FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2025

Montez Soliz Announces Campaign for Congress in Illinois’ 17th District: “Fighting for Our Future Starts Now”

Rockford, IL — Today, Montez Soliz announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, calling the race “a turning point for a generation ready to lead, ready to act, and ready to build a future we all deserve.”

At a time when working families are facing rising costs, corporate greed, and attacks on basic freedoms, Soliz is stepping forward with a clear message: we can’t wait for change — we have to organize and fight for it.

“Donald Trump didn’t just sign a bill, he signed away the future for millions of Americans,” Soliz said, referencing the former president’s so-called “big beautiful bill,” a sweeping right-wing package that slashed food assistance, stripped away labor protections, gutted climate investments, and pushed more families off affordable health care plans. “This is what happens when politicians play it safe, when we stop listening to working people, and when we let fear win. I’m running because too many people are being left behind and I refuse to let that be the future we settle for.

Soliz’s campaign is rooted in justice, built by everyday people, and driven by the belief that the government should actually work for those who keep this country running. His platform includes a $20 minimum wage, Medicare for All, climate action that creates jobs in rural communities, federal protections for abortion rights, and real investment in small towns, cities, and farming communities too often overlooked by Washington.

Born and raised in Rockford and the oldest of nine siblings, Soliz brings a deep understanding of struggle and a bold, forward-looking vision for what’s possible when working people lead the way. “We deserve leadership that’s present, principled, and unafraid to fight for what’s right,” Soliz said. “Not just in moments of ease but in moments of crisis, when it matters most.”

If elected, Soliz would be the first Afro-Latino to represent IL-17 and one of the youngest members of Congress in American history. But he’s not running to make history. He’s running to build a future rooted in dignity, justice, and opportunity for all.

“This isn’t about me,” said Soliz. “It’s about all of us, the people who get up early, stay up late, care for our families, and keep this country running. Our generation has something powerful to offer — not just rage at injustice, but the imagination to build something new. That’s what this campaign is about. That’s what I’m fighting for.”

Press Contact: media@montezforcongress.com