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<h3>A new vision for progress.</h3>Sam is committed to his next mission: protecting our values, restoring trust, and rebuilding the middle class.

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Sam Polan is a former member of the U.S. Army. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement from the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense.

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<h2>A new generation of service leadership.</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/d0365318-6b5e-4b3e-8ee0-1780c1364fb7/c0ee7683-91ef-4b23-b588-bd93f25d6b73/c0ee7683-91ef-4b23-b588-bd93f25d6b73.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2037%2C2837&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Never leave problems for other people to solve.&nbsp; That’s been a guiding rule in Sam Polan’s life since his childhood days in his busy Wilmette home with four siblings and two dogs. Friday nights meant Shabbat dinners around a crowded table of family and friends. Summers meant sports, camps, and of course, hard work at the family school bus business hauling parts and learning to use power tools with the mechanics. After graduating from college, Sam’s first job was driving a school bus for his family’s business, helping to serve the same community that raised him.At the age of 11, Sam Polan decided on September 12, 2001, that he would serve in the military, which he later did with distinction. Sam was deployed to the Middle East three times and rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. He served first with Army Air Defense, before passing one of the military’s most demanding selection processes to become an Airborne-qualified Special Operations Civil Affairs Officer. In Sam’s new role, he learned Arabic and completed multiple deployments with SEAL teams as part of a Joint Special Warfare task force. Sam earned numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal. Still, to this day, he considers his greatest honor to be the challenge coin, a form of informal recognition, bestowed upon him by his Soldiers in acknowledgment of his empathy and leadership. Alongside his operational duties, Sam served as a Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Victim Advocate, standing up for survivors and working to build a culture of respect and accountability.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/d0365318-6b5e-4b3e-8ee0-1780c1364fb7/f225e9ac-e774-4bad-a79f-4a86ba93692c/f225e9ac-e774-4bad-a79f-4a86ba93692c.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1080&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/d0365318-6b5e-4b3e-8ee0-1780c1364fb7/4fdb49a3-3da0-4688-b4de-ac64d387662b/4fdb49a3-3da0-4688-b4de-ac64d387662b.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=29%2C0%2C1940%2C1295&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">After leaving the military in part due to injuries sustained in service, Sam transitioned to civilian service for the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. There, he served as an intelligence analyst and later as a strategy and policy advisor to NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. He regularly briefed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on threats in Africa and the Middle East, supported crisis teams during the Sudanese civil war and the 2023 Niger coup, and was manning the Middle East desk on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel where he was one of the first Americans to review raw footage from this gruesome terrorist attack. The work demanded quick judgment, calm under pressure, and a commitment to getting it right, qualities he found too often missing in Washington.Sam was dismayed at the Trump Administration’s failures and attacks on those working tirelessly to keep our country safe. He began to feel he could have a greater impact elsewhere. Tired of seeing more political theatre and cheap shots than progress, Sam knew he could not sit idly by and leave the problems for someone else.Sam is running for Congress as part of a new generation of leadership with a fresh perspective and real-life experience.&nbsp; He’s running to show up, earn trust, and solve problems. Our community deserves someone who has lived service, a fighter who can do more than talk, and someone willing to run toward the fire, not away - it's time to end the divisive rhetoric and performative politics holding us back.Sam holds a Master’s in International Relations from American University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Washington College. He lives with his partner, her son, and two very entitled dogs. In his free time, he reads history, is a frequent concert-goer, and still loves seeking out the occasional adventure.

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">What It All Means</h2>Democracy only works when people show up and hold leaders accountable.This district raised me. I will serve it with steadiness, integrity, and resolve. We do not need more noise. We need leadership willing to do the work.

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Sam Polan is a former member of the U.S. Army. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement from the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense.Sam Polan for Congress PO Box: 60067Chicago, IL 60660P: 224-260-6332

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<h2>Why I'm running</h2>“Everything will be alright in the end. And if it is not, then it is not the end.” - Fernando SabinoThat phrase captures something deeply American: perseverance through adversity, calm in moments of uncertainty, and the belief that progress is possible when we commit to responsible leadership. We do not get through hard times by chance. We get through them by choosing to lead, adapt, and rebuild.I have served this country overseas and in Washington. I have seen what leadership looks like when it is tested. Authentic leadership is not performative and does not seek applause; it is disciplined, steady, and accountable. I have also seen what happens when leadership fails. When institutions are hollowed out, experience is dismissed, and chaos is mistaken for strength.Today, our government is plagued by dysfunction, cruelty, and short‑sighted politics. Career public servants, Veterans, scientists, analysts, park rangers, and civil servants, are being pushed out not for incompetence, but for perceived disloyalty. That is not reform. It is dangerous. When we lose experience, we lose the ability to govern.Congress has too often responded to this erosion with silence, division, or excuses. But passive leadership is how broken systems stay broken.The easy choice would be to tune it out and hope the damage never reaches home. That is not who I am. During my decade as an Army officer, I learned two rules that still guide me: if you see a problem, you don’t walk past it. You take responsibility. And if you’re in charge, be in charge.That is why I am running for Congress.<h2>Coming Home to Lead</h2>I was born and raised in Illinois’ 9th District. My first home was in Buffalo Grove. I went to school in Wilmette, played sports across the North Shore, spent summers in Evanston, swam in Lake Michigan, and took the L to Wrigley with friends. My family ran a business in Skokie for thirty years. This district did not just raise me. It shaped me.I have lived across the country and served around the world, but this has always been home. And now, our home needs leadership rooted in service and accountability, not careerism or performance politics.People here are tired of dysfunction, tired of leaders chasing cameras instead of solutions, and tired of serious issues being drowned out by outrage. They do not want more noise. They want steady leadership focused on outcomes.That is what I bring: a record of service, a calm approach, and a deep responsibility to the community that raised me.

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Need to connect with the campaign? Send us a note and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!Sam Polan for Congress PO Box: 60067Chicago, IL 60660For Press Inquiries : press@sampolan.com

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"We can't keep doing the same things and expecting different results. Now more than ever, we need a new generation of leadership with lived experience and the courage to move our country forward. I still have faith in the people of this country and I still believe our best days are ahead of us, not behind."- Sam Candidate, IL-9

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Sam Polan is a former member of the U.S. Army. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement from the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense.

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<h2>Sam Polan for Congress Privacy Policy</h2>Privacy PolicyLast Updated: Dec 1 , 2025&nbsp;This Privacy Policy explains how Sam Polan for Congress (“ Committee”, “we” or “us”) collects, uses, and discloses information about you when you access or use our websites, mobile sites, and mobile application that link to this Privacy Policy (collectively, the “Site”). You can contact us by emailing <a href="mailto:info@sampolan.com">info@sampolan.com</a>&nbsp;We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make changes, we will notify you by revising the date at the top of the policy and, in some cases, we may provide you with additional notice (such as adding a statement to our website homepage or sending you a notification). We encourage you to review the Privacy Policy whenever you access the Site or otherwise interact with us to stay informed about our information practices and the choices available to you.COLLECTION OF INFORMATIONInformation You Provide to UsWe collect information you provide directly to us. For example, we collect information when you sign up to receive email or SMS updates, request information, fill out a form, sign a petition, sign up as a volunteer, sign up for an event, make a donation or purchase, send us an email, or otherwise communicate with us. The types of information we may collect include your name, contact information (such as email address, postal address, and phone number), credit card and other payment information (although payment information may be collected directly by a third-party processor), and any other information you choose to provide.&nbsp;In addition, we may be required to collect certain personal information from donors. 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<h2></h2>Sam Polan is a former member of the U.S. Army. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement from the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense.Sam Polan for Congress PO Box: 60067Chicago, IL 60660

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Chicago, IL -An unarmed woman was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Three children will never see their mother again. That fact alone demands accountability, truth, and justice.We all saw and heard what happened. Yet we are still seeing alternate narratives. That is unacceptable. Watch the videos. Believe your eyes and your ears.Even by ICE’s own standards, this officer failed to follow basic use-of-force guidelines laid out in the agency’s training manual. This was not a moment of unavoidable danger. It was a failure to follow protocol, and it must be investigated as such.The harm extends far beyond one family. Schools across Minneapolis are closed because city leaders are trying to keep children and staff safe from federal law enforcement agents. When parents are afraid to send their children to school, trust in public safety has collapsed.If ICE has nothing to hide, it must fully comply with local law enforcement and independent investigators. That means immediately releasing all body camera footage, audio, and related records, and cooperating fully with a transparent investigation.Law enforcement legitimacy depends on public trust. Actions like this erode that trust, put communities at risk, and make everyone less safe. No agency is above the law.Justice requires truth. And the public deserves nothing less.###

Statement from Sam Polan on the ICE  Shooting in Minneapolis

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by <a href="https://evanstonroundtable.com/author/lyduymy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">My Ly</a>, <a href="https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/08/22/army-veteran-former-pentagon-employee-joins-crowded-race-for-schakowskys-seat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evanston RoundTable</a>August 22nd, 2025Yet another candidate announced his plan to run in the Democratic primary for the state’s 9th Congressional District seat, which now has nearly two dozen people competing for the role that’s been held since 1999 by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Evanston resident.Sam Polan, an Army special operations veteran and former senior policy advisor at the Pentagon, filed paperwork on Thursday in tandem with an announcement on his campaign’s social media page for the primary slated for March 17, 2026.Polan joins a growing list of people vying for the seat to succeed the longtime Rep. Schakowsky, who announced her retirement in May. He holds a masters degree in international relations from American University and a bachelors of science in political science from Washington College. Polan, a native of Wilmette, lists defending the constitution and rule of law, restoring and defending civil liberties and building an equitable path to the American Dream, as key pillars on his website. In an announcement video posted to his X (formerly known as Twitter) page, @Polan4Congress, he voiced his concerns toward the current administration under President Donald Trump. “I can tell you firsthand what’s going on in Washington right now is reckless, it’s dangerous and honestly it’s insulting,” Polan said in the video announcing his candidacy. “Donald Trump and his allies are actively seeking to undermine every institution I sought to defend.” In the same video, he specifically criticized Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, for his administrative decisions at the Pentagon. “Worse, while I was still working at the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth has started treating that place like an internship program,” Polan said. “He put whoever he wanted where he wanted based on loyalty alone. I kept waiting for Congress to do something, to push back even a little bit to show even a little bit of spine, but [they] never did. So instead of complaining about it, trying to do something about it … I’m home now, wanting to represent you all, the people I grew up with. “His announcement comes after the start of the petition circuit period, which began on Aug. 5, a 90-day window when candidates can collect signatures to qualify for the primary ballot. Based on party registration in the district, Democratic candidates need at least 1,173 signatures to qualify, while Republicans need 540. The race for the seat has garnered a wide range of potential candidates, both familiar to Evanston and newcomers in politics, including Mayor Daniel Biss, State Sen. Laura Fine and content creator Kat Abughazaleh. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership with lived experience and the clarity to move our country forward,” Polan said on his website. “I’m someone who will run toward the fire, not away — I’ll build coalitions and push back on the Trump Administration and its reckless policies.” The 9th District starts on the Chicago’s North Side and runs north to Evanston before stretching north and west to Fox River Grove and Crystal Lake in McHenry County.

by <a href="https://evanstonroundtable.com/author/lyduymy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">My Ly</a>, <a href="https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/08/22/army-veteran-former-pentagon-employee-joins-crowded-race-for-schakowskys-seat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evanston RoundTable</a>August 22nd, 2025Yet another candidate announced his plan to run in the Democratic primary for the state’s 9th Congressional District seat, which now has nearly two dozen people competing for the role that’s been held since 1999 by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Evanston resident.Sam Polan, an Army Special Operations veteran and former senior policy advisor at the Pentagon, filed paperwork on Thursday in tandem with an announcement on his campaign’s social media page for the primary slated for March 17, 2026.

Army veteran, former Pentagon employee joins crowded race for Schakowsky’s seat

Come grab a cup of coffee with Sam and talk about issues concerning the 9th Congressional District

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Come listen to why Sam is the best candidate for the 9th Congressional District. , Doors OPEN 5:30; there will be a Jazz performance by the Chicago Cellar Boys, at 8:00 pm

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Join Sam Polan to hear about why he is the best candidate for IL-09th Congressional District.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

Climate change is real. and it is a national security, economic, and public health issue.I support practical, data‑driven climate solutions that invest in clean energy, modernize the grid, create good‑paying jobs, and protect communities without punishing working families.We can grow our economy while reducing emissions if we lead honestly and act decisively.

Climate Action and Energy Security

Supporting service members does not end when the uniform comes off.Veterans deserve world‑class healthcare, mental health support, housing security, and a VA that works. Patriotism is action, not slogans.

Supporting Our Veterans

America needs a foreign policy rooted in strength, realism, and partnerships.That means supporting Ukraine, standing by Israel while protecting civilians, strengthening NATO, and confronting long‑term challenges from authoritarian powers.Modern threats are evolving and now include space, cyber, and information warfare. We must be prepared to address these new threats with the old.

Strength Abroad, Stability at Home

With longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky deciding against seeking re-election, voters will find 14 active congressional candidates on the Democratic Party primary ballot in Illinois' 9th U.S. House district.The district is clearly gerrymandered to provide safe haven for Democrats in the general election, so sorting through the array of hopefuls in the March 17 primary is especially critical. The winner is likely to go on to be elected even though the size of the field means that candidate probably will be nominated without a majority of the vote.A number of those candidates are worthy. We could make a case for many of them. We very much like many of them.For instance, Army veteran Sam Polan of Wilmette presents a solid candidacy as a level-headed left-of-center moderate who practically had us applauding when he said Democrats must understand that it's “crucial that we become the common-sense party again.” Crisis management expert Phil Andrew, also of Wilmette, is another extraordinarily good moderate option; with a personal story that is frankly inspirational, he speaks forcefully but thoughtfully without resorting to slogans or simplistic solutions. Polan, Andrew and others would be appealing nominees.But our choice is State Sen. Laura Fine, an experienced legislator from Glenview who has demonstrated a remarkable ability to work with others to get things done. She displays the refreshing analytical thinking the country needs in Washington to focus on creatively solving problems rather than engaging in the beltway game of reflexive polarization. In her time in Springfield, she has shown herself to be a workhorse, not a show horse, and she is widely respected by colleagues and constituents because of that.She boasts endorsements from an impressive and exhaustively large array of community leaders and Legislator of the Year recognition from a number of organizations, and she has had a hand in passage of scores of bills in Springfield, with a particular interest in health care matters. She's not one of the flamboyance magnets who seem to be famous for being famous. She is more old school than that. She works behind the noise to accomplish things.All that said, she also has grit and strength. We don't agree with all of her positions. While we share grave concerns about the way the current immigration enforcement has been handled, we view her bill to ban ICE agents from consideration for Illinois law enforcement jobs to be doctrinaire. But for the most part, Fine assesses problems and takes measured positions that see past the day's crises to the fundamentals that lie beneath them. While certainly left of center, she understands that most issues come with complexity that cannot be solved with dogmatism.There are indeed more progressive candidates in the race, including but not&nbsp;limited to Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and social media influencer Kat Abughazaleh of Chicago. While their views are farther left than ours, we do not dismiss their candidacies. Biss first came to our attention during his days in the state legislature 15 years ago, and we have to say that in the years since, he has grown. His leadership in Evanston has been energetic and in many ways groundbreaking. Abughazaleh, 26, would become one of the youngest members of Congress if she were elected and, without question, would capture national&nbsp;attention with her provocative approach to politics. Both are formidable candidates and both clearly represent constituencies on the left wing of the party.The district boundaries snake almost 50 miles from the north side of Chicago through slices of 32 suburbs as far northwest as Lake in the Hills in McHenry County.

The district is clearly gerrymandered to provide safe haven for Democrats in the general election, so sorting through the array of hopefuls in the March 17 primary is especially critical. The winner is likely to go on to be elected even though the size of the field means that candidate probably will be nominated without a majority of the vote.A number of those candidates are worthy. We could make a case for many of them. We very much like many of them.For instance, Army veteran Sam Polan of Wilmette presents a solid candidacy as a level-headed left-of-center moderate who practically had us applauding when he said Democrats must understand that it's “crucial that we become the common-sense party again.” Crisis management expert Phil Andrew, also of Wilmette, is another extraordinarily good moderate option; with a personal story that is frankly inspirational, he speaks forcefully but thoughtfully without resorting to slogans or simplistic solutions. Polan, Andrew and others would be appealing nominees.

Our choice for Democrats in Congress District 9

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. warned that injustice does not become acceptable simply because it is carried out by the state, wrapped in policy language, or justified in the name of order. He understood that when government power is used without regard for human dignity, it corrodes both our democracy and our shared sense of responsibility to one another.That warning feels especially urgent today.Across this country, we see families torn apart, communities living in fear, and a growing numbness to state-sanctioned harm. These are not isolated failures. They are the result of choices and of a willingness to look away.&nbsp;Dr. King believed deeply in the promise of America, even as he challenged it to live up to its ideals. He understood that democracy is not self-executing and justice is not inevitable. Progress requires people willing to show up, to speak honestly about our failures, and to do the patient work of repair.In the spirit of Dr. King, we reject both cynicism and complacency. We refuse the idea that division is inevitable or that cruelty is strength. Instead, we recommit to the work of building a country where dignity is not conditional, opportunity is not inherited, and freedom is not reserved for the few.On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reject the false choices we are so often offered: security versus humanity, law versus justice, order versus freedom. We can uphold the rule of law while insisting that it serve people rather than harm them.Honoring Dr. King’s legacy means refusing to normalize violence, refusing to excuse injustice, and committing ourselves to the hard, necessary work of building a country that lives up to its ideals. Not someday. Now.

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Martin Luther King Jr Day

The shooting by ICE agents in Minneapolis is a profound failure of judgment, training, and accountability.It has now been reported that the individual who was killed was lawfully carrying a firearm, was disarmed while on the ground, and posed no imminent threat at the time deadly force was used. Acknowledging that he was carrying does not justify what followed. The escalation was unnecessary, the response was excessive, and the shooting was unwarranted.This kind of conduct violates the most basic principles of de-escalation and makes everyone less safe. It damages trust with communities and undermines the work of legitimate law enforcement officers who rely on cooperation to keep people safe.During my service in the U.S. Army, if I had engaged in behavior like this, escalating a situation, disregarding rules of engagement, or using force without clear justification, I would have, and should have, been held accountable immediately.There is no reason ICE agents operating on American soil should be held to a lower standard than service members in a war zone.What we are seeing is not isolated. It reflects an agency deploying personnel who are not adequately trained, not adequately supervised, and not equipped to operate safely in civilian communities. That is a recipe for tragedy, and we are seeing the consequences.Things are getting worse, not better. The American people do not support this kind of militarized enforcement, and they do not want communities turned into battlegrounds. It is time to de-escalate, to stop putting unqualified agents into volatile situations, and to hold those responsible fully accountable.We can, and must, do better than this.

Statement from Sam Polan on the ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Mental health affects every family and every community. It must be treated with the same urgency as physical health.We must expand access to care, increase the number of providers, integrate services into schools and emergency systems, and eliminate stigma. No one should have to reach a crisis before receiving help.

Mental Health Is Healthcare

Sam is a former Army Special Ops Officer who left the Pentagon

Phone bank for Sam 

Sam , a former Special Ops Officer. After his military service, Sam served at the Pentagon as a senior national security strategy and policy advisor. When political pressure began overriding professional judgment and accountability, he expected Congress to act. They did not. So Sam is running to do the job that Congress refuses to do.

Being pro‑choice means believing in individual freedom. Abortion is healthcare. These decisions belong between patients and doctors, not politicians.I support restoring federal protections for reproductive rights and codifying the right to abortion in federal law. No state, court, or politician should be able to strip away that freedom.

Reproductive Freedom Is Healthcare

Come and meet and talk with Sam Polan about the issues that matter the most to you, the resident's of IL -09th Congressional District

Meet and Greet at Stormy's

Come and meet with Sam Polan, candidate for IL - 09th Congressional District.

Infrastructure is how an economy functions and how communities stay safe.I support sustained investment in:Roads, bridges, and transitClean water systemsGrid resilienceBroadband accessClimate‑resilient infrastructurePrevention is cheaper, and smarter, than crisis response.

Infrastructure Is National Security

Chicago, IL. – “I’m horrified by the antisemitic attack in Sydney targeting people gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. Antisemitism is on the rise globally, and it is unacceptable. Jewish communities around the world are facing increased intimidation and fear simply for practicing their faith, gathering in public, and celebrating their traditions.Everyone should be able to live, worship, and celebrate freely, without harassment or violence. Hatred directed at any community corrodes our shared humanity and weakens the fabric of democratic societies.We must be clear and united in rejecting antisemitism wherever it appears and in standing with those who are targeted by hate. There is no place for violence in our public life, and no place for antisemitism in our world.”

Statement from Sam Polan on Rising Antisemitism  and the Attack in Sydney

IL-9 Congressional Candidate Sam Polan:“SNAP Benefits Are a Lifeline, Not a Bargaining Chip”Evanston, IL — “As Illinois families struggle to make ends meet, one thing is clear: SNAP benefits are not a bargaining chip. They are a lifeline.Right now, nearly 1.94 million Illinois residents, or about 15 percent of our state’s population, rely on SNAP food assistance each month. In the Chicago and Cook County region, hundreds of thousands of households depend on this support to put food on the table.Instead of working to strengthen economic opportunity and job growth, some policymakers are choosing to play petty games with people’s basic survival. Using SNAP assistance as a bargaining chip is unacceptable. It shows a complete disregard for working families, children, individuals with disabilities, and seniors who are already vulnerable.I call on every public official, at every level of government, to put an end to the games. Stop the threats. Stop using lives as leverage. We should focus on real solutions: quality jobs, accessible training, a stronger economy, and dignity for every Illinoisan.To those who are counting on SNAP today: we see you. We hear you. And we will not let you be used as a political pawn.”###Sam Polan is a U.S. Army veteran, former Pentagon policy advisor, and Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. He served his country and is now running to defend our democracy, restore integrity in public service, and ensure that the values he swore to uphold are reflectedin Washington. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.sampolan.com">www.sampolan.com</a>

IL-9 Congressional Candidate Sam Polan:“SNAP Benefits Are a Lifeline, Not a Bargaining Chip”Evanston, IL — “As Illinois families struggle to make ends meet, one thing is clear: SNAP benefits are not a bargaining chip. They are a lifeline.Right now, nearly 1.94 million Illinois residents, or about 15 percent of our state’s population, rely on SNAP food assistance each month. In the Chicago and Cook County region, hundreds of thousands of households depend on this support to put food on the table.Instead of working to strengthen economic opportunity and job growth, some policymakers are choosing to play petty games with people’s basic survival. Using SNAP assistance as a bargaining chip is unacceptable. It shows a complete disregard for working families, children, individuals with disabilities, and seniors who are already vulnerable.I call on every public official, at every level of government, to put an end to the games. Stop the threats. Stop using lives as leverage. We should focus on real solutions: quality jobs, accessible training, a stronger economy, and dignity for every Illinoisan.To those who are counting on SNAP today: we see you. We hear you. And we will not let you be used as a political pawn.”###Sam Polan is a U.S. Army veteran, former Pentagon policy advisor, and Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. He served his country and is now running to defend our democracy, restore integrity in public service, and ensure that the values he swore to uphold are reflected in Washington. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.sampolan.com">www.sampolan.com</a>

IL-9 Congressional Candidate Sam Polan: “SNAP Benefits Are a Lifeline, Not a Bargaining Chip”

Chicago, IL - The recent actions taken by the United States in Venezuela raise serious questions that deserve clear, public answers.At this moment, there are significant unknowns. The legal rationale for this operation has not been fully articulated. Congress and the American people have not been adequately informed about why this action was taken, under what authority it was authorized, or what specific objectives it is meant to achieve. Most concerning, there has been no clear explanation of how this operation advances a broader, coherent policy toward Venezuela or regional stability.What is clear is that actions which violate state sovereignty and stretch the bounds of international law set a dangerous precedent. A rules-based international order cannot be selectively applied without undermining its legitimacy. The legal justification for this operation appears dubious at best, and the lack of transparency only deepens those concerns.We should also be honest about the real-world consequences. This operation will not lower food prices for American families. It will not reduce medical costs. It will not ease household debt. It may, however, disrupt energy markets and raise oil prices, increasing costs at the pump and across the economy.History also shows that instability in Venezuela drives migration north. Actions that increase uncertainty and unrest without a clear diplomatic or humanitarian strategy risk accelerating displacement and further straining already overburdened migration systems.As someone who has served in the U.S. Army and worked on national security policy, I believe deeply that American power must be exercised with discipline, legality, and clear purpose. Congress must be informed, the law must be respected, and the American people deserve to know not just that we are acting—but why, and to what end.###Sam Polan is a U.S. Army veteran and Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois' Ninth Congressional District. He served in Army Air Defense and was later selected for special operations, deploying multiple times to the Middle East. After his military service, Sam worked as an intelligence analyst and then as a strategy and policy adviser supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and he later served as a Pentagon policy adviser focused on homeland defense and national security. A native of the Chicago area, Sam is running for Congress as part of a new generation of service-based leadership, with priorities that include defending the Constitution and the rule of law, restoring and protecting civil liberties, expanding opportunity, and building an equitable path to the American Dream.<a href="http://www.sampolan.com">www.sampolan.com</a> For more information, contact: Eleiza Braun at <a href="mailto:press@Sampolan.com">press@Sampolan.com</a>

Statement from Sam Polan on Recent U.S. Actions in Venezuela

I support free and fair trade. Strategic trade agreements expand opportunity, lower consumer costs, and strengthen global partnerships. Reckless tariffs hurt American workers and small businesses while doing little to solve real economic challenges.Trade policy should be thoughtful and cooperative, guided by analysis, not impulse or isolationism. Competing globally requires strength, confidence, and a long‑term strategy.

Trade That Works for America

Help us go door to door in Cary talking to voters about Sam Polan.

Canvassing in Cary 

Help get out the vote in Cary for Sam Polan

Help talk with your IL - 09 Neighbors in Cary, IL.

Join Sam at Evanston Township High School, Main Auditorium. Event hosted by Evanston Youth Advisory Committee.

EYAC Debate 

A strong economy is not measured by stock market headlines alone. It is measured by whether people who work full‑time can afford housing, healthcare, childcare, and retirement with dignity.For too long, economic policy has rewarded consolidation and short‑term profit while leaving working families exposed to inflation, instability, and wage stagnation.I support policies that:Enforce antitrust laws and promote competitionProtect small businesses from predatory consolidationStrengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chainsExpand workforce training and apprenticeshipsReward productivity without driving inflationEconomic growth must be broad‑based, resilient, and grounded in real work

An Economy That Works for Working People

Help Get out the vote in Cary for Sam Polan

I am a gun owner and a combat veteran. I support the Second Amendment and responsible gun ownership.Civilians do not need weapons designed for war. Protecting public safety requires background checks, closing loopholes, enforcing red‑flag laws, and restricting access to weapons designed for war.Public safety and constitutional rights are not competing values. We can protect both.

Public Safety and Gun Violence Prevention

The Constitution is not optional.I will defend elections, courts, and democratic institutions, regardless of party, and reject political violence and conspiracy as tools of power.

Defending the Rule of Law

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, along with the millions of others targeted and killed by the Nazi regime. We remember not only the victims, but the lessons the world must carry forward.The Holocaust did not begin in the camps. It did not begin with gas chambers. It was the result of a long series of human choices. It began with words that spread fear and hatred, with ideas that reduced people to stereotypes, and with laws that excluded and isolated entire communities. Over time, indifference took hold, neighbors were no longer seen as human beings, and violence followed until it culminated in systematic and industrialized murder.This history matters because genocide is not sudden. It builds slowly when prejudice goes unchallenged, and responsibility is deferred. Remembering the Holocaust means recognizing our obligation to speak out, to protect those who are vulnerable, and to refuse the normalization of cruelty and dehumanization in any form.Holocaust remembrance has always carried special significance in Illinois’ 9th District. For many years, the community of Holocaust survivors in the district has shared their stories publicly so that the world would hear firsthand what happened. Their courage ensured that memory did not fade into abstraction, and that future generations would understand not only what was lost, but how it was lost.We honor them by remembering, by educating, and by recommitting ourselves to the promise that Never Again is not just a reflection on the past, but a responsibility and commitment in the present and future.&nbsp;###Sam Polan is a U.S. Army veteran and Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois' Ninth Congressional District. He served in Army Air Defense and was later selected for special operations, deploying multiple times to the Middle East. After his military service, Sam worked as an intelligence analyst and then as a strategy and policy adviser supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and he later served as a Pentagon policy adviser focused on homeland defense and national security. A native of the Chicago area, Sam is running for Congress as part of a new generation of service-based leadership, with priorities that include defending the Constitution and the rule of law, restoring and protecting civil liberties, expanding opportunity, and building an equitable path to the American Dream. <a href="http://www.sampolan.com">www.sampolan.com</a>For more information, contact: Eleiza Braun at <a href="mailto:press@Sampolan.com">press@Sampolan.com</a>

Statement from Sam Polan on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Sam , a former Special Ops Office. After his military service, Sam served at the Pentagon as a senior national security strategy and policy advisor. When political pressure began overriding professional judgment and accountability, he expected Congress to act. They did not. So Sam is running to do the job that Congress refuses to do.

Phone bank for Sam

Sam, a former Special Operations Officer. After his military service, Sam served at the Pentagon as a senior national security strategy and policy advisor. When political pressure began overriding professional judgment and accountability, he expected Congress to act. They did not. So Sam is running to do the job that Congress refuses to do.

With one week to go, come and here Sam Polan, candidate for IL 09th Congressional District about why he is the best candidate for the race.

Town Hall with Sam Polan in Northfield

With one week to go, come and hear Sam Polan, candidate for IL 09th Congressional District about why he is the best candidate for the race.

Meet N Greet Sam Polan in Northfield 

Candidate Forum at The Mather 

Sam will be participating in a candidate forum hosted by The Mather

Congress must function as a real check on power.I support term limits, decentralizing leadership, protecting the nonpartisan federal workforce, banning stock trading by members of Congress, and enforcing ethics rules equally.

Reforming Congress and Restoring Trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2025CONTACT:&nbsp;Jordan Overstreet417.761.4213<a href="mailto:info@sampolan.com">info@sampolan.com</a> Special Ops Army Veteran, National Security Expert, and Democrat Sam Polan Statement on National Guard in Chicago (Chicago, Illinois) - Today, Sam Polan, a Wilmette native and Special Operations Veteran who deployed to the Middle East three times, released the following statement on news that President Trump has expressed interest in deploying the National Guard to Chicago:&nbsp;“The President’s suggestion that he would federalize the National Guard in Chicago is a political stunt by a weak commander-in-chief, desperate to distract from his own failures and criminal record. It is insulting to every servicemember.“I’ve seen what happens when politicians treat military forces as tools for their own power instead of instruments of national defense. The National Guard is not a political tool, Chicagoans should never be used as pawns in a manufactured crisis, and turning the Guard against American cities is an unacceptable abuse of power.”&nbsp;“To be clear, the ire should not be turned toward the brave men and women in uniform who voluntarily signed up to serve their country and fellow citizens. The blame is to be placed squarely on the shoulders of President Trump.”Sam is a 9 year Army veteran. He served first as an Air defender before passing one of the military’s most demanding selection and qualification courses to become an Airborne-qualified Special Operations Civil Affairs Officer. There he completed multiple deployments as the civil and cultural advisor with SEAL teams as part of a Joint Special Warfare task force.For more information, please visit the website at <a href="http://www.sampolan.com">www.sampolan.com</a>. For a high-resolution picture of Sam, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pfDRjF2fVlmH7rApBBFkLY4J8OI9ULRS/view?usp=sharing">please click here</a>.&nbsp; # # #&nbsp;

(Chicago, Illinois) - Today, Sam Polan, a Wilmette native and Special Operations Veteran who deployed to the Middle East three times, released the following statement on news that President Trump has expressed interest in deploying the National Guard to Chicago: “The President’s suggestion that he would federalize the National Guard in Chicago is a political stunt by a weak commander-in-chief, desperate to distract from his own failures and criminal record. It is insulting to every servicemember.“I’ve seen what happens when politicians treat military forces as tools for their own power instead of instruments of national defense. The National Guard is not a political tool, Chicagoans should never be used as pawns in a manufactured crisis, and turning the Guard against American cities is an unacceptable abuse of power.”

National Security Expert Democrat Sam Polan Statement on Natl Guard in Chicago

By <a href="https://www.politico.com/staff/shia-kapos" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shia Kapos</a>, <a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2025/08/21/illinois-to-bondi-sanctuary-status-stands-firm-00517387" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Illinois Politico Playbook </a> 08/21/2025<a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2025/08/21/illinois-to-bondi-sanctuary-status-stands-firm-00517387" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In IL-09</a>: Sam Polan, a former policy adviser with the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is running as a Democrat for Congress in the 9th District. He served in the Army Air Defense and was later selected for special operations and deployed three times to the Middle East.“We are at an inflection point where our Democratic leaders have also failed us — failed to stop the Trump attacks, failed to put up candidates with fresh ideas that excite voters and failed to provide a clear vision,” Polan said in his launch announcement. “We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We need a new generation of leadership."

In IL-09: Sam Polan, a former policy adviser with the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is running as a Democrat for Congress in the 9th District. He served in the Army Air Defense and was later selected for special operations and deployed three times to the Middle East.“We are at an inflection point where our Democratic leaders have also failed us — failed to stop the Trump attacks, failed to put up candidates with fresh ideas that excite voters and failed to provide a clear vision,” Polan said in his launch announcement. “We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We need a new generation of leadership”

In IL-09: Sam Polan is running as a Democrat for Congress in the 9th District.

(Chicago, Illinois) - Today, Sam Polan announced his candidacy as a Democrat for Congress in Illinois’ Ninth Congressional District. Sam is a Wilmette native and Special Operations Veteran who deployed to the Middle East three times and rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. He served first with Army Air Defense, before passing one of the military’s most demanding selection processes to become an Airborne-qualified Special Operations Civil Affairs Officer. In Sam’s new role, he learned Arabic and completed multiple deployments with SEAL teams as part of a Joint Special Warfare task force.“I’m running for Congress because I am deeply concerned about the direction this country is headed under the Trump Administration and the failures of our current national Democratic leadership,” said Polan. “More than deeply concerned… I’m angry. I learned early on you don’t leave problems for other people. I don’t know how to bury my head in the sand, or how to sit idly by when Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans threaten our very democracy and all the institutions we hold dear, that I was driven to defend in uniform.” “We are at an inflection point where our Democratic leaders have also failed us… failed to stop the Trump attacks, failed to put up candidates with fresh ideas that excite voters, and failed to provide a clear vision. Democrats need to WIN again. We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We need a new generation of leadership that brings not only fresh ideas, but the life experience and ability to get things done.” After leaving the military in part due to injuries sustained in service, Sam transitioned to civilian service for the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. There, he served as an intelligence analyst and later as a strategy and policy advisor to NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. He regularly briefed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on threats in Africa and the Middle East, supported crisis teams during the Sudanese civil war and the 2023 Niger coup, and was manning the Middle East desk on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel.For more information, please visit the website at <a href="http://www.sampolan.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.sampolan.com</a>. For a high-resolution picture of Sam, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pfDRjF2fVlmH7rApBBFkLY4J8OI9ULRS/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">please click here</a>. ###

(Chicago, Illinois) - Today, Sam Polan announced his candidacy as a Democrat for Congress in Illinois’ Ninth Congressional District. Sam is a Wilmette native and Special Operations Veteran who deployed to the Middle East three times and rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army.

Special Ops Army Veteran, National Security Expert, and Democrat Sam Polan Launches Run for Congress

With one week to go, come and meet Sam Polan, candidate for IL 09th Congressional District. Hear why he is the best candidate for the race and make sure Sam knows how to work for you in Congress.

Town Hall with Sam Polan at Glenview Community Center

Town Hall with Sam Polan in Glenview

“There is a long and proud tradition in our country of citizens exercising their moral and civic voices through peaceful, non-violent protest.&nbsp;From the civil rights movement to labor marches to community walkouts that highlight injustice and demand change, what we are witnessing in Minnesota today builds on that history.Across the state, thousands of Minnesotan neighbors, business owners, faith leaders, workers, families, and students have chosen to pause their normal routines to participate in demonstrations, closures, and actions under the banner of a Day of Truth &amp; Freedom. By closing their doors, organizing marches and prayer vigils, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder in freezing temperatures, they are using every tool available to take care of their neighbors and to affirm the dignity and humanity of all in their communities. Hundreds of businesses, schools, and nonprofits have chosen solidarity over business as usual, embodying a collective ethic of care.This is a powerful example of how community care and peaceful civil engagement can draw attention to policies and practices that many feel have overstepped, and how people can come together in non-violent action to seek accountability, respect, and justice.I have been immensely proud of the ways our broader community has responded with compassion, resilience, and peaceful resolve. As the people of Minnesota, exercise our rights to assemble and to advocate for humane, just, and equitable treatment of all members of society.&nbsp;Their courage and unity today is not only a tribute to our democratic traditions but an affirmation that when communities act with care for one another, we move closer to the justice we seek.”

Statement from Sam Polan on the Minnesota Day of Truth & Freedom

Join Sam Polan for a Virtual Town Hall. He will go through the issues that most pressing on people's minds and why he is is the best candidate for Congress.

Sam Polan Town Hall (Virtual)

Join us on Saturday, March 7th for a virtual Town Hall with Sam Polan, candidate for Congress in IL - 09. Sam will discuss why he is the best candidate in the race for Congress.

Sam Polan Town  Hall

Public education is where opportunity begins. Every child deserves a safe classroom, qualified teachers, and access to the resources they need to succeed.I support:Expanding early childhood educationInvesting in teachers and modern facilitiesRestoring vocational and technical programsReducing student debt through affordable pathwaysFully supporting students with disabilitiesEducation should prepare students to think critically, adapt, and lead

Investing in Education and Our Future

Healthcare is foundational to economic security and human dignity. I support strengthening the Affordable Care Act, lowering prescription drug costs, expanding preventative care, and ensuring no family is bankrupted by medical emergencies.That includes:Capping out‑of‑pocket costsInvesting in community and rural healthcareAddressing maternal health disparitiesTreating addiction as a health issue, not a crimeHealthcare policy should be judged by one question: Does it make people healthier without pushing them into poverty?

Healthcare Is a Right

Sam at the Breakers 

by <a href="https://evanstonroundtable.com/author/lyduymy/">My Ly</a>, <a href="https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/08/22/army-veteran-former-pentagon-employee-joins-crowded-race-for-schakowskys-seat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evanston RoundTable</a>August 22nd, 2025Yet another candidate announced his plan to run in the Democratic primary for the state’s 9th Congressional District seat, which now has nearly two dozen people competing for the role that’s been held since 1999 by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Evanston resident.Sam Polan, an Army special operations veteran and former senior policy advisor at the Pentagon, filed paperwork on Thursday in tandem with an announcement on his campaign’s social media page for the primary slated for March 17, 2026.

Technology must serve the public interest.I support guardrails on artificial intelligence, strong data privacy protections, cybersecurity investment, and accountability for platforms that enable disinformation.

Technology, Democracy, and Accountability

“For more than a century, American economic strength and prosperity have gone hand in hand with an independent Federal Reserve.The Fed’s independence is not a technical detail or a bureaucratic preference. It is a guardrail that protects working families, small businesses, and long-term economic stability from short-term political pressure. When monetary policy is insulated from politics, inflation is better controlled, markets are more stable, and people can plan their lives with greater confidence.History shows us what happens when central banks are politicized: higher inflation, economic volatility, and a loss of trust that hurts everyday Americans first and hardest. That is not a risk we should be willing to take.I strongly support the independence of the Federal Reserve because strong institutions matter. A healthy democracy and a resilient economy both depend on leaders who respect the lines that keep power in check and decision-making grounded in expertise, evidence, and the long-term public good.”

Statement from Sam Polan on Fed Independence

Chicago, IL. -- This week, Illinois Veterans for Change (IVFC) announced its endorsement of U.S. Army veteran and national security expert Sam Polan for Congress in Illinois' Ninth Congressional District. The organization highlighted his record of military service, his work on national security policy, and his commitment to expanding support for veterans and their families.“After reviewing Sam’s vision and hearing his commitment to Illinois veterans, we believe he is ready to stand up for those who served our country,” said Jesse Rojo, Chair of Illinois Veterans for Change. “Sam understands the sacrifices veterans make when they serve and when they return home. He has laid out clear policies to expand housing options, ensure accessible mental health services, and streamline the benefits process. We are proud to endorse Sam Polan because he will make veterans a priority in office.”“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Illinois Veterans for Change,” said Sam Polan. “Veterans built this country, and they deserve a partner in government who listens, acts, and delivers results. I pledge to champion the men and women who served by improving transitional housing, strengthening mental health programs, and cutting through red tape so they receive the benefits they have earned. I will not let them down.”Key Focus Areas Highlighted by the EndorsementVeteran housing: Sam supports expanding affordable housing options for veterans exiting service.Mental health services: He advocates for accessible, high-quality mental health and PTSD support programs for veterans.Veteran benefits and rights: His plan emphasizes streamlining access to earned benefits and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks.Service-driven leadership: Drawing on his own experience, Sam is committed to strong leadership that respects veterans and their contributions at home and abroad.###About Illinois Veterans for ChangeIllinois Veterans for Change is a statewide coalition of Democratic veterans and veteran advocacy leaders. The organization supports Democratic veteran candidates who embody integrity, champion progress, and are committed to strengthening communities. It works to increase the number of veteran elected officials at every level of government.About Sam PolanSam Polan is a U.S. Army veteran and Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois' Ninth Congressional District. He served in Army Air Defense and was later selected for Special Operations, deploying multiple times to the Middle East. After his military service, Sam worked as an intelligence analyst and then as a strategy and policy adviser supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and he later served as a Pentagon policy adviser focused on homeland defense and national security. A native of the Chicago area, Sam is running for Congress as part of a new generation of service-based leadership, with priorities that include defending the Constitution and the rule of law, restoring and protecting civil liberties, expanding opportunity, and building an equitable path to the American Dream. <a href="http://www.sampolan.com">www.sampolan.com</a>For more information, contact: Eleiza Braun or Tim Rusch at <a href="mailto:press@Sampolan.com">press@Sampolan.com</a>

Illinois Veterans for Change Endorses Sam Polan   for Congress in Illinois' Ninth District

<a href="https://www.dailyherald.com/staff/russell-lissau/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Russell Lissau</a>, <a href="https://www.dailyherald.com/20250924/nation-and-world-politics/democratic-congressional-candidate-mocked-charlie-kirk-after-assassination/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Daily Herald</a>September 24, 2025Another Chicago Democrat, Sam Polan, said harmful and hateful rhetoric “erodes the trust the public should be able to place in its leaders.”“Those who ask for that trust must hold ourselves to a higher standard,” Polan said. “Every elected official has a responsibility to lower the temperature and coarseness of our national discourse.”

Democratic Congressional Candidate Mocked Charlie Kirk After Assassination

Illinois Vets 4 Change 

The Iranian people have the same fundamental rights as people everywhere: the right to live in freedom, dignity, and self-determination. For decades, those aspirations have been met with repression at home and violence exported abroad.The people of Iran, and people across the region, owe a profound debt of gratitude to the brave women and men who, over the past several years, have risked everything to stand up for their rights and the rights of their fellow Iranians. Their courage has inspired millions and made clear that the demand for freedom is neither abstract nor distant. It is lived, daily, by those who refuse to be silenced.A future shaped by the will of the Iranian people would not only be transformative for Iran, but stabilizing for the entire region. An Iran that is accountable to its people would no longer be able to funnel money, weapons, and support to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, whose campaigns of terror have brought suffering to civilians across the Middle East and stood in the way of lasting peace.The people of the region want the same things we all do: safety for their families, opportunity for their children, and the chance to live without fear.Supporting this movement for freedom is not only a moral imperative, it is a strategic one.We must support the people of Iran with clarity and responsibility. Any role the United States plays must be measured, lawful, and coordinated with the international community. Lasting change cannot be imposed from the outside. It must come from the people themselves, supported by global solidarity and a commitment to international norms.More than 7,000 protesters have been killed for daring to demand a voice in their own future. We should never look away from that reality. To the people of Iran, especially the women who have led this movement at extraordinary personal cost, I want to be clear: I see you, I hear you, and I am with you.

Statement from Sam Polan on the Protests in Iran

Wilmette, IL — The Alliance for American Leadership (A4AL) is proud to endorse Sam Polan for Congress in Illinois’ 9th District. A veteran, policy expert, and community leader, Polan is running to bring serious, accountable leadership to Washington at a moment when American credibility and global leadership are being dangerously undermined.The Alliance for American Leadership was formed in response to the erosion of U.S. international engagement and the dismantling of institutions that have long advanced American interests, stability, and humanitarian leadership abroad. In Sam Polan, A4AL sees a candidate who understands that American leadership is not an abstract ideal but a strategic necessity.“Sam Polan understands that American leadership on the world stage is inseparable from our national security and moral standing,” said Asher Moss, Executive Director of A4AL. “He brings a clear-eyed understanding of how international assistance, diplomacy, and alliances protect American lives, prevent conflict, and strengthen our country. That is why we are proud to support his campaign.”Polan, a veteran, emphasized that U.S. leadership abroad directly impacts the safety and security of Americans at home.“As someone who has worn the uniform, I know that smart diplomacy and international assistance saves lives,” Polan said. “When we retreat from the world, we don’t create peace or security. We create vacuums that our adversaries fill. American leadership means showing up strategically, responsibly, and with our values in the lead.”The Alliance for American Leadership is a bipartisan political action committee dedicated to restoring American leadership through smart, strategic, and effective international assistance. U.S. foreign assistance accounts for less than 1% of the federal budget, yet it plays a critical role in strengthening alliances, countering adversaries, preventing humanitarian crises, and reducing the likelihood of future military conflict.“International assistance works,” Moss added. “Over the past two decades, it has helped save tens of millions of lives, strengthened U.S. alliances, and prevented instability that would otherwise demand far greater military and economic costs.”A4AL will support Polan’s campaign through grassroots organizing, volunteer mobilization, and voter outreach. With hundreds of volunteers nationwide and a growing presence in key congressional districts, the organization is building a broad, bipartisan coalition committed to restoring America’s role as a principled global leader.“Sam Polan understands the stakes of this moment,” said Jesse Rojo, Chair, Illinois Veterans for Change. “He recognizes that American leadership is about responsibility, credibility, and results. We are ready to mobilize our supporters to help send him to Congress.”With more than 500 volunteers across 46 states, the Alliance for American Leadership is on track to mobilize 10,000 advocates by the 2026 midterm elections.