Courting Cook County Power - Rep. Kelly Announces Support from Democratic Cook County Leaders

Jul

2025

In the News

Courting Cook County Power - Rep. Kelly Announces Support from Democratic Cook County Leaders

ABOUT TO GET REAL: There’s a reason the top Illinois U.S. Senate candidates have been hyping their endorsements. Some of their big-name backers are voting members of the Cook County Democratic Party — the same body meeting today and Friday to decide which candidate gets officially slated for Senate in 2026.

The stakes are high: With three notable names running, it’s possible that the nearly 80 party leaders won’t be able to agree on endorsing any one candidate during Friday’s session. But party rules require a simple majority — 50 percent plus one — to award the coveted endorsement, which comes with campaign advertising and field workers. If no single candidate clears that bar in the first round of voting, the process continues until a consensus is reached. If that can’t be reached, no one will be endorsed.

Hyping support ahead of the vote may help Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Juliana Stratton put party leaders on the record and nudge others to vote their way, too. It’s the “bandwagon” strategy — put enough party leaders on record, and others may follow.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi just announced endorsements from Cook County Democratic Party leaders including Chicago Alds. Pat Dowell (3rd), David Moore (17th) and Chris Taliaferro (29th) and some suburban committeemen, including Frank Avino of Norwood Park and Larry Dominick of Cicero, among others.

Lt. Gov. Stratton, meanwhile, has lined up support from House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and state Reps. Kelly Cassidy and Tracy Katz Muhl — all with seats at the slating table.

And Congresswoman Kelly has staked her claim, announcing support from Chicago Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th), committeemen Bob Rita of Calumet Township and Vernard Alsberry of Bremen Township.

Money, of course, matters in a race like this, but early maneuvering could tip the balance for a big party endorsement.

By Shia Kapos