Juan Ramos

Juan Ramos was born in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico.[1] Ramos' career experience includes working as the head custodian of Maplebrook Elementary School.[1][2] He has served as the director of the National Education Association (NEA) Midwest Republican Caucus.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hello, my name is Juan "Johnny" Ramos and I am running for United States Congress out of Illinois 11th District. I am committed to helping my constituents in the 11th District have their voices heard in Washington. I am the Regional Ethnic Minority representative for District 203 and Region 39 Council Vice-Chair for NEA. I am a proven leader in my community as well and have involvement with passing both HB 0012 and HB 0077.

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?

DisabilitiesEducationCrime

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My campaign prides itself on 3 main ideas. Those ideas I hold close to heart, I want to provide a voice for Disability reform, Education reform, and Crime reform for the 11th district. for nearly 25 years I have helped raise my son who is disabled and have seen the Mountains those who are in his situation have to climb, and the plights of families in similar situations in our community. I also have worked with IEA/NEA to pass education reforms and have been directly involved with the passage of two House Bills in my various roles with IEA/NEA. I also believe in Crime reform. Currently, we are seeing an increase in crimes around our community and I want to work with fellow lawmakers on measures that keep our families safe.

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

God

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

Michael Savage- God, Faith and Reason

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

Integrity, Morals, and your word.

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

I unite people to a common ground of understanding to resolve differences. It also helps that I'm bilingual to help those in my community.

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

To make laws that are fair to all of your citizens in your congressional district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of helping children succeed to their highest potential. I want to leave a legacy of righteousness. Hardworking and proving to others that you can succeed anywhere as long as you believe in yourself.

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

Elvis Presley

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

Brown's Chick

What is your favorite book? Why?

Michael Savage: God, Faith and Reason. He speaks a story that I can understand myself.

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

Iron Man.

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

Thunderstruck by AC/DC

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

Abandonment in my early years from my family. Pulling myself up economically, and education.

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

-

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

No

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

Racism, the economy and

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

Yes, Civil Rights, Disability committees and Crime

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

No, not enough time to enact change.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Trem limits should be limited, no more than 5.

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

Jim Jordan

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?

A person I work with had a family member murdered in our community. It hit close to home and took over 30 years to solve but DNA it brought that person to justice.

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

Absolutely compromise is necessary without it, you risk a dictatorship.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

It would be a top priority for me trying to raise the minimum wage to a livable wage.

Campaign website

Ramos' campaign website stated the following:

Crime

To Protect Those We Love

Juan is truly passionate about this issue, as it is one that impacts so many people all over the world. He believes in increasing Law Enforcement in the 11th District and NEVER defunding our police services. Juan will work closely in Washington on measures to support Law Enforcement.

Disability Reform

The Stakes are High

Juan is proud to support and push for change throughout the community. This is a very serious issue that has been impacting citizens in our district. It is up to Juan to address this issue head-on and rally the support needed to make the proper changes in Washington. If you would like to find out more information about this issue, as well as others, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Education

For a Better Future

Juan has dedicated his life to working in multiple School Districts in the 11th District over the last 30 years, as well being a member of IEA/NEA. He wants to continue his work in Washington with other lawmakers to ensure a brighter tomorrow for our teachers and students across the country and in the 11th District.[3]

—Juan Ramos' campaign website (2022)[4]

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