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Illinois ballot

Geno Young

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Percussionist

Geno Young ran for Governor of Illinois in 2026. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Geno Young was born in Chicago, Illinois. His professional experience includes working as a percussionist. Young has been affiliated with T.A.P.S. America.[1]

Campaign themes

Geno Young did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Geno Young did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Geno Young is running for congress in Illinois’ 1st Congressional District to restore integrity, loyalty and a common sense America First agenda to the republic.

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?

IntegrityAccountabilityRestoration of the Republic

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m very passionate about making sure that we leave a better country for our children than we were born into. Our children deserve to grow up in communities where they can play outside and not worry about safety. They also need to know that the color of their does NOT define who they are. That’s why I will fight to redirect funds from failing government institutions and redirect them to local law enforcement agencies/CBP/ICE to ensure safety on our streets. And also why I will fight for school choice so that our children can be moved from failing schools, to institutions where their minds can thrive.

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

My influences are too eclectic to list. But if I were to try Prince, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Elvis, Michael Jackson etc. are all of my greatest influences as a musician. As a person entering the political arena, I must give credit to President Trump for waking me up and getting me off of that Democratic Plantation!

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

America 101 by Pastor Shane Vaughn (aka Professor Toto)

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

Honesty, Competence, Integrity

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I’m fearless, outspoken and uncensored.

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

To LISTEN to and to serve their constituents. Not pretend to be a 5¢ social media influencer or a 1¢ political analyst.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A country that we can recognize where no one is discriminated against for their own convictions.

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

9/11. I was five.

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

A musician at a historic church in Chicago. I’m still employed there.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible, because it’s God’s word to man.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

When I was a kid I was a “Halloween” FANATIC and I always wanted to be Michael Myers.

Don’t judge me, lol! 🤣🤦🏾‍♂️

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

“Elephants And Flowers” by Prince

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Too many to name, but God has brought me through.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The ability to create laws to better our Republic.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely not. That’s the problem we’re seeing now.

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

Winning the culture war which seeks to undermine and remake the very foundation of our Republic. As well as delivering a crushing death-blow to the radical ideas of communism which has taken root in our country, starting from our schools and ending in our government. And also, putting up a fight against globalism and making sure that China NEVER reaches their “Hundred Year Goal” of becoming the superpower of the world.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

The House Appropriations Committee.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that career politicians have done immeasurable damage to this Republic. Term limits are quintessential to make sure that the same tired people aren’t running this country into the ground for decades on end. Lining their pockets and ignoring their constituents.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Byron Donalds

Jim Jordan

Jim Banks

Marjorie Taylor Greene

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 of how the streets run red with the blood of innocent young children, and how incumbent Bobby Rush hasn’t done a THING about it.

Tell us your favorite joke.

“I like the part where the teacher goes: ‘Tommy, you got a fairy godmother?’ And he said: ‘No, but I’ve got an uncle we keep a close eye on!’” - Dean Martin 😉

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely. We can’t have a healthy Republic without compromise. The minority has every right to be protected as the majority does.

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

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