Vision
Calvin Coleman is running for Congress with a bold, commonsense mission: end corporate corruption, rebuild forgotten communities, and restore unity in a divided nation. He believes government should serve the people—not special interests—and that every American deserves a fair shot at health, opportunity, and dignity. Guided by real-world experience and unapologetic values, Calvin is ready to bring principled, people-first leadership to Washington.
From struggle to service
Thriving through resilience
Elect Calvin Coleman
Key Issues
End corporate capture and corruption in government
When I am in Congress, I will work to stop giant corporations and financial institutions from controlling our government. I will fight the Washington bureaucracy that supports the elites and their global agenda, especially the National Security State, which includes intelligence agencies, groups like the National Endowment for Democracy, the military-industrial complex, the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security. I strongly disagree with treating corporations like people who can influence elections with money. I also oppose corporate corruption in government decisions and the "revolving door" where government officials get high-paying jobs at the companies they once regulated. I stand against global organizations like the World Economic Forum and the World Health Organization overriding our nation's independence and forcing policies on us that we didn't choose. I will work for a government that serves the people, not the powerful.
Lift up impoverished peoples and communities
As someone who grew up in poverty, I know the struggles of working families and forgotten communities. I will fight for government policies that lift up Americans in poor areas, from inner cities to the Rust Belt and Farm Belt. These policies will boost jobs and help people achieve their American Dream. I believe we're all equal and oppose any discrimination or favoritism based on race. I respect the rights of Native American nations to govern themselves. I want to rebuild our struggling industrial cities to create good-paying jobs, so people can take pride in their communities and thrive.
Heal the divide and promote civility
As someone who's seen division tear us apart, I strongly oppose "cancel culture" tactics. Instead, I will promote respect and open dialogue in our conversations. For too long, the Democratic and Republican parties have divided us into opposing teams, pushing conflict instead of listening to each other's concerns or considering new ideas to solve today's problems. Rather than arguing or turning us against one another along party lines, we should focus on our shared goals as Americans trying to succeed. In Congress, I will listen to all perspectives, find common ground, and work to unite us.
Champion economic policies for workers and small businesses
I will work in Congress to pass policies that strengthen the American economy. Our government's budget, tax, and money policies should benefit all Americans. I support policies that provide good wages for everyone who can work, protect the well-being of seniors and those unable to work, and create a supportive environment for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and worker-owned businesses.
Maintain law and order
I will work in the legislature to keep America safe and maintain law and order. Our police, first responders, and law enforcement should have the tools and staff they need to do their jobs well. I support programs to help people who have committed crimes turn their lives around. Repeat offenders should be kept off the streets to protect public safety and maintain trust in our communities. I understand how crucial public safety is to Americans, and we all deserve to feel secure in our communities, no matter what part of Illinois we live in or our income level.
National Debt & Fiscal Responsibility
Our government's spending is out of control, and it's causing inflation to rise. We can't keep spending money we don't have on programs we can't afford. Raising the debt ceiling without cutting wasteful spending is hurting our country. The federal government is too big and needs to be streamlined. I support reviewing which programs work better at the state level and make a smooth transition, while protecting Social Security. There's no "one-size-fits-all" solution for federal agencies, as rural Illinois has different needs than Chicago. As a father, I will push for smart budget policies that consider the future of our children. I understand how important fiscal responsibility is to Americans, and we all deserve a government that spends wisely to secure our nation's future.
Make America Healthy Again
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement changed my life. Growing up in a home affected by addiction and now living sober for years, I understand the value of healthy living. I strongly support the MAHA movement and will work in Congress to help Americans eat healthier and live better. This generation deserves a chance to fight the chronic disease epidemic. Through my own struggles with physical and mental health, I've seen the life-changing power of MAHA principles. In Congress, I will push for policies to clean up our food and water and hold big food and pharmaceutical companies accountable. Our healthcare system needs reform. Having faced challenges in getting the right medical diagnosis, medication, and mental health services, I will advocate for these changes in Congress. I know how critical health is to Americans, and we all deserve a system that supports our well-being. Healthy Americans equals a strong America.
About Me
Born in Fairbury, Illinois, Calvin was not born into the life you'd expect of a future candidate for Congress. His parents' failed marriages left him bouncing between homes in Illinois and Nebraska, searching for stability. Raised mostly by his single mother and grandmothers, life was tough, and the family had to rely on food stamps and low-income housing to survive. His mom worked hard at a local factory, determined to build a better life, but her stress fueled her alcoholism and unhealthy relationships, which often led to an abusive home life.
By eighth grade, Calvin was caught in his own battles, turning to alcohol and smoking to cope. Addiction gripped him, but in 2011, he broke free and has been sober ever since. Calvin turned his life around, building a strong marriage as a proud husband to Stephanie and becoming an active dad who coaches his son's baseball team and volunteers with his Boy Scout Troop. As an entrepreneur and business owner, he's ended the cycle of hardship in his family.
Calvin's childhood of poverty and addiction drives his run for Congress. Calvin is ready to fight for kids facing the same struggles he did. In Washington, Calvin will push for policies to lift families out of poverty and support healthy living through MAHA values, which helped him overcome anxiety and depression and maintain his sober lifestyle. He will draw from his experiences in the workforce and as an entrepreneur to champion economic policies for workers and small businesses.