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There was speculation that former Gov. Pat Quinn would announce
his campaign to be Chicago's next mayor. During a news
conference Thursday, Quinn said he would not be challenging
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot but did say he plans to advocate
for various issues within the city.
"I went all over our city, to every side of our city. I know
there are some aspirants for mayor who think I am too old to
run, but I do not think my ideas are old," the 73-year-old said.
Quinn served as Illinois governor from 2009 to 2015 after
getting the job following former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's
impeachment and removal from office. Quinn was defeated by
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in the 2014 election. Now in 2022,
Quinn's new focus is helping Illinoisans fight high taxes.
"I think my opportunity to serve comes best at starting and
conducting that petition drive and working with people in other
communities in Illinois on their petition drives and
referendums," the former Governor said.
Quinn had been garnering support for a mayoral campaign by
gaining signatures for the ballot. He said the people need
someone like him.
"They want somebody to stand up for property taxpayers, someone
who will stand up for consumer protection and against big
utilities that are gauging people with unfair rates and prices,"
Quinn said. "They need someone who understands that we need
jobs."
So far, nine candidates have announced they will run for
election to replace Lightfoot, who has been in office since 2019
and is seeking reelection.
Kam Buckner, a member of the Illinois House of Representatives,
Frederick Collins, a law enforcement officer, and Ja'Mal Green,
an activist, are among those who've announced their campaigns.
Several city council members have also announced their
campaigns, as Sophia King, Raymond Lopez, and Roderick Sawyer
have decided to run.
Paul Vallas, former chief executive officer of Chicago Public
Schools and candidate for mayor in 2019, will run again, as will
Willie Wilson, businessman and candidate for mayor of Chicago in
2015 and 2019. Also running is U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia,
who ran for mayor in 2015.
Andrew Hensel has years of experience as a
reporter and pre-game host for the Joliet Slammers, and as a
producer for the Windy City Bulls. A graduate of Iowa Wesleyan
University and Illinois Media School, Andrew lives in the south
suburbs of Chicago.
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