Julie Fortier

A U.S. Air Force Desert Shield veteran and biomedical research scientist, Julie Fortier brings over two decades of analytical problem-solving and community service to her candidacy. Having lived in Southern Illinois for more than 25 years, her platform is firmly anchored in kitchen-table economics and expanding opportunity for working families. Fortier’s legislative priorities center on transitioning toward universal healthcare, protecting the VA from privatization, fully funding public education, and strengthening rural infrastructure through expanded broadband. She also advocates for fair trade policies to support local agricultural producers and protecting union jobs across the district.