Kendall County Times

James "Jim" Marter is running against Congresswoman Lauren Underwood for Illinois’ 14th Congressional District.

"Illinois deserves better and the people of the 14th District deserve to be represented again,” Marter said in a press release. “Lauren Underwood’s votes for irresponsible, budget-busting bills have fueled inflation and driven massive federal debt, causing great hardship on Illinois’ working families. Her support of unfettered open borders and lawless immigration policy is putting our safety and security at grave risk. If that wasn’t enough, she continues to attack our Constitutional Freedoms and support policies that result in endless government intervention and the invasion of our privacy and rights. It all adds up to failed leadership.”

Marter added that “Illinois should be the best state to retire in, do business in or raise a family. He urged that the state needs a "Representative who cares more about the people of the District than the agenda of her political party." 

"The state," Marter said, "should be in the top ten of every category and yet too often, we find ourselves at the bottom.”

"When Lauren Underwood had an opportunity to combat anti-Semitism and stand with the Jewish Community, she instead voted to keep Ilhan Omar on the Foreign Affairs Committee. For voters, this should be strike number three for failing to stand against anti-Semitism and bigotry,” Marter said. “First, she refused to condemn the anti-Semitic statements by Omar on the floor of the U.S. House. Then she locked arms with Rashida Tlaib instead of condemning her hateful comments. Now, it’s three strikes and Underwood should be out.”

Marter has a background in leadership and service, including serving as the Kendall County Republican Chairman, a deputy on the GOP State Central Committee, and a trustee on the Oswego Library District Board. With a strong professional career in information technology and project management. Marter has experience managing multi-million-dollar projects and implementing business processes. On his website, Marter emphasizes honesty, integrity, and service as his core values and notes he aims to bring positive change to Washington and believes in reining in big government, returning to American freedoms and principles, and sending wise and knowledgeable servant-leaders to Congress.

“Help me to defeat Rep.Lauren Underwood, who votes with PELOSI & BIDEN 100% as the 5th squad member. Donate --> https://secure.anedot.com/marter-for-congress/main FLIP IL14 and we win Congress back, put America 1st! Get America back on the track President TRUMP lead!” Marter said on Twitter.

In 2022, Marter ran as a Republican candidate for the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 14th Congressional District. However, he was unsuccessful in the Republican primary held on June 28, 2022. Scott Gryder emerged as the winner in the primary, defeating Marter as well as other candidates. he ran in the 2020 election as well coming in fifth in the GOP primary. Marter also attempted to run for election in Illinois' 16th Congressional District but lost to then-Republican U.S. Rep Adam Kinzinger in the 2018 Republican primary. In 2016 Marter ran in the Illinois Republican Primary for U.S. Senate placing second to incumbent Mark Kirk.