Rock Island Today

In a move towards political accountability and reform, Ray Estrada, a GOP candidate for Illinois' 17th Congressional District, has officially signed the Term Limits on Congress pledge. 

This commitment reflects his dedication to promoting term limits for members of Congress and fostering a more dynamic and accountable political landscape. 

“Thank you Ray Estrada For Congress for signing the #termlimits on Congress pledge,” Illinois Term Limits said on Facebook. 

By putting pen to paper, Ray Estrada has joined the growing chorus of voices advocating for term limits on Capitol Hill. The #termlimits on Congress pledge represents a firm stance on breaking the cycle of entrenched political power and ensuring that elected representatives remain accountable to their constituents. 

"I, Rafael 'Ray' Estrada pledge that as a member of Congress I will cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits Amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms and no longer limit," the U.S. Term Limits Amendment Pledge signed by Estrada reads.

TermLimits.com, the organization behind the pledge, has been championing the cause of term limits for years, aiming to shift the dynamics of Congress by promoting regular turnover and preventing the undue influence of career politicians. By limiting congressional terms, the group envisions a Congress that remains focused on the needs and concerns of everyday Americans, free from the trappings of prolonged political careers.

In April, Estrada, a businessman and philanthropist, officially threw his hat into the ring as a candidate for the 17th Congressional District. Estrada's personal journey is intertwined with his opposition to socialism. Having fled political upheaval in Nicaragua during a communist and socialist takeover, he found refuge in Chicago and has since embraced the American dream. Now, he aims to protect the principles that make the United States great and safeguard the nation from the creeping influence of socialism. Speaking with WRAM, Estrada expressed his concerns about the impact of socialist thinking on society. 

“I believe that the United States is the greatest country in the world. I'm very grateful that it gave me a chance to succeed, to raise a wonderful family, to enjoy all of the blessings that we have here,” Estrada told WRAM, according to Galesburg Reporter. “And unfortunately, I can see too many similarities with what's going on right now in what I have seen in other countries that have been victims, let's say, or consumed by socialism. So that's basically one of the  greatest reasons that I have decided to go ahead and run for Congress.” 

The 17th District encompasses most of northwestern Illinois, including Whiteside and Carroll counties, as well as parts of Rockford and Peoria. It is seen as the most likely District to flip Republican in Illinois in the 2024 election cycle.