My Vision for America

Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by the stories we learned in Social Studies — not just the events and dates, but the soul of a country striving toward its ideals. I was drawn to the America of possibilities: where people from all walks of life came together, where Ellis Island represented hope, and where the Civil War, though tragic, stood as proof that we could confront our deepest sins in the pursuit of a more perfect union. Growing up in Aurora, Illinois — a city rich in history and diversity — I saw these American ideals not just in textbooks, but in real life.

But I also learned early that the America we dream of isn’t always the America we live in.

As a Latino, I’ve often had to confront assumptions that I wasn’t “American enough” — whether because of my last name, my skin color, or where I come from. Recently and separate incidents, my family and I have had cops called on, shouted racial slurs, and assaulted. I’ve had strangers speak to me in stereotypes, assume I only belong in certain neighborhoods, or act surprised when I talk about my love for country music, quiet rural communities, or the values of kindness and neighborliness we see in classic films. But my Americanness isn’t up for debate — and neither is yours. We are not less American because we are multicultural. We are more American because we are multicultural.

I want to build an America where I can walk down the street in any town or city without worrying that my ethnicity will make me a target. Where my daughters — and yours — can ride their bikes, play in the park, or simply grow up without fear. That means investing in public safety, yes — but it also means building trust between communities and law enforcement, expanding access to mental health support, and rejecting hate in all its forms.

I stand with people like Congressman Al Green, who has spoken publicly about the racial slurs and hatred he’s endured. My own family has felt that pain too. Racism and prejudice are not things of the past — they are wounds still open, still bleeding. And yet, I still believe in this country. I believe in the version of America our younger selves once saw — not through rose-colored glasses, but through hopeful eyes. We saw the same dream. We walked toward it.

But today, that dream feels clouded. Misinformation and manipulation run rampant on social media, which is increasingly influenced by powerful political interests. Under the Trump administration, we’ve seen efforts to dominate narratives by controlling platforms and silencing dissent through algorithmic manipulation. In the midst of all this, I still believe our campaign can rise — because truth, compassion, and love endure longer than the fires of deception.

I don’t believe most Americans are hard-left or hard-right. We are human. We are parents, workers, dreamers. We want safety, opportunity, and dignity. We want to be heard — and we deserve leaders who will listen.

My vision is simple but profound: Peace, Love, and Tranquility. I want an America that leads not by fear, but by empathy. One that values community over chaos. One that accepts that disagreements don’t make us enemies. One that honors our shared struggles and our shared future.

So if you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or dismissed — know that this campaign is for you. If you’ve ever felt caught between political extremes, know that I see you. And if you still believe that America can live up to its ideals, just as I do, then let’s build that future together.

This is our country. Let’s reclaim its soul.