Meet Jesus
A proud son of Mexican immigrants and lifelong native of Chicago’s Southside, Jesus discovered the importance of persistence early in life. Growing up in Cicero, the unwavering dedication of Jesus’ parents to provide a firm foundation for him and his two sisters instilled Jesus with the determination that drives his campaign for Illinois 4th Congressional District.
A graduate of Chicago Public Schools, Jesus’ first job was working at a local restaurant beside Kelly High School, where he learned the value of a hard-earned dollar, and the struggle independent businesses face in today’s economy.
These formative experiences, and the values they represent have helped guide Jesus professionally, and his upward journey through the worlds of finance, government, and non-profit management led him to launch Solorio Strategies, a digital communications firm specializing in creative marketing strategies.
Jesus has been a strong proponent of advancing policy and legislative initiatives in education, workforce development, and immigration at the state and national level.
With parents who worked to overcome a language barrier in order to succeed, ensuring future generations receive a quality education is a top priority for Jesus.
Jesus witnesses first-hand the difference dedicated educators – overworked and spread too thin – can make in a child’s life, and is grateful for the needed encouragement and guidance they gave him.
In 2013, Solorio was part of a team that sought to open a STEM charter school in Little Village to give parents the opportunity to expose their children to fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Unfortunately, due to bureaucratic red tape and special interests, the school was never approved, but Jesus vows to continue promoting educational opportunities and choices for parents and students in underserved communities.
Politically, Jesus has worked to guide outreach and coalitions for U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, Governor Bruce Rauner, and the Illinois Republican Party, where he led initiatives to increase Republican participation in Chicago and Cook County. Currently, Jesus serves as Chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Illinois, in addition to serving on the board of the Chicago Young Republicans.