Giannoulias Earns Early Endorsement of Bernie Sanders’ Progressive Organization
Democrat Alexi Giannoulias has won the support of progressive grassroots political network that grew out of the presidential campaign of U.S. Sen Bernie Sanders.
Our Illinois Revolution, which has over 40,000 voting progressive members throughout the State, endorsed Giannoulias for Secretary of State in 2022. Our Illinois Revolution has successfully leveraged its reform-minded influence in recent local elections including, assisting U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and Fritz Kaegi who defeated longtime Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios.
Our Illinois Revolution Chair Emeritus Clem Balanoff, who served as an anti-machine Illinois State Representative and Cook County Elections Director for Cook County, the third largest voting jurisdiction in the nation, praised Giannoulias, his progressive policy initiatives and the ethics agenda he would implement as Secretary of State. As they have for other candidates, Our Illinois Revolution will mobilize voters on Giannoulias’ behalf in advance of the June 2022 primary election.
“Alexi is the true progressive in this race and has been a proven leader in the progressive movement for a long time,” said Balanoff, noting that Giannoulias served as Illinois State Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. “We’ve seen so many Secretaries of State across the country seeking to disenfranchise voters with restrictive voting suppression laws making it more difficult to register and vote. Illinoisians can rest assured that Alexi will protect voter rights and work to improve ballot access and enhance registration opportunities.”
In the last few months, Giannoulias has received the support of a number of labor organizations and the progressive 22nd Ward Independent Political Organization (IPO). Our Illinois Revolution is the first statewide grassroots organization to make an endorsement.
“We’re proud to endorse Alexi who will fight for accountable, transparent government and for progressive priorities of working Illinois families,” said Richard Rodriguez, National Treasurer of Our Revolution. “Alexi will put people first and will serve as a fearless fighter willing to stand up to powerful interests and while working to solve the biggest challenges that confront our state.”
“Alexi is an innovative problem solver who is building a broad-based coalition and is committed to the progressive principles that serve as our core values,” said Suzanna Ibarra, co-chair of Our Illinois Revolution. He will make an excellent Secretary of State and represents a new generation of progressive leaders who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us as an ally to promote justice, equity and economic opportunity for those that need it most.”
“Having always supported progressive ideals, I’m so proud to have earned the endorsement of Our Illinois Revolution, which is a huge boost to our campaign,” Giannoulias said. “Our Illinois Revolution is leading the fight to ensure working families benefit and thrive in our growing economy. They can count on my commitment to always protect civil rights and fight for racial and social justice as a constitutional officer.”
