Andrew Cottingham

Andrew Cottingham earned a high school diploma from Collinsville High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Evansville in 2022. Cottingham's career experience includes working as a political consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Andrew Cottingham, and I am a 26 year-old political scientist/consultant. I was raised in the small town of Collinsville, Illinois, which is roughly 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis. I grew up in a family that was predominantly Republican and identified as one for most of my life; however, I crossed over to the Democratic Party in 2018, but my time with them was rather brief.

I have worked in fast food, retail, political campaigns, and am currently self-employed. I have also spent my life volunteering in varying capacities. In my family, we value our community and serving others, which are essential to who I am.

In 2022, I graduated from the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana with a BS in Political Science and minors in history, legal studies, and international studies. Having spent time on both sides of the two-party system, and having always been anti-establishment, I have realized that my place is within the Independent movement.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My first goal is to cut taxes bottom-up to put money back into the hands of the poor, working, & middle class first.

Income Tax: Increase the state income tax standard deduction to $70k – $100k, and continue to increase it over time. (Residents can use their own money to cover expenses, save, invest, and to pay off debt!)

Debt First Policy: Revenue collected from a person’s taxable income will be directly applied to the principal of their outstanding debt with the state government.

Sales Tax: End the state sales tax on necessities. Sales taxes directly impact the poor, working, & middle class the most. To me, necessities include food, medicine, health & hygiene products, infant products, etc.

Property Tax: Cut property taxes bottom-up.My second goal is to cut spending top-down cuts to stop government bloat, waste, and fraud.

Freeze State Spending: The best path towards a well-balanced budget is not made through raising current taxes, creating new taxes, or by more regulation; instead, it will be made not only by spending ONLY what we have (not a dollar more), but also by reducing how much we spend.

Ending Corporate Welfare: Stop subsidizing, bailing out, & cutting taxes top-down for the benefit of corporations.

IL D.O.G.E: Streamline in-state processes to make state government and its services more efficient, effective, accessible, & affordable for our residents; and to investigate/expose fraudulent, wasteful, & excessive spending to deliver top-down spending cuts.My third goal is to implement election reform so that our votes actually count, that voters have more choices on the ballot, & that our elections will be held with the utmost integrity.

Reduce Ballot Access: Reduce ballot requirements for independent/third-party candidates for local, state, & federal offices

Extend Petition Gathering Period: Extend the petition period for independent/third-party & established party candidates.

Protect Voters/Abolish Secret Ballot: Amend the IL State Constitution to include political affiliation/voting history as protected classes from discrimination and abolish the secret ballot to allow thorough audits & self-audits.

Write-In Ballots: Change format of ballots from multiple choice to write-in.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My top three areas of public policy that I am most passionate about are:

- (Tax Reform): Reducing wealth inequality, and lifting up the poor, working, and middle class through bottom-up tax cuts.

- (Spending): Shrinking government and reigning in state spending from a top-down approach.

- (Election Reform): Making our elections more open, competitive, fair, and free regardless of political party or affiliation.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have officially received the nomination and endorsement of the Independence Party to be their candidate for State Representative in the 112th District.