She Runs IL 2024! — Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, candidate for IL House of Representatives, District 17
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, incumbent, running for IL House of Representatives, District 17. Follow our series, She Runs Illinois 2024!, leading up to election day as we showcase and uplift the voices of Illinois women running for public office in the upcoming election, November 5, 2024.
Tell us about yourself
My grandparents immigrated from China in the 1920s, started a business and a family. Based solely on their nationality, the federal government sought to deport them under the Chinese Exclusion Acts. Ultimately, my grandparents gained citizenship and raised my father, who served the country in the military and participated in the civil rights movement.
As an attorney at Winston and Strawn, I partnered with the National Immigrant Justice Center to represent victims of child trafficking and forced marriage. As a founding member and co-chair of the Illinois Unaccompanied Children’s Task Force, I advocated for systemic changes to courtroom procedures involving vulnerable children.
These experiences led me to the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic where, as the first Director of the immigration law practice, I developed the capacity, policies, and procedures to meet the needs of Dreamers and other low-income residents of the community.
Gun violence is an epidemic and, to me, it’s personal. My family is among those who have experienced this horrifying statistic firsthand, losing my cousin and her two children when they were murdered by their father.
What are your top three legislative priorities you intend to focus on in office?
1. Protecting our families from gun violence by implementing smart policies to promote safe firearm storage
2. Safeguarding our environment by finding new and innovative ways to reduce plastic waste
3. Fighting back against new forms of online gender violence, including cracking down on deepfake AI videos and evolving forms of online harassment like doxxing.
What standards or criteria do you use to determine effective legislation, and how do you incorporate constituent input in the policymaking process?
The most important criteria in evaluating proposed legislation is to identify the problem it is aiming to solve and whether, ultimately, the legislation is likely to advance the common good. Does it expand access to education or healthcare? Does it clarify or strengthen protections for vulnerable people?
I’m fortunate to have many thoughtful and engaged constituents in the 17th district who contact my office to share their perspective on proposed legislation and issues impacting our community. Every year, I have sponsored legislation that directly reflects those conversations I have had with constituents. Constituent feedback always informs my thinking on issues we tackle in Springfield.
Does the national environment impact the legislation you would advocate for in Illinois regarding reproductive freedom and healthcare?
The national environment plays a major role in the legislation we consider, particularly around reproductive rights.
In today’s post-Dobbs America, access to an abortion is not protected under federal law. Illinois has taken a series of steps to codify some of these rights in state law absent those federal protections, including the Reproductive Health Act, one of the most important bills I have had the privilege to vote for.
That decision has been devastating for abortion access in many states outside of Illinois, which has in turn led to women from other states coming here to get the healthcare they need. I believe we need to address that demand and ensure that Illinois continues to be a safe haven for those in need.
However, we all must understand that even in Illinois, our rights remain in jeopardy. If a federal abortion ban were to take effect, it would supersede all state laws, including those we have put into place to protect abortion rights here in Illinois.
What are your thoughts on addressing child marriage in Illinois, and what challenges or considerations do you foresee in implementing such a policy?
Child marriage is a fundamental violation of human rights. The issue of child marriage is addressed in a number of international human rights treaties and agreements; however, the minimum marriage age varies by state. The challenge to ending child marriage is related to existing statutory exceptions that drop the true minimum marriage age with parental consent.
What policies will you advocate for to better support women, including those with disabilities and chronic pain, who often face medical gaslighting and barriers in accessing necessary healthcare?
Sadly, this is an experience several women I know have gone through. Addressing root causes of this problem requires a multi-prong approach.
In the long-term, ensuring that medical education and training is based around a gender-informed model that stresses the importance of genuinely listening to patients and taking their concerns seriously — especially women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of color, who are more likely to struggle to receive adequate care.
Closing comments
The 17th district is a diverse place rich in culture, language, and religion. Growing up with parents of Chinese American and Irish descent and choosing Judaism as an adult instilled in me a unique perspective that helps me appreciate and embrace the diversity that makes our community the wonderful place it is. My career as a human rights attorney focused on expanding protections for women under federal law and helping unaccompanied children navigate the complex immigration court system. This experience led me to develop a strong understanding of how legislation can impact an individual’s life and a passion for public service.
While running a nonprofit legal aid clinic, I saw first-hand the devastation resulting from the Rauner-era budget impasse — too many families have suffered because of poor decision-making in Springfield.
I’m running because I still have work to do: reducing gun violence and access to dangerous assault weapons, protecting women’s rights, continuing to improve public schools, and protecting our environment.
If you would like to learn more about Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at jenggforrep.com. Don’t forget to follow her on social media at @jenggforrep. Reach out today and help make a difference in the upcoming 2024 election.
(The information contained in this post is provided only as general information and does not imply an endorsement by She Votes Illinois.)
