Why Am I Running for Congress?

When I walk across our family farm at sunrise, I think about the generations who came before me. Seven generations, to be exact.

My husband’s great-great-grandparents broke ground here in Northwest Illinois with their hands, their faith, and their hope for the future. They didn’t ask for much from the government, just the freedom to work hard and build a better life for their kids.

That spirit still lives in this soil, but too often, it feels like Washington has forgotten the people who make America work.

Too often, I open my laptop and see our Congressman, Eric Sorenson, chasing the latest headlines or leading on the latest extreme ideological position. That’s why I’m running for Congress: to give a voice back to the hardworking families, farmers, and small business owners who career politicians are ignoring.

I’m not a professional politician. I’m a mom, a farmer, and a small business owner who has spent her life balancing budgets, solving problems, and getting things done. When I see a problem, I don’t complain or post about it online. I fix it. That’s what I’ve done on my farm, in my community, and now in public service. Most of all, I think about what it takes to make something that lasts, grows, and flourishes for seven generations. That is the perspective you need in D.C.

What’s Gone Wrong, and How We Fix It

Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: Everything costs more. Groceries, gas, energy, housing–it’s all going up, while paychecks fall behind. Meanwhile, Washington continues to spend money we don’t have. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not fair to the next generation.

Our Congressman is more focused on ensuring there is a drag queen in every library than on ensuring your family has a hot meal on every plate. That will change when I am in office. Prices, not political pageantry, will be my focus.

I’ll fight to protect agriculture, because farmers feed this country. Instead of tying our hands with burdensome regulations, we need policies that support production, innovation, and independence. We should be producing our own energy, feeding our own people, and standing on our own two feet as a nation.

And as a mom, I know parents deserve a real say in their children’s education. We need strong schools, more opportunities for choice, and a system that prepares our kids to think critically, not follow blindly.

A Clear Choice for Illinois Families

My opponent, Eric Sorensen, promised moderation but delivered extremism. In fact, he’s built his brand on it–supporting reckless spending and championing radical social policies that don’t reflect our values. He’s more interested in making headlines than making life better for the people of Northwest Illinois.

Leadership means listening, not lecturing. It means showing respect, even when we disagree. It means remembering that the people of this district are not “ignorant” or “illiterate,” as Sorensen once called voters online; they’re hardworking, decent Americans who want to be heard.

The choice in this election is simple: more of the same Washington chaos, OR a representative who knows what life is really like for the families who live and work here.

The Road Ahead

This race is more than just one campaign. It’s a chance to send a message that America’s heartland still believes in faith, family, and freedom. We can flip the 17th Congressional District, hold the Republican majority, and get this country back on track. That starts in Peoria County, where 13% of the vote will come from.

In 2022, Sorensen won by just four points. His Republican opponent, Esther Joy King, ran a great race. But she got only 41% of the vote in the Peoria County portion of the 17th . That isn’t good enough.

Peoria is made up of hardworking families from every race and background. These are the very working-class voters who are coming to the Republican party as Democrats embrace extremism, and President Trump promised to deliver for them.

Now it’s up to us to close that gap, reach working families, and turn out our Republican friends and neighbors. I can’t do it alone. Voters listen to the people they know. The people they trust. And the people they share a geographic or demographic attribute with.

So talk to your friends and neighbors. Share this article with those in your network. Let’s remind them that the people who built this country still have a voice and a choice.

Julie Bickelhaupt is a seventh-generation farmer, small business owner, wife, and mom. She serves as Chair of the Carroll County Board and is running for Congress in Illinois’ 17th District. Learn more or get involved at JulieForIllinois.com.
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The contents and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the Peoria County GOP.