Jennifer Todd

Jennifer Todd was born in Illinois. She graduated from Centralia High School. She earned an associate degree from the Kaskaskia Community College, a bachelor's degree from the Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and a bachelor's degree from the Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Her career experience includes working as a nurse and small business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Jennifer Todd — a proud single mom, dedicated school nurse, and successful small business owner from Centralia, Illinois. I

was raised by hardworking parents: my dad was a school janitor, and my mom was a registered nurse. From them, I learned the

values of service, resilience, and taking care of those around me.

I’ve spent 30 years as a nurse, including time as a traveling nurse across the country, and I’ve seen up close just how hard it is for

many families to access quality healthcare. I’m also deeply committed to our kids and schools. I’ve served as a school nurse and

even as a school board member because I believe our children deserve support, safety, and opportunity.

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?

Healthcare, Families, and Farmers First

As a nurse and a single mom, I’ve spent my life solving real problems, not playing politics. I know what it’s like to fight for your kids, your paycheck, and your health. I’m committed to protecting healthcare, investing in our schools, and standing up for farmers.Respect for Veterans and Working People

I’ll never vote to leave them behind. In Congress, I’ll fight for fair wages, labor rights, and the benefits every worker and veteran has earned.We Deserve Better, and We’re Building It Together

This campaign isn’t about chasing headlines or pleasing big donors. It’s about us, the neighbors, farmers, parents, teachers, and workers who make this district strong. I’m not running for a title. I’m running to earn your trust and make sure the government works for the people in our community. Together, we’re going to make sure every voice counts again.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Having been a nurse for the past 30 years, I am passionate about all issues related to healthcare, Medicaid, Medicare, public education, and all educational needs for our children.

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

Honesty, accessibility, and determination to serve us, not Washington. As our next member of Congress, I will be honest, own up to any mistakes, be accessible and explain the reasoning behind a vote either for or against, and work hard to see and understand both sides of an issue.

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

To advocate for those you represent, bring needed tax money back into the district to help improve the townships, villages, cities, and counties.

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

The Iran hostage crisis in 1979. 10 years old.

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

I was a babysitter for 5 years.

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

Every individual has been selected and elected by the people of their district.

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

There are many. I will start with Jasmine Crockett, for her truth-telling and fight. Jared Moskowitz for his passion for gun control and school shootings. Nikki Budzinski for her passion of the working class.

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 story that’s stayed with me most was from a gentleman I spoke with who relies on insulin to manage his diabetes. Before the Inflation Reduction Act, he was paying around $14,000 a year just to stay alive. After the law passed, his cost dropped to just $35 a month. That kind of relief doesn’t just change budgets, it changes lives.

This is what good policy looks like. It’s why I’m running.

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

Yes.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers to hold powerful systems accountable, not to play political games. As a nurse and single mom, I know real people are affected when leadership is distracted by partisan drama. We should investigate issues that impact everyday Americans: Medicare and Medicaid fraud that drains taxpayer resources, environmental violations that threaten public health, FEMA’s response to natural disasters, and how our federal budget reflects, or fails to reflect, our values. Congress should be a watchdog for the people, not a weapon for political theater.

What committees interest you?

As a nurse, I am most interested in Education and Workforce, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, Veterans’ Affairs

Campaign websiteTodd's campaign website stated the following:Veterans AffairsVeterans deserve a representative who will honor their service by fighting for the support and resources they’ve earned. I will work to expand access to quality healthcare through the VA, increase mental health services, ensure timely benefits for those who served, advocate for job training and educational opportunities. Our district’s veterans sacrificed for our country — they deserve our supportEducationEvery student deserves a quality education, no matter their zip code. I will fight to fully fund our schools, increase teacher pay, and invest in vocational and technical training programs. Our students, teachers, and families deserve a representative who values education and is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.HealthcareEveryone deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. I will fight to lower prescription drug costs, protect rural hospitals, and ensure every family has the care they need. I support strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, expanding mental health services, and increasing access to preventative care. Healthcare is a basic right, not a privilege.AgricultureIllinois’ 15th Congressional District is home to hardworking farmers who deserve a representative who will stand up for them. I will fight for fair trade policies, expand access to agricultural markets, and support investments in sustainable farming practices. I’ll work to protect crop insurance programs, strengthen rural infrastructure, and ensure family farms can thrive for generations to come.— Jennifer Todd's campaign website (February 25, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.