Lukas Ventouras

Lukas Ventouras lives in Northport, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree from New York University in 2023. His career experience includes working in journalism and as a legislative and labor policy aide. He has been affiliated with the Huntington Democratic Committee and American Constitution Society.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a First Generation American of Greek ancestry, I am a law student, and I am passionate about fighting for Long Islanders!

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?

Fighting corruption in our institutions, getting money out of politics. Ban congressional stock trading.Protecting Seniors, fighting to protect Medicare and Social Security, fight against the raising of the retirement age, and fighting to ensure that our seniors are safe, healthy, fed, and medically protected.Put families first. Fight to lower the cost of child rearing items, fight to implement a child tax credit and paid family leave, and fight to lower the cost of college.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Policies which help the average worker/family

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

I look up to my maternal grandparents, one of whom, my Grandfather, was a war refugee, and the other, my Grandmother, escaping physical abuse in the Greek countryside, both coming here with no money, and living the American dream. I look up to their work ethic, tenacity, spirit, and resolve.

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

The Best and the Brightest

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

Honesty/transparency

Work Ethic

Humility

Good intentions

Understanding

Drive

Compassion

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

I am honest, hard working, passionate, compassionate, a fighter, and a doer.

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

Wake up every day wondering how you can improve the lives of your constituents. Fight to bring money and jobs back to your district, and ensure you are doing everything in your power to further the agenda of helping yout constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would love to materially improve the lives of my constituents. If I improve the lives of my constituents, even if I only serve one term, I will feel proud and honored to have served.

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

The Iraq/Afghanistan wars, I was 5 when I remember reading a newspaper at my grandparents house.

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

I was a Sailing coach, I coached for 5 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Just Mercy - Bryan Stevenson

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

Obi Wan Kenobi

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

Represent - Nas

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

No, I think the only prerequisite needed for the US House is a steel backbone and a desire to fight for your constituents.

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

Massive shifts in the workforce due to automation/ai, staying out of foreign conflicts, and restoring the middle class and help it grow rather than shrink.

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

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support them, but I do not feel that term limits are the root of the problem in our government.

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

Sam Rayburn

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

Yes, unless those with whom you aim to compromise are bad faith actors.

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?

I believe that revenue raising powers being a House of Representatives responsibility gives me the opportunity to advocate directly for my constituents, who are over-taxed.

What committees interest you?

Foreign Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure, Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce