Jim Marter Issues Statement on Lauren Underwood’s Failing Record on Women’s Safety (Oswego, IL) (January 31, 2025) – Congressional candidate Jim Marter released the following statement today, denouncing U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood’s repeated failure to support the safety and well-being of American women. Marter emphasized Underwood’s recent votes against key bipartisan legislation designed to protect women from violence, particularly crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
“In the first month of 2025, Lauren Underwood voted against the Laken Riley Act and the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, both of which had broad bipartisan support,” said Marter.
“She even refused to support the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. That’s three major votes in a single month that prove Lauren Underwood is not for women; she is for radical ideologies. She continually votes against the safety of American citizens, disregarding the victims of violence, perpetrated by criminal illegal aliens.
“Underwood has demonstrated an alarming lack of concern for the safety of women in her district. She has shown she is even unwilling to deport the most dangerous criminals—including rapists, pedophiles, and murderers. She is putting American women, our wives and daughters, neighbors and loved ones, in harm’s way. Additionally, her votes disproportionately endanger marginalized communities, where many of these violent criminals continue to victimize innocent people.”
Marter, who is running for Congress in Illinois’ 14th District, highlighted the stark contrast between his and the district’s values and Underwood’s extremist voting record, noting her abysmal 2% rating from Conservative Review—placing her among the most radical members of Congress.
“It’s hard to find a worse record in the entire House. Lauren Underwood’s values do not align with the values of the people in this district and it’s long overdue that we replace her,” said Marter.
The Real Cost of Underwood’s Votes: A Tragic Reminder
The Laken Riley Act, named after a nursing student murdered by an illegal immigrant while jogging at the University of Georgia, is a heart breaking reminder of why these votes matter.
“While Lauren Underwood lied about her experience as a nurse during her first campaign for Congress, Laken Riley was actually on track to become a real nurse with patients; a healer and a force for good. Instead, her life was cut short by the very criminals Underwood enables,” Marter stated.
“Who we send to Congress matters. The people of Illinois’ 14th District are waking up to the reality that Lauren Underwood is part of the problem. Her reckless policies contribute to preventable tragedies like Laken Riley’s murder. The only way to stop these senseless crimes is to vote out the enablers who put their radicalized ideologies over American lives.”
Underwood’s Pattern of Dangerous Votes
Lauren Underwood has repeatedly voted against bills that protect American citizens, law enforcement, and border security. Her record includes NO votes on:
- H.R. 30: Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act
- H.R. 29: Laken Riley Act
- H.R. 28: Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act
- H.R. 8205: Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act
- H.R. 7343: Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act
- H.R. 6976: Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act
These are just a few examples of Underwood’s dangerous voting record. Even on bipartisan bills with overwhelming support, she continues to side against law enforcement, national security, and the safety of women.
Marter: “Underwood Only Cares About Politics and Power”“
With Lauren Underwood, it’s never about protecting women and girls—it’s always about politics and power. Nothing else matters to her,” said Marter.
“Even though these bills had overwhelming bipartisan support, Underwood couldn’t be bothered to stand up for the safety of women and innocent lives. Instead, she prioritizes political interests over protecting families. And until we vote her out, she will continue to do so.”
Jim Marter’s Call to Action: “It’s Time for a Change”
“Lauren Underwood has proven she is unfit to represent us. It’s time for a change,” Marter concluded.
“I’m running for Congress because we need independent leaders who will stand up for our communities, protect our families, and defend our values. I’m asking for your support to unseat Lauren Underwood in November 2026. Are you in? I am.”
Jim Mater was a 2024 Trump Delegate and the 2024 Republican Nominee for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District. For more information or to support Jim Marter’s campaign, please visit www.marter4congress.us or contact his campaign headquarters.
Jim Marter Issues Statement on Lauren Underwood’s Failing Record on Women’s Safety
