“Putting People First Doesn’t Make Me a Democrat”
Atkinson Releases Bold Immigration Plan
FREEPORT, IL – September 30, 2025
Republican State Senate candidate Joshua T. Atkinson has released what he calls a “moral, humane, and financially responsible” plan to address Illinois’ undocumented immigrant population — a bold proposal he says offers “real Republican leadership: ideas, not excuses.”
For years, politicians across Illinois have used immigration as a weapon — shouting, blaming, and dividing — while offering little more than slogans and scapegoats. Atkinson’s message cuts through the noise: “The truth is simple,” he said. “Shouting louder and blaming harder is not a plan.”
Instead, Atkinson’s proposal focuses on reducing the undocumented population, lowering taxes, opening jobs for local residents, and helping those willing to follow the law find a legal path to citizenship. His plan calls for fair enforcement of hiring laws, incentives for compliance rather than punishment, and support systems that help families and businesses transition legally — strengthening communities rather than tearing them apart.
It’s a comprehensive approach that blends conservative values with compassion, fiscal responsibility with common sense — and Atkinson believes it could become a model for the rest of the state.
Breaking Stereotypes, Leading with Courage
Despite his clear Republican message, Atkinson has faced whisper campaigns from both sides of the political aisle — with some trying to label him as a Democrat or “RINO” simply because he refuses to play by partisan rules.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
As a Black, openly gay Republican who has openly criticized Freeport’s current administration, MAGA extremism, and Democratic corruption, Atkinson has made it clear that his loyalty is not to any faction — but to the people he serves.
When Fighting4Freeport asked him about the rumors questioning his party allegiance, Atkinson didn’t hold back.
“Putting people first doesn’t make me a Democrat,” he said. “It simply means I’m not a dick.”
It’s that unfiltered honesty — equal parts conviction and courage — that has earned him respect from supporters across party lines. While others cling to labels and outrage, Atkinson stands firmly on principles: fiscal discipline, accountability, opportunity, and truth.
A Different Kind of Republican Leadership
Atkinson’s opponent in the March 17, 2026 Republican Primary has relied heavily on rhetoric that stokes racial division and resentment — a strategy Atkinson says is both dangerous and lazy.
“Real leadership doesn’t come from fearmongering,” he said. “It comes from solutions. It comes from putting in the work to fix the problem instead of pointing fingers.”
Atkinson’s proposal doesn’t shy away from the tough realities. It acknowledges the costs — Illinois spent nearly $20 billion on welfare in 2024 — and identifies the core issues: illegal hiring practices, limited housing, and job competition that harms local families. But instead of scapegoating, his plan replaces anger with accountability. It emphasizes enforcing the law fairly, supporting lawful pathways, and helping farmers and businesses build legal, dependable workforces that benefit the entire community.
The result? A vision where Illinois families can find work, housing becomes more affordable, taxes come down, and government support is restored to what it was meant to be — a safety net for those truly in need, not an endless handout.
A Model for Northwestern Illinois
Atkinson believes Northwestern Illinois can become the proving ground for real reform — where local families benefit first, farms and small businesses thrive, and law-abiding residents are rewarded, not punished.
His plan doesn’t call for mass deportations or political theater. Instead, it’s about rebuilding systems so they work — and making sure the state stops wasting billions on policies that don’t solve anything.
It’s a Republican plan rooted in results, not resentment — one that respects human dignity while restoring fiscal sanity.
The Bottom Line
In a political landscape overrun by outrage machines and empty slogans, Joshua T. Atkinson is offering something rare: a solution. A plan that’s tough but fair, moral yet practical, and focused entirely on results.
“If you want excuses and finger-pointing,” he said, “you already have a candidate. If you want ideas, leadership, and real change, I’m asking for your support.”
Voters can read the full immigration plan, with every detail and projection, at A Model for Northwestern Illinois
Atkinson believes Northwestern Illinois can become the proving ground for real reform — where local families benefit first, farms and small businesses thrive, and law-abiding residents are rewarded, not punished.
His plan doesn’t call for mass deportations or political theater. Instead, it’s about rebuilding systems so they work — and making sure the state stops wasting billions on policies that don’t solve anything.
It’s a Republican plan rooted in results, not resentment — one that respects human dignity while restoring fiscal sanity.
A Different Kind of Leadership
In a political landscape overrun by outrage machines and empty slogans, Joshua T. Atkinson is offering something rare: a solution. A plan that’s tough but fair, moral yet practical, and focused entirely on results.
“If you want excuses and finger-pointing,” he said, “stick with Andy. If you want ideas, leadership, and real change, I’m asking for your support.”
Voters can read the full immigration plan, with every detail and projection, at www.AtkinsonForSenate.com
