Will County Gazette

Kendall County Republican Party Chairman James Marter has launched a challenge to incumbent Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood for the 14th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024.

“Illinois deserves better and the people of the 14th District deserve to be represented again," Marter wrote in a June 21 release on his campaign website. "Lauren Underwood’s votes for irresponsible, budget-busting bills have fueled inflation and driven massive federal debt, causing great hardship on Illinois’ working families. Her support of unfettered open borders and lawless immigration policy is putting our safety and security at grave risk. If that wasn’t enough, she continues to attack our Constitutional Freedoms and support policies that result in endless government intervention and the invasion of our privacy and rights. It all adds up to failed leadership.”

Marter claims that the state's bad policies and overspending have made life harder for Illinois residents when it "should be the best state to retire in, do business in or raise a family," he wrote.

In announcing his campaign, Marter stressed that Underwood's shortcomings don't end there. 

“When Lauren Underwood had an opportunity to combat anti-Semitism and stand with the Jewish Community, she instead voted to keep (Minnesota Rep.) Ilhan Omar on the Foreign Affairs Committee," he wrote. "For voters, this should be strike number three for failing to stand against anti-Semitism and bigotry.

“First, (Underwood) refused to condemn the anti-Semitic statements by Omar on the floor of the U.S. House," Marter added. "Then she locked arms with (Michigan Rep.) Rashida Tlaib instead of condemning her hateful comments. Now, it’s three strikes and Underwood should be out.” 

A graduate of Purdue University, Marter wrote that his his platform includes cutting spending, reducing the size and scope of the federal government and working to end government waste and fraud. Adding protecting freedoms, improving border security and returning to energy independence also ranked high on his to-do list, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Marter also stressed that hie is pro-life, supports Second Amendment rights and believes the Affordable Care Act should be repealed. Marter claimed that Underwood's votes have “fueled inflation and driven massive federal debt," the Tribune reported.