Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle Endorse Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch for State Central Committeeperson

By PR Newswire On Feb 5, 2026

CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have formally endorsed Speaker of the Illinois House Emanuel “Chris” Welch in his campaign for State Central Committeeperson of the Illinois Democratic Party, citing his historic leadership, proven governance, and unwavering commitment to equity, justice, and community empowerment.

Speaker Welch, the first Black Speaker in Illinois history, has led the House through transformative legislative efforts focused on economic equity, criminal justice reform, education investment, healthcare access, and community development.

“Speaker Welch and I have been fighting on behalf of working people for over a decade together,” said Johnson. “We need his leadership on the state central committee, and I’m proud support him!”

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle echoed that support, highlighting Welch’s long-standing commitment to justice and inclusive governance.

“Speaker Welch represents the best of Democratic leadership,” said President Preckwinkle. “He leads with integrity, vision, and a deep respect for the communities he serves. His voice, experience, and moral clarity are exactly what we need in our party’s leadership.”

Welch expressed gratitude for the endorsements and emphasized the importance of strengthening the Democratic Party’s grassroots connection.

“I am deeply honored to receive the support of Mayor Brandon Johnson and President Toni Preckwinkle,” said Speaker Welch. “Our party must continue to grow, build strong coalitions, and fight. Each of us has worked to be a vehicle for opportunity, justice, and dignity for all people. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Democratic Party that reflects the values and voices of our communities.”

The endorsements signal strong institutional and grassroots confidence in Welch’s leadership and vision for the future of the Illinois Democratic Party.

Welch’s full endorsement list includes:

Congressman Danny K. Davis
Former Secretary of State Jesse White
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon
Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson
Hillside Mayor Joe Tamburino
Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker
River Forest President and Committeeperson Cathy Adduci
Westchester President Greg Hribal
State Representative Kam Buckner
State Representative Camille Lilly
State Representative Anne Williams
State Representative Lisa Davis
State Representative Michael Crawford
State Representative Margaret Croke
State Representative Kelly Cassidy
State Representative Kimberly DuBuclet
State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado
State Representative Marcus Evans
State Representative La Shawn Ford
State Representative Edgar Gonzalez
State Representative Norma Hernandez
State Representative Lilian Jiménez
State Representative Theresa Mah
State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin
State Representative Yolonda Morris
State Representative and Committeeperson Aarón Ortíz
State Representative Jawaharial “Omar” Williams
State Representative Sonya Harper
State Representative Justin Slaughter
1st Ward Committeeperson Laura Yepez
2nd Ward Committeeperson Tim Egan
3rd Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Pat Dowell
4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson
11th Ward Alderwoman Nicole Lee
14th Ward Alderwoman Jeylú Gutiérrez
15th Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Ray Lopez
16th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Stephanie Coleman
18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis
22nd Ward Alderman Mike Rodriguez
24th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Monique Scott
25th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Byron Sigcho-Lopez
26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes
27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett
34th Ward Alderman Bill Coway
36th Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Gilbert Villegas
37th Ward Alderwoman and State Central Committeewoman Emma Mitts
42nd Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Brendan Reilly
43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen
43rd Ward Committeeperson Lucy Moog
Cook County Commissioner Scott
MWRD President Kari Steele
MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis
Cicero Township Village President and Committeeperson Larry Dominick
Cook County Commissioner and 11th Ward Committeeperson John Daley
DNC member Dan Hynes
Former State Central Committeewoman Darlena Williams Burnett
Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Famer and Former Personal PAC President Terry Cosgrove
IUOE Local 150

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SOURCE Team Welch for 7th District State Central Committeeperson

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