U.S. Rep. Sean Casten opposes President Donald Trump's tariffs and backs new AI regulations as he seeks a fifth term representing Glen Ellyn and Lombard.
Casten, a Downers Grove Democrat, faces Republican Niki Conforti in a Nov. 3 rematch in the 6th Congressional District. The district covers communities in DuPage and Cook counties, including Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wheaton and Elmhurst.
In a candidate questionnaire published by Patch, Casten said tariffs are the wrong approach to lowering costs for suburban families. He cited a Federal Reserve Bank of New York report and said the Supreme Court sided with Congress in Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, ruling the president lacked authority to impose tariffs unilaterally.
"Raising the costs of goods and services leads to higher-priced goods and services … If you want to bring costs down, end the tariffs," Casten wrote.
He tied housing costs directly to trade and immigration policy, noting that the National Alliance of Home Builders estimated in April 2025 that the "liberation day" tariffs added $10,000 to the average cost of a new home. Casten argued that restricting immigration has worsened the problem by shrinking the construction workforce.
On immigration enforcement, Casten wrote that he does not support the administration's approach in the Chicago area. He accused ICE agents of entering homes without probable cause and detaining people without due process. He called for passage of the American Dream and Promise Act, which would create a path to citizenship, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.
Casten said AI companies should face the same legal liability as any other industry. He compared the rollout of AI tools to a pharmaceutical company releasing an untested drug, and said Congress should clarify that existing criminal and civil laws apply regardless of the technology used.
On energy, Casten pointed to his Energy Bills Relief Act, co-introduced with U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, which he said has 163 House co-sponsors. The bill would change utility regulations so energy producers have a financial incentive to lower consumer costs. He said data centers and other large electricity users should pay their share of grid upgrades.
Casten, who spent 20 years in the clean energy business before entering Congress, said he has delivered nearly $60 million back to the district since 2018 through federal investments and constituent services.
Casten opposed the invasion of Iran. He said the president failed to provide Congress with a consistent rationale for military action over eight months. The war has driven up oil prices, raising costs for gasoline, fertilizer and freight, he wrote.
The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn cancelled a planned candidate forum for the 6th District race after Conforti did not respond to multiple invitations. Under FEC rules, the organization said, a forum cannot proceed with only one candidate.
Conforti, an energy consultant, said in a candidate questionnaire that she is running on a "district-first" platform focused on curbing federal spending, lowering utility rates and restoring public safety. She supports strict border enforcement and opposes what she calls overregulation of the energy sector.
Glen Ellyn residents can cast early ballots at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center ahead of the election.
