Interview conducted by Dr. Avi Verma, Publisher of IndoUS Tribune.

As longtime Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky steps down after nearly 25 years representing Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, the race to succeed her is heating up. Among the contenders is Bruce Leon, a fifth-generation Chicagoan, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who says he is motivated by a desire to restore balance, moderation, and accountability to politics. IndoUS Tribune sat down with Leon to discuss his vision for the district, his journey from business to public service, and the communities he hopes to serve.

From business to civic leadership

In an exclusive interview with IndoUS Tribune, Leon described himself as “not a professional politician” but a businessman motivated by concern for his city. “I became distraught with some of the things going on in Chicago,” he said, noting that his decision to run grew from years of civic work and leadership as a Democratic committeeman.

After selling his successful business, Leon and his family founded a charitable foundation donating over a million dollars annually to community causes. His early political involvement included pushing back against the influence of special interests, particularly in education.

Standing up for reform and accountability

Leon first gained attention for challenging the Chicago Teachers Union during the city’s first elected school board race. “They squashed our community over scholarship programs. Somebody had to stand up to them,” he said. His support helped elect seven independent candidates, which he calls a “big step toward reforming how education works in this city.”

He emphasizes the economic significance of schools: “Forty-three thousand employees and an $11 billion budget. If you saw what goes on there, you wouldn’t sleep at night.”

A centrist voice in a polarized landscape

Leon positions himself as a centrist Democrat, concerned about the rise of “ultra-progressive and socialistic” voices. “We’re finding strong support in communities that value entrepreneurship, capitalism, and family — Indian, Hindu, Assyrian, Korean, Filipino, and Jewish communities,” he said.

“They want a compassionate government, but not one that spends money like a drunken sailor. Government should be a safety net, not a hammock.” Leon hopes to mobilize moderates who often skip primaries: “This time, 500 votes could decide who goes to Congress.”

Representing a diverse district

Illinois’ 9th District includes Chicago neighborhoods like Wrigleyville and Rogers Park, as well as suburbs such as Evanston, Skokie, and Glenview. Leon celebrates this diversity: “Chicago was always a stew, not a melting pot. We didn’t force people to give up their heritage — we celebrated it.”

He condemned recent hate crimes and tensions in Skokie, calling for rebuilding bridges across religious and cultural communities. He also highlighted outreach to South Asian Americans, expressing gratitude for support from Hindu, Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi communities.

Commitment to service and responsiveness

Leon praised outgoing Congresswoman Schakowsky for her dedication to constituent services. “Jan was great at helping people — with passports, medical needs, or emergencies abroad. I want to match that, if not do better.”

He plans to apply his business approach to public service: “Customer service was everything in my company. I’ll bring that same standard to public service.”

Looking ahead: A call for moderation

Despite political polarization, Leon remains optimistic about American democracy: “We had elections during the Civil War. We survived 9/11 and the financial crisis. Our democracy is stronger than people think.”

He emphasizes independence on key issues like immigration, budget compromises, and bipartisanship. “I believe in solving problems, not fighting for the sake of politics,” he said.

As the Democratic primary approaches, Leon hopes his campaign will shift the tide toward balance. “If I can help change this tide toward extremism — even a little — I’ll feel I’ve done my duty. I want to leave a better world for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”