Dupage Policy Journal

Niki Conforti, the GOP candidate for Congressional District 6, has criticized the incumbent Democrat, U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL), for his stance on issues related to education and explicit content. Conforti voiced concerns about Casten’s support for extending Title IX to elementary and secondary institutions and his alignment with what she perceives as a radical left-wing agenda in education.

“We are closer to turning Illinois Red than you might think!” Conforti said on Facebook.

“We must stay focused on the Win and work together! The Dem, Sean Casten, is working against the people of the 6th District - and against all Americans. He is messing with our kids!”

“Sean Casten has doubled down on the sexualization of our children and introduced legislation to extend Title IX to elementary and secondary institutions. He is in full support of the radical agenda of the Left that is replacing education with indoctrination at schools. This is unacceptable!”

“Our children deserve to be educated.”

“As a mother and life-long resident of the Chicago area, I stand for the protection of our children. Join me in bringing education back to public schools.”

“Vote Niki Conforti for U.S. Congressional District 6!”

The discussion about explicit content in school libraries in Illinois gained attention recently when parents in Downers Grove D99 protested a book called “Gender Queer.” 

Casten was involved in a heated discussion at a roundtable event held after parents in Downers Grove D99 protested a book with explicit content in the school library. During the event, Casten and others on the panel were defending Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s legislation, which could lead to the loss of funds if books like “Gender Queer” are removed from library shelves. The parents’ protest, led by Terry Newsome, prompted Casten to describe the book’s content as pornographic, a term he and other left-wing politicians had previously avoided using.

In addition, Casten’s advocacy for continued mask mandates in schools drew criticism despite a state court ruling against them in early 2022. Some saw his stance as overlooking constitutional concerns related to mandatory masking which Pritzker eventually lifted. Casten’s positions on these issues underscore the ongoing debates and divisions within Illinois politics and education policy.

The 6th Congressional District includes parts of Cook County, eastern DuPage County, and the far Southwest Side of Chicago. It includes the communities of Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Orland Hills, Western Springs, Orland Park, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills, Chicago Ridge, Bridgeview, Willow Springs, Indian Head Park, Tinley Park, Evergreen Park, Downers Grove, Lombard, Villa Park, Westmont, Elmhurst, Lisle, Darien, and Wheaton.