Congressman Bobby Rush and Former Pat Dowell Supporters Unite Behind Giannoulias
CHICAGO, IL – Congressman Bobby Rush announced his endorsement of Democrat Alexi Giannoulias for Illinois Secretary of State along with a group of African-American elected officials who had previously endorsed Alderperson Pat Dowell for the statewide office.
Rush made his endorsement in a video, stating, Giannoulias has “always been there for our community. He knows our community. He understands our community. He knows what we need. He will be a partner to solve some of the issues that we are confronting…He will be with us and for us.”
Meanwhile, several present and former elected officials who had endorsed Dowell are now pledging their support Giannoulias as the Democratic nominee to replace Secretary of State Jesse White who is not seeking re-election in 2022.
The strong showing of support comes days after Dowell announced that she was withdrawing from the Secretary of State’s race to run for the 1st Congressional District seat vacated by Rush who declared he would not seek re-election next year.
“Alexi is committed to protecting voter rights, enhancing the public library system, increasing diversity within the office, and helping minority-owned businesses get started and hiring. We trust Alexi, and we need his leadership in Springfield,” said State Sen. Mattie Hunter (3rd), adding that the group will work hard for Giannoulias on the campaign trail leading up to the Democratic primary on June 28 and November general election
“Alexi has a long history of supporting issues important to our communities and has enacted programs that have created jobs, spurred economic growth and created opportunity in areas around the state that have been most in need,” she added.
The list of new endorsements includes: Ald. Howard Brookins (21st); Committeeperson Preston Brown Jr. (34th); State Sen. Mattie Hunter (3rd); former Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr; former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun; MWRD Commissioner Kimberly Neely Du Buclet; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; Ald. Rod Sawyer (6th); and Ald. Christopher Taliaferro (29th).
“Alexi has our full support, and we are excited to unite behind his campaign to serve as our next Secretary of State,” said former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun. “The stakes are high in this mid-year election and Alexi is hands down the most qualified candidate running in the primary who represents the Democrats’ best chance to retain the seat in November and continue Jesse White’s outstanding legacy.”
“I’m honored and proud to have received the endorsements of these highly-respected African-American leaders,” Giannoulias said. “As Secretary of State, I will work with stakeholders across Illinois to create more opportunity and equality for every community.”
