CHICAGO – Both of Illinois' U.S. Senators endorsed J.B. Pritzker as their pick among six gubernatorial teams vying to win the March 20, 2018 Illinois Democrat Primary last Friday.
“I’m proud to endorse JB Pritzker for governor because he will be a strong partner and an effective leader for our state,” said Senator Durbin.
Durbin, now in the U.S. Senate Democrat leadership, said he had spoken to all the Democrat gubernatorial candidates, and came to the conclusion Pritzker's vision was the one he favored most.
"He has shown continued support for immigrants and the Dream Act, protecting health care for all, and creating new and good paying jobs in Illinois — all things that will make Illinois stronger,” Durbin said.
Senator Duckworth agreed. "…JB understands that pitting Illinois communities against each other is no way to govern, and I’m confident he will work for every Illinoisan as governor," Duckworth said. "I know JB can bring Democrats together to beat Bruce Rauner and win up and down the ticket, across the state.”
Pritzker said the senators' support, along with major union backing, would win Illinois' governorship back into Democrat hands.
"I’ve introduced bold plans to move our state forward and I will continue to do so throughout this campaign and as governor of this state. We’re going to have to unite and turn our energy and ideas into victories," Pritzker said.
"With Senator Durbin and Senator Duckworth on our side, with over 30 individual unions and the 900,000 members of the statewide AFL-CIO, with elected leaders and issue advocates speaking out on behalf of this campaign, and with the support of hundreds of thousands of working families across this state, we are united and ready for the fight,” he said.
Other names that will appear on the Democrat 2018 gubernatorial primary ballot include millionaire Chris Kennedy, State Senator Daniel Biss, anti-gun activist Tio Hardiman and Burr Ridge doctor Robert Marshall.
