John,

When I first ran for office in 2018, I was a young candidate running to be a Cook County Commissioner—trying to break into a political system that wasn't built for people like me.

I was offered a contribution of $56,500 from a corporate PAC.

For a first-time candidate running for a county-level seat, that is a staggering amount of money. That is the type of check that can swing an election. It’s the kind of money that propels careers and secures victories.

But I didn’t even have to think about it. 

I refused the check.

Now, in my campaign to be the next Congresswoman for IL-9, these same special interests and corporations are back—circling this open seat like vultures, looking for any candidate willing to take their money and do their bidding in Congress. 

I made a choice back then to rely on people, not corporate PACs. It’s a harder road, but it’s the only one worth taking.

Groups like AIPAC are geared to spend up to seven figures to try and buy this seat. It’s going to take everything we have to counter their spending, and because I won't take their money, I rely on grassroots supporters like you to fuel this movement. 

So I am asking you today: If you believe we need to get big money out of politics and elect leaders who can’t be bought, will you chip in $25, $10 or whatever you can afford to help send this movement from the streets of Chicago to the halls of Congress?

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That corporate check was a golden ticket to an easy career, but it came with a price tag: my soul. I’d rather fight tooth and nail for every grassroots dollar than owe a single favor to special interests.

Bushra Amiwala

Democrat for IL-9

Mail checks to:

Bushra for Congress

PO Box 911

Skokie, IL 60076