Justin Ford

Justin Ford was born in Newberry, Michigan. He graduated from Newberry High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in 2001 and a graduate degree from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2005. His career experience includes working as an environmental engineer.[1]

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased April 28, 2025

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Justin Ford, a lifelong advocate for working people and a Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Illinois’s 9th District. I was born in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to a teacher and a judge, raised with a strong sense of fairness, dignity, and public service.

I’ve lived in Andersonville for over a decade, raised two sons, and worked to protect people’s health, safety, and rights on the job. I’ve helped organize workers, supported unions, and built a career in public health as a Certified Industrial Hygienist—focusing on protecting people in workplaces, schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods across the country.

I’m running because too many working families are being left behind while corporate power grows unchecked. It’s time for bold structural reforms, like a four-day work week, real climate action, and rebuilding the labor movement, to build an economy and a democracy that actually work for all of us

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?

A four-day work week isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. It’s time to give people their time back, boost productivity, and build an economy that works for working families.Real climate action creates jobs. We need to invest in a carbon-negative, storm-resilient future; powered by union labor, clean energy, and smart public infrastructure.Rebuild the labor movement to rebuild the middle class. That means stronger unions, higher wages, safer workplaces, and policies that put people—not corporations—at the center of our economy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policy that puts working people first. As a public health professional, I’ve spent my career protecting people’s health and safety on the job. I care deeply about labor rights, workplace protections, and economic policies that return time, power, and dignity to everyday people, like the four-day work week.

I’m also committed to bold climate policy, leveraging our amazing American workforce, and rooted in justice, resilience, and job creation.

And we must strengthen democracy by protecting voting rights, curbing big money, and ensuring that government works for the many, not just the powerful few.

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

I look up to Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a U.S. Cabinet and the driving force behind many of the labor protections we now take for granted, such as Social Security, the 40-hour work week, child labor laws, and workplace safety standards.

She didn’t just believe in good policy; she believed in building institutions that protect people, especially those most likely to be exploited or left behind. Her work was grounded in both compassion and structural change, and she used her position not for personal power but to fight for workers and families who had none.

I see her legacy as unfinished. We’re long overdue for a new era of bold labor policy, one that recognizes the dignity of all work and adapts to the challenges of today, from gig exploitation to climate resilience. I hope to carry that spirit forward, with the same clarity of purpose and courage to act.

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

I’d point them to the Garth Brooks song We Shall Be Free. It’s not a policy paper or a political memoir—but it captures the heart of what I believe in: dignity, equality, freedom, and community.

The lyrics speak to a world where no one is judged for who they are, where basic needs are met, and where we all have the chance to live free from fear. It’s about building something better—not just for ourselves, but for the people who’ve been pushed aside or left behind. That spirit of inclusion and shared responsibility is at the core of my political philosophy.

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

First, every elected official must genuinely care about the people they represent. That means listening more than they talk, staying grounded in the realities of working families, and having the courage to take on powerful interests—even when it’s not politically convenient. Public service only matters if it’s rooted in compassion, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.

Second, they need to be able to deliver. Good intentions aren’t enough—we need leaders who can turn values into action and ideas into tangible results. That means understanding how systems work, building coalitions, and doing the hard, unglamorous work of governing. Caring without competence can’t change lives—but competence without caring leads to policies that leave people behind. We need both.

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

I grew up in a small rural town where we learned that people are precious and no one should be written off. It didn’t matter what your politics were—what mattered was whether you could get things done. Get the streets plowed. Help a neighbor. Deliver real results. That grounded, no-nonsense approach still guides me today.

I bring a rare mix of real-world experience, practical problem-solving, and deep care for the people I serve. I’ve built a career protecting workers and communities, not from behind a desk, but out in the field, making sure our workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods are safe.

I know how to listen, how to organize, and how to get results. Whether it was helping unionize grad workers at UIC or protecting public health during the pandemic, I’ve always believed in showing up, sticking with the hard problems, and putting people first.

I’m not running for office because I need a title. I’m running because I already do the work, and I know we can do it better with the right leadership in Washington.

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

The job of a member of Congress is threefold: to serve, to legislate, and to lead.

First and foremost, elected officials must show up for their constituents, not just in election years, but every single day. That means helping people navigate federal programs, cutting through red tape, and responding quickly and personally when folks need help. In a time when trust in government is low, good constituent service isn’t a side duty, it’s a lifeline.

Second, this office is a lawmaking role. We need members of Congress who understand policy, who can write and pass legislation that actually improves people’s lives, and who aren’t afraid to take tough votes. That includes fighting for a four-day work week, climate resilience, and a fairer economy that works for everyone—not just the wealthy and well-connected.

Finally, members of Congress have a responsibility to lead in a moment of real crisis. The far-right movement is gaining power by sowing division, rolling back rights, and attacking the very foundations of our democracy. We can’t meet that threat with business-as-usual politics. We need bold, principled leadership that inspires people to believe in what government can be and brings working people back into the center of power.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave behind a country that’s stronger, fairer, and freer for my children and grandchildren than the one we have today. A country where dignity is protected, where work is respected, and where the system finally works for the many, not just the powerful few.

There’s a quote I think about often: 'A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.' That’s the kind of leadership I believe in.

I hope people will remember me as a pragmatic leader who helped fix a broken system, not for attention or power, but with a clear eye toward building a better future. Someone who rolled up his sleeves and got to work, not just for today, but for generations to come

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

One of my earliest and clearest memories of a major historical event was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. I was a kid at the time, and, honestly, my first reaction was frustration because it interrupted my Saturday morning cartoons. But as I watched, something changed. I saw people crying, celebrating, and breaking down the wall with their bare hands. That’s when it really hit me: freedom isn’t guaranteed, and some people have to fight to get even a taste of it. I realized how lucky I was to grow up in a country where I had rights others were still struggling for. And I felt, deep down, that we had a responsibility not just to preserve that freedom, but to stand as a lighthouse for others around the world.

We’ve lost some of that moral clarity in recent years, but I believe we can reclaim it.

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

My first job was at a small-town radio station—WNBY in Newberry, Michigan. I started working there as a teenager and stayed for about three years, right up until I left Newberry. It gave me a front-row seat to how local voices and community connections really shape a place. It also taught me responsibility, communication, and how to show up even when the weather, or the equipment, didn’t cooperate. I didn’t know it at the time, but those early lessons stuck with me.

What is your favorite book? Why?

It’s hard to pick just one, but two books have stuck with me for very different reasons: "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein and "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams.

One of my favorite books is "The Giving Tree". It’s a children’s book, but the message stays with you for life. It’s about selflessness, quiet love, and what it means to give without expecting anything in return. To me, it reflects the kind of leadership we should strive

for: rooted in care, service, and a long-term commitment to others. It’s also a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting the people around us, even if that role changes over time. That message has always stuck with me, especially as a parent and a public servant.

Also, I’ve always had a soft spot for "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy". It’s hilarious, imaginative, and full of unexpected wisdom. Beneath the Absurdity, there’s a quiet message: the universe is chaotic, but kindness, curiosity, and a sense of humor still matter. The line “Don’t panic” has stuck with me for years. It’s simple, but good advice in life and in politics. The book reminds me that we can take our work seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. And that even in a messy,

unpredictable world, we still have the power to do good.

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

I’d go with Commander William Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation. He’s a leader who knows how to follow and how to command—someone who can take charge when the moment calls for it, but who also values teamwork, trust, and shared mission.

What I admire about Riker is that he’s confident without being arrogant, decisive without being impulsive. He brings heart and strength to tough situations, and he never forgets the human element, even in the middle of a crisis.

In politics, as in space exploration, you need people who are willing to challenge the system when necessary, stay calm under fire, and keep pushing toward something better. That’s the kind of leadership I try to model.

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

"The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan.

It’s not just a song—it’s a warning, a promise, and a challenge all at once. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded that we’re living through one of those moments again, where people are demanding real change, and the old ways just aren’t cutting it anymore.

The lyrics have a way of sticking with you, especially if you’re in the fight to help shape what comes next.

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

One of the more difficult chapters in my life has been navigating a major personal transition while co-parenting two sons, both of whom now live in Europe. Parenting across distance and across cultures is a constant balancing act. It requires patience, humility, and a deep commitment to staying connected—even when the logistics get complicated.

There’s no handbook for this kind of thing. But through it, I’ve learned a lot about flexibility, long-term thinking, and putting relationships first. It’s shaped the way I lead and how I think about policy, not just in terms of programs or systems, but in terms of real people doing their best for the people they love.

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

The House is the closest thing we have to a people’s chamber. Its members are elected every two years, which makes them more accountable to their constituents and more responsive to the country's changing needs. It’s where the most diverse voices in our government come together and where bold ideas can gain traction first. The House has the power of the purse, the power to investigate, and the opportunity to lead on issues that matter most to working families.

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

Experience can help, but it depends on the kind of experience. We need fewer career politicians and more leaders who have actually solved real-world problems. I’ve spent my career protecting workers and public health, not climbing political ladders. What matters most is whether someone understands the needs of everyday people and has the skills to turn values into action. Governing should be about service, not seniority.

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

We’re facing a crossroads: rising authoritarianism, deep economic inequality, and a climate crisis that threatens our future. Too many working families are being left behind while corporate power grows unchecked. At the same time, our democracy is being eroded—from voter suppression to unchecked money in politics.

We need bold, structural action: protect democratic institutions, fight for an economy that works for working people, and take serious climate action that creates jobs and builds resilience. The next decade will test whether we’re willing to fix what is broken and pave the way for a brighter future.

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

It would take a constitutional amendment to change the two-year term, and we’ve got bigger challenges to democracy that deserve our focus. From protecting voting rights to getting big money out of politics, there are far more urgent reforms needed to make our system work better for the people.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe in accountability and fresh leadership—but term limits aren’t a silver bullet. In practice, they can sometimes empower lobbyists and unelected insiders while removing experienced legislators who are still fighting for the people. The real issue is a system that protects incumbents and shuts out challengers. We need fair maps, campaign finance reform, and voting rights protections to make elections truly competitive and responsive to the people.

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

I look up to Paul Simon, who represented Illinois in both the U.S. House and Senate. He was known for his honesty, independence, and deep respect for the people he served. He didn’t play political games; he focused on policy, public service, and doing what was right, even when it wasn’t popular.

Like Simon, I believe leadership starts with integrity and ends with action. He worked across the aisle without ever losing his principles. That’s the kind of representative I aim to be: someone grounded in values, serious about results, and never afraid to speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

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?

Back in my hometown, a boy tried to bungee jump from a tree using a regular rope. He got hurt—but his family didn’t have health insurance, so they didn’t take him to the hospital. For days, they tried to tough it out. Eventually, the boy told his mom he didn’t need birthday or Christmas gifts for the next five years if they could just go. When they finally did, doctors found he had a broken back and was lucky not to be paralyzed.

That was before the ACA. And now, as politicians try to roll back healthcare protections, I worry that more families will face impossible choices like that one. No child should have to beg for medical care.

Tell us your favorite joke.

My thesaurus is so terrible… it’s terrible.

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

Compromise is part of governing, but it matters what we’re compromising on and who we’re compromising with. I believe in working across differences to get real results for people. However, I don’t believe in compromising on basic rights, core values, or the needs of working families just to maintain peace in Washington. Real leadership means finding common ground when possible and standing firm when it matters most.

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?

The Constitution grants the House the power to originate revenue bills, and we should start exercising it. For too long, Congress has ceded too much power to the executive branch, especially on spending and economic policy. If elected, I’ll work to take that power back. We need to write tax policy that works for the people, closing loopholes, taxing billionaires fairly, and investing in working families. Congress should lead on how we raise and spend money not presidents or lobbyists

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

The House’s investigative powers should be used to serve the public interest, not score political points. We need real oversight of corporate abuse, government waste, and threats to our democracy—including attacks on workers’ rights, environmental rollbacks, and corruption at the highest levels. If elected, I’d support investigations that shine a light on how power is being used, or misused, and make sure no one is above the law, whether they sit in a boardroom or the Oval Office. Accountability builds trust. Without it, democracy breaks down.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I’m working on earning the most important endorsement of all: the trust of every voter in the 9th District.

What committees interest you?

I’d be especially interested in serving on committees where I can put my experience in public health, labor, and environmental safety to work. That includes Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure. I’m also deeply committed to oversight and reform, particularly around labor rights, climate resilience, and making government more accountable to working families. I want to be where real problems get solved and where working people have a voice at the table.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency and accountability aren't optional—they’re the foundation of a functioning democracy. People have a right to know how public money is being spent and who their elected officials are working for.

We need stricter disclosure laws, stronger oversight of federal spending, and real consequences for corruption and self-dealing. That includes closing loopholes that allow dark money to influence our elections and making sure campaign finance data is accessible and clear.

As a candidate, I believe in practicing what I preach. That means honest communication, clear priorities, and a commitment to earning trust through actions—not just words.