A childhood marked by constant struggle.

Jay Footlik knows what it's like to struggle. His father walked out when Jay was 4 years old and his mother was pregnant. His mom had to turn to welfare and food stamps to feed her boys, not because she wanted to, but because she had to. Koreene Footlik was a picture of courage for her children.

Jay's extended family helped shape his character.

Jay's grandfather, a WWII veteran who still carries his military ID with him today, served as a father figure and taught Jay the value of the Golden Rule. His grandmother was a strong, passionate woman who taught him to stand up for his beliefs. Their values informed a strong belief in service, education and community.

From an early age, Jay saw politics as an engine for change.

Jay first got involved in politics at the age of 8, walking precincts around Skokie for Abner Mikva. He was inspired by leaders like Paul Simon and Adlai Stevenson III and learned how progressive politics serves as a catalyst for change in our country.

Jay Footlik puts his experience to work for change.

After working for the Clinton campaign in Little Rock, Jay served as Special Assistant to President Clinton in the White House working on both domestic and foreign policy issues. In 1997, Jay commuted between the Middle East and Vernon Hills where he designed initiatives to create security and peace in the Middle East.

He later co-founded a strategic consulting firm, working on homeland security projects, including proposals to strengthen airport, border and port security.

In 2004, Jay served as a Senior Advisor to presidential candidate John Kerry, responsible for devising Middle East policy. He also advised the campaign on several domestic priorities, including stem cell research, protecting Social Security, and providing for the neediest in our society.

Jay is a founding board member of Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE), a group dedicated to helping decrease our dependence on oil. Jay also serves on the board of trustees of the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), an organization that seeks to bring together young people who are active in public service.

In Congress, Jay will use his personal and policy experience to bring change - to get our troops out of Iraq, provide health care for all Americans, reduce our dependence on oil, and protect Social Security and pensions.

Jay Footlik is running to bring the values that he learned throughout his life and career to Congress.

Jay earned a B.A. in political science from UCLA, specializing in the Arab-Israeli conflict. He holds a law degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles.

Jay's wife, Grace, is a Brazilian-born Israeli artist. They live in Buffalo Grove and have one daughter who is two years old.