Ashley Banks

Ashley Banks was born in Chicago, Illinois. She earned a high school diploma from Crete-Monee High School and attended Olive Harvey Community College. Banks' career experience includes working as an entrepreneur, journalist, and election judge.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hi, I’m Ashley Banks,

from Chicago, Illinois not Bel-Air. I’m a 40-year-old candidate for change, born and raised right here in Illinois. I’ve spent much of my life learning, working, and growing in the 2nd Congressional District.

My campaign, **Banks for IL-02**, is focused on restoring respect, value, and transparency between the people and those elected to serve them.

I’ve proudly served as a freelance journalist, photographer, and election judge, and I’ve been actively involved in politics and community work since my teenage years. I’m a graduate of Crete-Monee High School, and I’m currently completing two degrees one in Journalism at Olive-Harvey College and another in International Marketing at DePaul University.

Over the years, I’ve gained hands-on experience across several industries that reflect the everyday realities of working families. I’ve worked in education as a tutor for DePaul University and attended Central Arizona College for teaching. I’ve also worked in transportation as a CTA bus driver and truck driver, and in logistics as an Amazon warehouse employee.

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?

Real Experience. Real Representation.

I’ve lived and worked in the same communities I’m running to represent from education and journalism to transportation and labor. I understand the everyday struggles of working families because I’ve lived them. My experience isn’t just professional it’s personal. That’s why I’m committed to fighting for real solutions that deliver real change.Respect, Value, and Transparency

My campaign, **Banks for IL-02**, is about restoring trust in leadership. I believe voters deserve honesty, clear communication, and decisions that truly reflect their needs not political games or empty promises. Respect means listening. Value means action. Transparency means accountability. Together, they’re the foundation for better leadership and a stronger community.Action and Accountability

I’m not running for a title I’m running to make things happen. I stand for efficiency, timely action, and clear plans that keep District 2 moving forward. Leadership means delivering results, not excuses. I’ll bring the people’s voice to Washington and make sure it’s heard, respected, and acted upon.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare Policy

I’m passionate about improving healthcare for all. My focus is on closing the gaps in mental health care and breaking down the barriers that prevent families from receiving quality physical health services. Access to care should never depend on income or zip code.

I also believe in supporting the professionals who make our healthcare system work our nurses and frontline staff. By reducing the patient-to-nurse ratio, we can relieve overworked staff, improve patient care, and create safer, more efficient hospitals and clinics.

Social Policy

Social stability is the foundation of a healthy nation. I believe every American deserves access to safe, stable living conditions.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to every person who has overcome what the world deemed impossible. Their journeys show the power of strength, courage, determination, and hope. These individuals inspire me to keep pushing forward, to face challenges head-on, and to fight for a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed no matter the obstacles.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important quality I believe elected officials should have is action. Words are important, especially when they are respectful and thoughtful, but they are even more powerful when matched with deeds. Leadership means delivering results, keeping promises, and taking responsibility for decisions that impact people’s lives.

I believe officials should be accountable, transparent, and committed to the communities they serve. Respectful communication matters, but real change comes from action that improves lives.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe that someone elected to Congress has three core responsibilities: research, careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and active engagement with the district they serve.

A member of Congress should thoroughly study issues, make informed decisions, and ensure that funds are spent responsibly to benefit the people. Equally important is being present and involved in the community listening to constituents, understanding their needs, and representing their voices effectively in Washington.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I hope to leave is the reminder that each of us has a mark on this world. Mine will be that I never gave up. Even in moments when I felt ashamed of where I was, I remembered that **just because I’m at a certain point doesn’t mean I have to stay there

I want my story to show others that resilience, perseverance, and hope can turn challenges into opportunities and that we all have the power to make a lasting impact on our communities.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I was part of was my own life. I was born with a rare condition called subglottic hemangiomas, which affected me internally. At the time, I was the **first known case in Illinois and only the third in the world.

My condition became a case study at the University of Chicago, and from an early age, I learned the importance of resilience, hope, and being part of something bigger than myself. This experience shaped who I am today and inspires my commitment to helping others overcome challenges through public service.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at 12 years old at the Richton Park Community Center, a village in the south suburbs of Chicago. The center had a youth program that taught us professional skills early, including how to speak with employers and how to dress appropriately for work.

I started as a cleaner, and local residents in the community signed up to employ us youth. That experience taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and community involvement lessons that continue to guide me in public service today.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Jordan B Peterson "12 Rules to Life"

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Yhe greatest challenge over the next decade is restoring and improving the systems that serve Americans, especially in the economy. Many policies from the current administration have created uncertainty for families and small businesses. My focus is on building an economy that works for everyone, not just a few, and ensuring that Americans have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive.

By promoting fair policies, economic growth, and accountability in government, we can create a stronger, more stable future for all.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits for elected officials. Public service is meant to be a responsibility, not a career, and term limits help ensure that fresh ideas and new voices are regularly brought into government. They encourage accountability, reduce the risk of entrenched power, and allow more citizens to participate in shaping the future of their communities.

I believe term limits strengthen democracy by keeping leadership connected to the people they serve and focused on results rather than personal political gain.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The stories I hear from the people of District 2 show a clear need for better opportunities and fairer economic conditions. Residents have expressed concerns about the **rising cost of housing** and the need for rent regulation, especially as wages remain too low to keep up with living expenses.

Many families in our district simply want the chance to live a stable, dignified life without working long hours every day just to make ends meet. My goal is to create policies that support fair wages, affordable housing, and opportunities for financial stability, so every resident can thrive without sacrifice.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

I recently met a woman in Kankakee, a mother working to overcome domestic violence. She shared the struggles she had faced and admitted that she hadn’t always made choices she was proud of, but she had waited until things became unbearable to make a change. I listened, and I shared that I am running for office. I promised to record her concerns, research solutions, and work to help not just her, but others in similar situations.

She thanked me and told me she had never voted in her 30 years of life, but after our conversation, she decided she would vote for the first time. I reminded her that politics often involves moral choices and that no one wants to vote for the wrong candidate. I also emphasized that voting is how we bring in leaders committed to real change leaders who work to improve lives and our communities.