Overview

• On July 18, the Cook County Democratic Party Central Committee held a closed-door slating session on Chicago’s South Side.
• After presentations from Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and a surrogate for Rep. Robin Kelly, the committee opted for an open primary to fill Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat without endorsing any candidate.
• Lyons Township Assessor Patrick Hynes secured the party’s backing over incumbent Fritz Kaegi after scrutiny of property assessment errors in Kaegi’s office.
• State Rep. Margaret Croke won endorsement for Illinois comptroller following Susana Mendoza’s decision not to seek reelection, prevailing over Holly Kim and Karina Villa.
• Unopposed in the gubernatorial contest, Gov. JB Pritzker received the committee’s support, setting the stage for a united campaign infrastructure ahead of 2026.