Will County Gazette

Matt Leiv, a Republican challenger in the District 14 Congressional race, is positioning himself as "a fighter for the people." 

The 38-year-old Marine veteran is hoping to challenge Rep. Lauren Underwood, the Democratic incumbent, in the general election in November 2024.

“As a husband and father, the painful and costly reality of failed Illinois leadership is in my face daily. I refuse to remain a bystander when new leaders are desperately needed – today, I am excited to announce my candidacy for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 14th District,” Leiv said on Facebook when he launched his campaign in March.

So far Leiv will face Krystal Dorey, an actress and mother, and James Marter, current Kendall County Republican Chairman, for the GOP nomination.

In an interview on the Marketscale podcast "Send the Marine to Congress," Leiv, a  veteran, discussed his decision to enter politics after his military service and his conservative values of smaller government and preserving individual liberties. With his background in the U.S. Marine Corps and experience as an AI consultant, Leiv aims to contribute to the country in a different way by becoming the 83rd veteran in the House of Representatives.

“I’m stepping up to represent residents in the 14th Congressional District as a fighter for the people,” Leiv posted on his Facebook profile.

According to his campaign website, Leiv said the U.S. is failing, saying the "nation is an embarrassment," as "The Biden Administration appears hellbent on wrecking our economic and national security. No surprise as well on the failed leadership of some of the state's incumbents." 

"In Chicago, the failed agendas of Lori Lightfoot and Lauren Underwood have made the 14th District vulnerable to the spillover of destructive Chicago policies," he said. "As a husband and father, the painful and costly reality of failed Illinois leadership is in my face daily, even when I try to escape with my loved ones for a meal at our favorite Chicago dog joint."