Matthew Conroy

Matthew Conroy was born in New York, New York. Conroy earned a high school diploma from Xavier High School and a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University in 2011. His career experience includes working as an education specialist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a lifelong advocate for putting others ahead of yourself, something our elected officials have ignored or forgotten. I have spent over a decade working in roles where success wasn't measured by sales quotas or fundraising goals, but rather by the success, growth, and development of others.

I grew up up in Brooklyn, NY. My mother was a single mom, left to raise 4 children all by herself after my dad was killed in the September 11th attacks. That taught me the importance of hard work and self-sacrifice, something that seems to be missing in our elected officials today.

Since graduating college with a degree in economics, I've worked in roles and finance, real estate, tech, and manufacturing.

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?

We MUST pass Medicare For All.We must solve the housing crisis.End the genocide in Gaza.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing, Healthcare, Transportation (mainly rail including subways, regional, Amtrak, and high-speed rail), and Social Security.

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

The core responsibility of someone elected to this office is to be a true representative—someone who fights every day to make people’s lives easier and more secure. That means expanding access to healthcare, tackling the housing crisis, strengthening Social Security, and passing policies like universal childcare and paid family leave. In short, it means advancing solutions that improve quality of life for as many people as possible.

Another core responsibility is to reject the grip of big money and special interests that have taken over our elections and distorted our political system. That influence fuels gridlock and prevents progress on the issues everyday Americans—across party lines—actually care about. Our current representative has failed to stand up to that system, and that failure is one of the reasons this district deserves new leadership.

But ultimately, the most important responsibility of this office is to put people ahead of personal ambition. We need leaders who aren’t focused on their next career move or their next election, but on the real work of governing. Leaders whose sole purpose is to improve the lives of the people they serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be defined not by a single bill or political victory, but by who I was and how I showed up for people. I want to be remembered as someone who spoke up for those who needed it most, who stepped in to help whenever I could, and who stood firmly by my convictions—even when it meant refusing to please everyone.

I hope people remember that my heart was always in the right place, that I tried to do the right thing even when it wasn’t popular, convenient, or good for my political career. Because in the end, integrity and compassion matter more than titles or accomplishments.

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

The OJ Simpson white Bronco chase. I was 6 years old and I was watching the NBA Finals with my father.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe term limits should apply to all elected offices—including the House, the Senate, the presidency and vice presidency—and that the Supreme Court should also be subject to fixed terms. Our democracy works best when public service is exactly that: service, not a lifelong career.

I also believe we need age limits for our representatives. If someone is no longer eligible to delay their Social Security benefits, they should not be eligible to hold elected office. Representation should reflect the realities of the people being governed, not be dominated by leaders who are decades removed from them.

Term limits and age limits are essential safeguards. They prevent power from becoming entrenched, reduce corruption, and ensure that voters are not represented by individuals who remain in office year after year—often enriching themselves and their donors while everyday people are left behind.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Northside Democracy For America, Illinois Progressives, Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption, Citizens Impeachment, The Justice Coalition