Eric Su
RepublicanQ1 Illinois currently has 138 data centers, with 8 underway, and plans for 29 more. Additionally, the cost of electricity and water are on the rise with nearby data centers straining current resources in combination with increased energy costs to consumers. Data centers also have several environmental and health impacts, such as significant water usage and noise pollution, which can lead to decrease in net economic gains. What policies, if any, do you support in managing existing data centers or establishing additional data centers? What specific plans do you have, if any, to mitigate utility cost burden for residents? Why these steps?
I support data center investment when it brings clear benefits to Illinois without burdening families. Companies should pay for the additional electricity, grid, and water infrastructure they need, rather than passing those costs to residents.
I would require reviews of proposed projects, public reporting of existing facilities’ energy and water use, efficient cooling systems, and enforceable noise and environmental standards. Residents should have a meaningful voice in local approvals, and any tax incentives should be tied to verified jobs and investment.
To ease utility bills, I support targeted assistance and home-efficiency programs for qualifying households, along with careful review of utility rate increases. These steps protect affordability, natural resources, and neighborhoods while allowing responsible economic growth.
Q2 Research activities in Illinois heavily depend on federal funding. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leaves the future for science research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to secure funding for continued science research at either the state or federal level?
As a Purdue graduate in biological sciences, I value research that improves health, advances knowledge, and creates opportunities in Illinois.
As state representative, I would support stable funding for public universities, competitive research grants, and targeted, temporary funding to help strong research projects survive unexpected federal disruptions. I would also support state matching grants and partnerships with businesses and foundations to diversify funding while protecting scientific independence.
At the federal level, I would work with Illinois’s congressional delegation to advocate for reliable NIH and National Science Foundation funding.
Funding decisions should use independent scientific review, transparent budgets, and clear accountability. Illinois cannot replace every lost federal dollar, but we can protect important research, retain talented scientists, and help institutions secure additional funding.
Q3 Illinois is an agricultural hub, making it an important factor for the state’s economy. What policies or plans do you have, or support, to support Illinois agriculture against changing weather patterns?
I support practical, science-based policies that help Illinois farmers prepare for flooding, drought, extreme heat, and changing growing seasons while keeping farms profitable.
I would support voluntary cost-sharing programs for soil conservation, cover crops, efficient irrigation where appropriate, and improved water management. Farmers should have technical assistance and flexibility to choose practices that work for their land.
I would also support agricultural research and University of Illinois Extension services to improve weather forecasting, develop resilient crops, and help farmers apply new techniques. Working with our congressional delegation, I would advocate for reliable crop insurance and timely disaster assistance.
These steps would help protect harvests, conserve soil and water, and strengthen our food supply. Farmers should be partners in developing solutions, with programs that are affordable, accessible, and accountable.
Q4 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.
My background in biological sciences at Purdue and my work as a personal trainer have shaped my respect for evidence and practical results.
When evaluating a scientific issue, I would consult peer-reviewed research, credible public agencies, and experts with relevant experience. I would examine study quality, funding sources, whether findings have been independently confirmed, and where uncertainty remains. I would also listen to affected residents to understand how a policy would work in everyday life.
My approach to data centers illustrates this balance. I support investment and jobs, but evaluating their electricity and water demands means looking beyond the investment announcement. My position is to require infrastructure reviews, environmental safeguards, and protections against shifting costs to households.
I would explain the evidence behind my decisions and remain willing to update my position when stronger evidence becomes available.
Q5 Measles and whooping cough (pertussis) cases are on the rise in Illinois, with multiple outbreaks in 2026. How have you, how do you plan to, address this public health concern? How will you plan to work with relevant stakeholders (epidemiologists, scientists, physicians, for example) to mitigate this problem?
As a healthy lifestyle coach, I value prevention. As state representative, I would support recommended measles and pertussis vaccinations, affordable access to immunization, and clear public information that addresses families’ questions respectfully.
I would work with IDPH, local health departments, epidemiologists, scientists, physicians, and school nurses to identify gaps in vaccination coverage and bring accessible clinics and multilingual education to underserved communities.
I would also support reliable funding for disease surveillance, testing, and rapid outbreak response. Medical and public health experts should guide exposure notifications, isolation recommendations, and preventive treatment when appropriate.
My priority is to protect children and vulnerable residents through evidence-based prevention, trusted communication, and coordinated action. I would track vaccination coverage and outbreak trends to assess results and adjust our approach.