Des Plaines, IL: Sanjyot Dunung, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, on September 4, has received the endorsement of Vote Common Good, a nationally recognized organization that mobilizes faith-driven voters to support leaders committed to prioritizing the common good. This endorsement adds to the growing momentum of Dunung’s campaign, following her recent endorsement from ASPIRE, the Asian Congressional Caucus representing all 20 members of Congress. With the backing of these two influential groups, Dunung’s candidacy is gaining significant traction among voters seeking pragmatic leadership rooted in values of responsibility, compassion, and unity.
Robb Ryerse, political director of Vote Common Good, praised Dunung as an ideal candidate who embodies the mission of the organization. “Sanjyot is precisely the kind of leader our movement seeks to uplift. Her commitment to people, her passion for community service, and her vision for an America where all voices are heard align perfectly with our mission. We believe she will champion policies that serve not only Illinois’ 8th District, but the common good of all Americans.” Vote Common Good is well-known for encouraging people of faith and conscience to move beyond partisan divides and engage politically through a moral lens. Their endorsement of Dunung comes after a careful review of her campaign priorities, her approach to community engagement, and her broader vision for 21st-century governance. The group’s endorsement process emphasizes principles of justice, empathy, and service, with a focus on amplifying candidates who believe in “loving your neighbor through your vote.”
In accepting the endorsement, Dunung reflected on the importance of bridging divides and pursuing a politics of shared values. “I’m passionate about building bridges across our communities by focusing on our shared values,” Dunung said. “I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Vote Common Good. Their work reminds us all that politics is, at its heart, a moral calling—a call to care for our neighbors and to build a society where every person can thrive. I am committed to representing the people of Illinois’ 8th District with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the public good.”
Her campaign has emphasized commonsense, solutions-based policies aimed at addressing the challenges families face every day. Dunung has committed to working on legislation that will help make life more affordable, safer, and healthier, while ensuring that the principles of freedom, opportunity, dignity, and security are protected for all Americans. Her “Commonsense Movement” seeks to cut through partisan gridlock by advancing practical solutions that improve the daily lives of working families and future generations.
Raised in Des Plaines, Illinois, Dunung is the daughter of Indian immigrants who instilled in her the values of community, citizenship, and service. These values form the foundation of her campaign and her vision for public service. She has a deep appreciation for the promise of America and has built a life dedicated to creating opportunities and strengthening communities. Her career reflects that commitment—she has built companies, fostered partnerships, created jobs, raised a family, and supported her community, all while being part of a proud military family.
Dunung’s personal story resonates with many families across the district. As a single mother raising three boys, a small business owner, and a caregiver to aging and disabled parents, she has firsthand experience with the challenges that countless Americans face daily. From balancing work and caregiving to managing the costs of healthcare, education, and housing, she understands the struggles that make the American Dream feel increasingly out of reach for too many. Her decision to run for Congress stems from this lived reality and her determination to ensure that families like hers—and families across Illinois and the country—have a representative in Washington who fights for them.
In addition to her personal and professional experiences, Dunung brings expertise as a social scientist and educator. She served on President Biden’s foreign policy working group focused on international trade and currently serves on the boards of the National Small Business Association and the Truman Center for National Policy. These roles have given her deep insights into the policies that can create opportunities, defend democracy, and ensure dignity and security for all Americans. Her ability to bridge academic expertise, policy knowledge, and lived experience positions her as a candidate prepared to lead with both compassion and competence.
Dunung’s campaign continues to build momentum with high-profile endorsements like those from Vote Common Good and ASPIRE, the Asian Congressional Caucus that includes all 20 Asian American and Pacific Islander members of Congress. These endorsements underscore her broad appeal and the confidence that diverse constituencies have in her ability to represent Illinois’ 8th District while advancing the common good nationwide.
For Dunung, the campaign is more than a political contest—it is a call to service, inspired by her lifelong dedication to community, family, and country. As she continues to connect with voters across the district, she is emphasizing a vision of America that works for everyone, where hard work is rewarded, families are supported, and democracy is strengthened. Her endorsements reflect not just political momentum, but also a growing movement of people who share her belief that practical, compassionate leadership can create a brighter and more just future.
