By Christina Hines | Mom, Former Prosecutor, Candidate for Congress (MI-10), and Rotisserie Chicken Queen
Let me tell you about one of the few places in America that still makes me feel calm, capable, and patriotic.
Costco.
Yes, Costco. My favorite place - the land of 60-count string cheese, cheap gas, and $1.50 hot dogs that have not, and will not, raise their prices — even when the rest of the world is on fire.
Walking into Costco feels like stepping into a different version of America — one where things still sort of make sense. Where the checkout lines - though long - move with military precision; and where you can buy a 30-roll pack of toilet paper, a new dog bed, and a five-pound bag of frozen fruit all without taking out a second mortgage.
It’s not just the comfort and predictability. It’s the feeling I get when I remember that someone, somewhere, actually thought:
What would make life easier for families? And then... THEY ACTUALLY DID IT.
It’s Not Just a Store — It’s a Sanctuary
In a time when so much feels chaotic, predatory, and out of reach, Costco feels like the opposite: grounded, generous, and fair. Costco doesn’t push flash sales or fake urgency. It just says: Here’s a two-pound bag of pecans at a reasonable price. Take it if you need it. You’re good.
There’s something profoundly comforting about that. Especially as a mom of three. Especially during a time when everything - groceries, housing, gas, electricity, prescriptions - is way more expensive than it was just a couple of years ago.
At Costco, I feel like someone actually considered what it means to feed a family and to live a life with a little breathing room.
When we took a family road trip to Minnesota a few years ago for my brother-in-law’s wedding, I intentionally planned our trip with a lunch and gas fill up at Costco. Lunch for a family of 5 only costs about $13. THAT IS INSANE. It would be cheaper if my kids would just get the hotdogs, but they like the pizza, so we end up around $13. Which is still way cheaper than fast food. Two adult meals and three kids meals at McDonalds costs over $35!
Here are some photos of my family eating a Costco lunch after church a few weeks ago. Like real G’s.
Samples Still Matter
And yes, let’s talk about the sacred ritual at Costco: the samples. This is also my kids favorite part of the trip! We taste. We listen politely to the woman explaining how the chicken sausage is both gluten-free and air-fryer friendly. We nod. We take another one.
Me: “Do you want to bring one to Trey and Willie, Cece?”
The Woman: “She sure is cute!”
Me: “She’s lucky she is!” I say. And we all laugh and go about merrily on our way.
This is about being welcomed, folks. Costco’s samples and their employees say: Just come. Be nourished. Try something new.
In a country that too often tells people they’re on their own, Costco reminds us: You’re not.
The Politics of the Pallet
Costco, like anything, is not perfect. But in so many ways, it represents the kind of country I believe in — and the kind of leadership I’m running for:
Honest pricing.
Fair treatment for workers.
Benefits for part-timers.
No nonsense. Real value.
Costco has charged $1.50 for its iconic hot dog and soda combo since 1985. According to Business Insider, “When Costco's current CEO, Craig Jelinek, once approached Sinegal, then the CEO, about raising the price of the hot dog, Sinegal told him, ‘If you raise the [price of the] effing hot dog, I will kill you. Figure it out.’”
Ok, so threat of violence aside, it’s the leadership I believe in. Because this isn’t just about a snack. It’s about principle.
Imagine if Congress had that kind of backbone. Imagine if we treated prescription meds, electricity, and education the way Costco treats snacks: as essentials, not luxuries.
If Elected, I Promise to Be as Reliable as the $1.50 Hot Dog
Ok, so I won’t really legislate like a wholesale warehouse. But I will bring the same values to Washington:
Fairness, transparency, stability.
A priority for things made in America.
A deep belief that working families deserve to prosper — not merely scrape by.
So cheers (preferably with a glass of Kirkland’s finest wine - you know I had to mention it) to the greatest institution we’ve got. Here’s to the quiet joy of finding your paper towels in stock and a new product to try. Here’s to samples, stretch pants, and giant muffins. Here’s to 3 pounds of pretzels and the big jars of Sanders salted caramels. We love you too, Costco.
Share this if Costco has ever saved your sanity.
Support the campaign that believes government should work as well as your favorite warehouse store.
As a working mom, Christina understands the challenges families face every day. Christina wants to fight to protect our children and serve our community - and she’s sick of the extremists in Washington creating dysfunction and sowing chaos, like threatening to tear away at education, Social Security, and Medicare.
Christina will be a leader in Washington who will protect and serve our community’s interests, approaching each issue with strength, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to fight for America and Freedom for future generations. That’s why she’s running for Congress.
PAID FOR BY CHRISTINA HINES FOR CONGRESS
I love them for all the same reasons, especially that they treat employees fairly.
Hooray for COSTCO who has stood up to the bully in the White House… WE NEED more institutions that are like you!!