Will County Gazette

Samantha Gasca, candidate for Senate District 19, shared a candid and emotional reflection on her campaign journey. In the early hours of the morning, while on her way to gather signatures, Gasca opened up about the toll the campaign trail has taken on her, including facing negativity, meanness and even instances of hostility.

“I was beyond exhausted with smug attitudes, general meanness, being yelled at/spit at/ignored/having things thrown at me, and haughty self-righteous attitudes… seen daily from BOTH sides of the isle, throughout the course of this signature-collecting period (the last 90 days or so),” she said on Facebook.

In her heartfelt message, Gasca emphasized her commitment to being a decent human being and highlighted the importance of accountability in public service. She expressed love for people not in spite of their flaws but because of them, recognizing the value in every individual.

“Then, something awesome happened… one of my clients told me what I’m doing is an answer to so many people’s prayers. Meaning, all of this stuff I’m facing in the battle and in the travel are for the purpose of God fulfilling the answer to privately spoken concerns and the cries of the heart for better leadership in our country. Doing this is so worth it.”

“Our prayers have stemmed from observing our leadership with unacknowledged hypocrisy, self-serving purposes, history of perpetrating domestic violence… leadership who takes advantage of the people and promotes political decisions that traumatize children and make people lives more miserable for the sake of their own pocketbook. What people want is leadership that genuinely cares, doesn’t stay silent when something needs to be said no matter the cost, and doesn’t take “stuff” from the manipulators/deceivers/liars. I realized a while back, if I’m not willing to do whatever it takes whenever it needs to be done, then I have no business running for this office. I must be accountable to be a decent human being, putting the dang cart back, if I’m going to agree to step into a role like this.”

Gasca concluded by affirming her dedication to the campaign, driven by a commitment to the Lord and the people she has encountered along the way. Despite the challenges, she pledged to press on and stand firm for the sake of those who believe in her message of genuine leadership.

“I love people not in spite of their flaws but BECAUSE of them,” she said.

“And what my client shared, that’s enough to keep going. I started out doing this as a coittment to the Lord, but it ended up being a commitment to people (also). Some of the people I’ve met through this process have been some of the greatest and most amazing people. For them, I will press on. For them, I will stand firm. And for the rest, shame on us for being so stuck in our own misery that we have no way to funnel it except out on others. But I do it for y’all too, because you’re worth it, even with the mean chihuahua spirit.”

Gasca's political stance champions Illinois' rich history while pushing for an inclusive and successful future. She centers her platform around people-first policies: economic opportunities, accessible healthcare, excellent education standards and safer streets. Her ultimate goal is to unite the diverse communities within Illinois towards a sustainable future. These details were outlined in an earlier report by Will County Gazette.

Since March 2018, Gasca has served as the Radio Program Content Coordinator and Data Analyst at Moody Radio. Additionally, she owns and operates God Heard LLC, engaging in pastoral counseling, life coaching, and business consulting since July 2021. Gasca also fulfills the role of a Pastoral Counselor and Life Coach at NuWell Counseling.

Senate District 19 includes all or parts of Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Homer Glen, Joliet, Richton Park, University Park, Matteson, Homewood, Flossmoor, Park Forest, Olympia Fields, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Markham and Oak Forest. District 19 is currently being represented by Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).