An Illinois candidate who aims to represent Congress is touting his strong allyship.
Dylan Blaha—who’s running a progressive primary challenge against Democratic U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski in the state’s 13th Congressional District—recently talked with The Advocate. Among other things, Blaha said he was raised to believe in equality and can’t stay quiet as the current presidential administration attacks queer individuals. “What’s happening right now to trans people—to the LGBTQ+ community—is not OK. Somebody needs to stand up.”
Describing himself as a lifelong ally, Blaha—an Army captain and biochemist—also said, “The military taught me that silence and inaction carry consequences. When governments stop valuing human life, it starts small, and that’s why you stand up early.” He told The Advocate that his team includes trans and non-binary volunteers, adding that they are developing “white papers” that would guide legislation to strengthen federal nondiscrimination protections and prevent anti-LGBTQ+ laws from reappearing.
Blaha’s campaign website states, “We must expand protections for LGBTQIA+ people and end the criminalization of LGBTQIA+ identities. People are people and all Americans deserve the right to freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Some of the other issues on his platform include AI regulation, the environment, women’s rights, immigration and an anti-oligarchy policy.