foreign manipulation.

🤝 Interagency Collaboration and Talent Development
Agencies should coordinate through councils and shared frameworks to build AI capacity, share best practices, and recruit diverse technical talent. This includes developing public AI strategies and removing bureaucratic barriers to innovation3.

🧬 Democratizing Access and Equity

AI must serve all communities—not just the privileged few. The government should fund inclusive research, support open-source tools, and ensure that AI benefits reach underserved populations, including disabled and rural communities.
🧩 The Election Integrity and Accessibility Act

1. National Audit Resilience Standards Establish mandatory audit protocols for campaign finance, petition signatures, and ballot tabulation. Require digital dashboards for public transparency and real-time compliance tracking across all federal races.

2. Universal Ballot Access Infrastructure Fund and standardize signature collection systems, including mobile verification tools and remote volunteer coordination platforms. Ensure disabled and homebound candidates and voters have equal access to participation.

3. Voter Registration Modernization Mandate automatic voter registration through federal agencies, with opt-out provisions. Require states to maintain secure, interoperable databases that flag duplicate registrations and ensure timely updates.

4. Election Workforce Equity Grants Provide federal grants to recruit, train, and retain diverse election workers—including caregivers, disabled individuals, and formerly incarcerated citizens—through inclusive hiring pipelines and civic education programs.

5. Legacy Infrastructure Mandate Require campaigns receiving federal matching funds to submit legacy plans: documentation of compliance systems, outreach frameworks, and succession protocols that future candidates can inherit and improve.

6. Digital Petition and Verification Pilot Program Launch a federal pilot for secure digital petitioning, with biometric safeguards and audit trails. This would empower remote candidates and modernize ballot access without compromising integrity.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Tamika La'Shon Hill campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2026* U.S. House Illinois District 9Candidacy Declared primary$0 N/A**
Grand total$0 N/A**
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 3, 2025


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
Mike Bost (R)
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
Democratic Party (16)
Republican Party (3)