As the 2020 presidential race heats up in Illinois ahead of the March 17 Democratic primary, we’re tracking the key endorsements announced by the candidates.
Some endorsements carry more weight with the electorate than others, but we’re including them all here — including current and former elected officials, and other key community and business leaders.
Be sure to check back as this list will be updated frequently.
Former Vice President Joe Biden
Elected officials:
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin: “America needs a president who understands most Americans worry more about the supermarket than the stock market. Families struggling paycheck to paycheck need a leader who remembers them every day.”
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth: “Joe also has a proven record of not just promising to help the little guy and communities of color like Donald Trump, but Joe actually delivers for them — he’s earned our trust. I’m supporting Joe Biden because he will unite our party and country, restore dignity to the White House and rebuild trust in our government with decency, optimism and experience.”
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot: “I know President Biden will make Chicago a partner and not an adversary. Joe Biden is committed to rebuilding our middle class and to expanding access to affordable healthcare and I know he shares our vision for a stronger country where poverty is eradicated.”
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Downers Grove: “As a freshman member I am keenly aware of the power of strong, diverse coalitions. For that reason, I am proud to announce my support for Joe Biden.”
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Chicago: “This is the election of our lifetime, where we must do everything in our power to defeat Donald Trump. But we must also elect a leader who can count on to deliver bold, progressive and concrete change. That leader is Joe Biden.” Davis previously endorsed California Sen. Kamala Harris for president.
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville: “Today more than ever, our nation is reminded how crucial it is to have a president who believes in facts, science, and reason; who knows how to bring people together in times of crisis; and who can draw on a deep well of experience to revive the enterprising spirit and openness that has always kept this country safe and strong. As a kid who started his own company at 19, as a physicist, and as the proud representative of Illinois’s 11th Congressional District, I know that Joe Biden will be that kind of president.”
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson: “Joe has given his life to public service, and has the heart and smarts to bring us together now to get things done. I know, because I know Joe – you do, too. During the Obama administration, I worked up-close with him on a blueprint for ending our nation’s gun violence epidemic. Today, Joe is the one presidential candidate with the experience and broad coalition to get it done.”
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg: “Between his lifetime of public service and the personal challenges he has faced, Joe embodies humanity and empathy at a time when those qualities are sorely lacking in the White House but remain necessary to address the struggles Americans face every day. We need a nominee who can defeat Donald Trump while honoring our founding principles — that all people are created equal no matter where they come from, how they worship, or whom they love. Joe Biden is that person.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Chicago: “On all the issues that matter most in our community, Joe has been fighting beside us for decades. Whether investing big on infrastructure that grows our economy and creates millions of good jobs, supporting common sense solutions that will end the epidemic of gun violence, or restoring American leadership in the world to keep our nation safe at home, Joe is the only candidate in the race with the experience, heart and vision to unite America and move us forward.”
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Chicago: “In my mind, Joe Biden is the only candidate who not only has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump, but to also unite the country, keep our House majority intact, and actually enact meaningful legislation to improve the lives of my constituents.” Rush previously endorsed California Sen. Kamala Harris and then former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Deerfield: “Our nation is at a crossroads and needs an experienced leader who will immediately restore America’s standing in the world, fight for working families and bring our country together. That leader is Joe Biden.”
Secretary of State Jesse White: “Joe Biden understands that if we have a prayer of restoring the soul of this nation, we need to start by making sure every child is treated with the dignity and respect that each one of us deserves … If we’re going to bring this country together, we need to begin by bringing Joe Biden’s optimism and confidence in the ability of every child to thrive back to the White House.”
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin
Chicago Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd
Chicago Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th: “Of course, he is the only Democrat in the race.”
Chicago Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th: “Joe Biden has always been able to achieve real progressive results because he knows we’re strongest when we’re united and working together … Just as he and President Obama stared down fear and pessimism to make health care a right in this country and bring us off of the economic brink, Joe won’t stop building on our greatness.”
Chicago Ald. Michelle Harris, 8th
Chicago Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th
Chicago Ald. Ariel Reboyras, 30th
Chicago Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd
Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer, 6th
Chicago Ald. Chris Taliaferro, 29th
Chicago Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson, 11th
State Sen. Chris Belt, D-Cahokia
State Sen. Iris Martinez, D-Chicago: “Joe Biden always has and always will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Latino community, because he fundamentally believes that immigrants and new Americans are what make this country great. Joe has always fought for the dignity of all working people — no matter where you come from, and he’ll continue to fight for the opportunities from quality, affordable health care and education to job training and better, fairer housing every individual and family deserves.”
State Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grays Lake
State Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview
State Sen. Laura Murphy, D-Des Plaines
State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Deerfield
State Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford
State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook
State Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates
State Rep. Dan Didech, D-Buffalo Grove
State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis
State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea
State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee
State Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield
State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines
State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island
State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur
State Rep. Nick Smith, D-Chicago
State Rep. Curtis Tarver, D-Chicago
State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside: “I’m proud to endorse Joe Biden because he has had a long, steady career of fighting for working families and to build a stronger middle class.”
State Rep. Dan Yingling, D-Grayslake
Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry
Orland Hills Mayor Kyle R. Hastings
Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins
Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pederson
North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham
Highand Park Mayor Nancy Rotering
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham
Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry
Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, D-Glenview
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos, D-Chicago
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Marcelino Garcia, D-Chicago
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart
Lake County Board Member Mary Ross-Cunningham
Lake County Board Member Jessica Vealitzek
Lake County Board Member Paul Frank
Lake County Board Member Julie Simpson
Lake County Board Member Marah Altenberg
Clinton County Board Member Matt Cain
Knox County Board Member Pam Davidson
Rock Island County Board Member Jeff Deppe
Franklin County Board Member John Gulley
Will County Board Member Ken Harris, D-Bolingbrook
Deerfield Village Trustee Mary Oppenheim
Deerfield Village Trustee Dan Shapiro
Glenview Village Trustee Debby Karton
Highland Park City Councilwoman Alyssa Knobel
Highland Park City Councilwoman Kim Stone
Aurora Ald. Emmanuel Llamas
Wood River Township Clerk Sherry Tite
Chicago 2nd Ward Democratic Committeeman Tim Egan
Chicago 43rd Ward Democratic Committeeman Lucy Moog
Aurora Austriaco, Maine Township District 207 school board member
Vernon Township Supervisor Jon Altenberg
Vernon Township Trustee Phil Hersh
Vernon Township Trustee Sheila Sebor
Vernon Township Trustee Roger Adelson
Illinois Democratic State Central Committeeman Elizabeth Penesis
Illinois Democratic State Central Committeeman Vivian Robinson
Illinois Democratic State Central Committeeman Cynthia Santos
Other endorsements:
Former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun
Former Gov. Pat Quinn
Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker
Andrea Zopp, president and CEO of World Business Chicago
Former Chicago Ald. Patrick O’Connor.
Sheila Nix, president of Tusk Philanthropies and former chief of staff to Dr. Jill Biden
Billy Halstead, Peoria County Democratic Party chair
Joy Mix, chair of Benton Township Democrats
Matt Lowry, chair of Fremont Township Democrats
Tracy Katz-Muhl, chair of Northfield Township Democrats
Traci Fine, chair of Vernon Township Democrats
Jim Neel, chair of Warren Township Democrats
Cynthia Jackson, chair of Waukegan Township Democrats
Elliot Hartstein, former mayor of Buffalo Grove
Jay Briney, vice president Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association; Mason County Democratic Party chair
Deborah Lane, officer with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308
Steve Shetsky, service representative with International Association of Fire Fighters
Michael W. Smith, present of Kankakee Federation of Labor
Chris Dunn, partner at Conlon & Dunn, former general counsel to former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.
Amy Sipovic Boyles, former LaSalle County Democratic Party chair
Timothy Wright III, lawyer and former federal government official
Amanda Howland, College of Lake County trustee
Marcia Blumenthal Fields, New Trier Democrats executive committee member
Thomas Maillard, Young Democrats of Illinois
Vincent Casillas, CEO of Casillas Strategies and Hispanic communications director for 2008 Obama campaign
Jill Wine-Banks, author and MSNBC legal analyst
Maureen Pikarski, co-chair of Democratic National Committee’s Ethnic Coordinating Council
Ertharin Cousins, representative to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, former executive director of U.N. World Food Program.
Marrice Coverson, pastor of the Church of the Spirit in Chicago
Jorge Perez, executive director of the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders
Elected officials:
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia: “I stand with Bernie Sanders because we need a president who is consistent, who has the courage to pursue real change, and who will always choose the people over political gain or expediency. For me and for a majority of communities across our country, defeating Donald Trump and reversing his inhumane immigration policies is not only urgent, it is personal. Bernie Sanders is the only person who can unite a coalition capable of defeating Donald Trump and can ensure that our country never again rips children from the arms of their families.”
Chicago Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, Previously endorsed Elizabeth Warren.
Chicago Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st: “Not Me. Us. It’s the ethos that drove my solidarity and activism in the community of Logan Square. It’s the understanding that fueled my campaign for alderman in the diverse and struggling communities of the first ward. It’s the mindset of a movement. And it’s why I’m proud to endorse Bernie Sanders to be the next president of the United States.”
Chicago Ald. Matt Martin, 47th, Previously endorsed Elizabeth Warren.
Chicago Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd: “I am a Puerto Rican whose community was devastated by Hurricane Maria and saved itself only through solidarity and deep-rooted traditions of popular organization. Bernie’s policies resonate deeply with me, but just as important is his clarity on how we win these policies: through building our movements from below. I’m proud to endorse Bernie and his vision of change that’s already animating millions of working people: Not me, us.”
Chicago Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th: “Bernie understands better than any other candidate, that defeating Trump, his party, and the billionaire class requires a mass people’s movement, led by those directly impacted by social and economic inequity. I look forward to the day we have Bernie — a lifelong champion of working people — in the White House.”
Chicago Ald. Michael Rodriguez, 22nd: “Bernie will be a president who will boldly work on behalf of working class people. He clearly understands the solutions to the inequities in our economy and on so many issues that matter. I’m proud to once again support Bernie Sanders for president. ¡Si Se Puede!”
Chicago Ald. Sue Sadlowski Garza, 10th: “I’m supporting Bernie because for over 40 years he has never wavered on his commitment to the working class. His message is inspiring millions of working people who’ve been left behind to hope for and demand better for themselves and their families. My neighbors on the South Side of Chicago need a president who will not only fight for a Green New Deal and Medicare for All, but who knows the kind of movement it will take to get us there.”
Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez, 25th: “Bernie Sanders has never hesitated to challenge the billionaire class and has always fought to empower and unify working class Americans. He stands alone as a visionary who is building a mass movement to bring self-determination and justice to workers and ordinary American families.”
Chicago Ald. Jeanette B. Taylor, 20th: “Sen. Sanders is not in this to do the popular thing but to do the right thing, even when it’s not easy or inconvenient. This is why I support his candidacy for president of the United States.”
Chicago Ald. Andre Vazquez, 40th: “I am proud to announce my endorsement for Bernie Sanders, the person who ignited my civic engagement and inspired me to run for office. Bernie Sanders is a once-in-a-generation leader who has fought for working families, brought more people into the political process, and challenged the status quo.”
Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, D-Chicago: “Bernie has never been shy about advocating for true social justice. His track record says it all — a lifetime of being on the correct side of the issues. Bernie has always supported the working-class, and now, I am proud to support him.”
Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, D-Chicago: Previously endorsed Elizabeth Warren.
State Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago: “I’m endorsing Bernie Sanders for president, because we need a political revolution in this country. There are a lot of good candidates in this race, but I believe that Bernie is the most committed to truly ending mass incarceration.”
State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana: “America needs a political revolution and no candidate for president embodies that spirit more than Sen. Sanders and the millions of people who support him! Sen. Sanders has demonstrated his commitment to freedom, justice, and equality and he is the right person to take on the HUGE problems we face as a nation.”
State Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago: “I’m endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders for president, because he has dedicated his entire career to fighting for the issues that matter most to working class families. Bernie has always stood up for and empowered marginalized communities.”
State Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago: “I believe that what Bernie is building is most consistent with who I am and what I am committed to as a woman of color who has dedicated her life to social services, racial and economic justice, and fighting to end homelessness. Bernie has consistently stood on the side of justice especially when it was unpopular.”
Rock Island Ald. Dylan Parker: “Sen. Sanders has consistently fought for working people throughout his career, so when he announced his 2020 presidential bid, I knew he’d remain faithful to his lifelong commitment to economic, racial and environmental justice.”
Bloomington Ald. Jenn Jazmin Carrillo: “I am proud and honored to offer my endorsement to Senator Sanders, who has consistently and fiercely fought to disrupt a system, in which the ultra rich profit and benefit from our suffering, in order to make a dignified life possible for working class people like us.”
Other endorsements:
The Rev. Jesse Jackson
Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey
Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates
Jackson Potter, executive board member and trustee, Chicago Teachers Union
Former State Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford
Claudio Gomez-Gonzales, co-president of Graduate Students United at the University of Chicago.
The following candidates have suspended their campaigns:
Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg
Elected officials:
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Chicago: “Mike gets it, he instinctively understands that economic opportunity — economic equity — has been and for far too long, ignored for African Americans.” Rush previously endorsed California Sen. Kamala Harris for president.
Chicago Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th: “My constituents know the joys of raising their families on the West Side, but they also know the challenges that have faced their communities for decades. Mike Bloomberg has shown that he is keenly aware of those challenges, and that he knows how to stand up and fight back against gun violence, create jobs and solve the complex environmental questions that urban communities need to solve.”
Chicago Ald. Michael Scott, Jr., 24th: “With proposed investments in distressed communities and a commitment to creating black wealth, business and home ownership, Mike has presented a full-throated endorsement of a future for our communities, across the country and right here in the 24th Ward. I stand in support of Mike today because he understands the injustices that have built up over centuries, and the deleterious effect that racism and racist policy has had on our families and our futures. Mike has put forward a plan that builds African Americans up, instead of keeping us down.”
Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, D-Maywood: “Not only does Mike have a clear and targeted focus on building economic equity and wealth creation in the African American community in Cook County and across the United States, he has the track record to deliver.”
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller D-Lynwood: “There is no higher cause than beating Donald Trump in November. To do that, we need to be in every corner of the state. I am proud to stand with Mike because he is willing to fight for what my constituents in the Southland need — good schools, healthy families, safe roads, fair taxes and secure retirement.”
Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, D-Glenview: “I support Mike because of his experience as chief executive of the largest metropolis in the nation, as a successful businessman running one of the largest corporations in the nation, and his record on supporting issues important to my communities.”
State Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago: “Mike is the only candidate with actionable and measurable plans to invest in all Americans and their communities. We need a Democratic candidate with a proven background of taking on our toughest issues and who can steer our country in a better direction. But we need to win first. Mike can do both.”
Other endorsements:
Ariel Investments founder and CEO John W. Rogers
Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg
Elected officials:
Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th: “Pete is the generational talent that we need to lead and move us past the politics of division in this critical moment. Pete rebuilt a dying industrial district as the mayor of South Bend, he has the experience and plan we need to lift wages and grow entrepreneurship across the country. As a small business owner, I’m confident that he will help small businesses thrive as our next president.”
Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty (D): “He reminds me of Obama. He’s prepared, positive, levelheaded, empathetic and forward thinking. His military experience, municipal leadership and in-depth understanding of this country’s urban and rural needs uniquely qualifies him to lead this country into the future.”
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner (D)
State Rep. Lamont Robinson, D-Chicago: “Pete’s message is resonating with Americans across the political spectrum and in every corner of the country. His campaign is rooted in reasoned policy proposals, not the vitriol we have coming out of Washington right now. He is the right person to unite our country to meet the most significant challenges of our generation.”
State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego: “I think it’s really important we have a commander in chief that was in the military and understands the importance of veterans who I really feel have been devalued. Someone with that experience is important when you’re talking about our national security. Pete was a naval intelligence officer and was deployed. I also really like his energy and determination.”
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore, D-Evanston
Other endorsements:
David Jacobson, former U.S. ambassador to Canada
Peter Gariepy, former Chicago treasurer candidate
The Rev. Richard L. Tolliver, St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in Chicago
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Elected officials:
State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn
Rock Island County State’s Attorney Dora Villarreal
Other endorsements:
Former Playboy Chairman and CEO Christie Hefner
Ruben Castillo, former U.S. District judge for the Northern District of Illinois.
Maritia Griffith, retired administrative law judge, president of Rock Island Democratic County Women’s Club
Eva Savala, retired international representative for the United Auto Workers.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Elected officials:
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Evanston: “When she first proposed the idea of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, they said that she was just dreaming. And when she took on the big banks and persuaded the Congress to pass it, they said she didn’t have a chance. And when she decided to run for the Senate, they said that she would probably lose. And when she first announced she was running for president of the United States, many of the pundits counted her out. Well, I have some news for the pundits and the big contributors and the conventional wisdom: Elizabeth Warren has been taking on the odds her entire life, and she just keeps on winning.”
State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, D-Champaign: “Senator Elizabeth Warren has dedicated her life to protecting everyday Americans from the powerful entities that have controlled Washington for too long. While others paid lip service to reform while cashing lobbyist checks, Elizabeth challenged the status quo and refused to be bought. She is focused, tireless, and the right person to lead us in our fight against corruption.”
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi
Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, D-Chicago: “Senator Elizabeth Warren reminds us we have reasons to hope. This is a woman who has never let fear win. Her ability to deliver positive change for black and brown people is why I am proud to support her for president!” Endorsing Bernie Sanders as of March 9, 2020.
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen, D-Chicago
Chicago Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, Endorsing Bernie Sanders as of March 9, 2020.
Chicago Ald. Matt Martin, 47th, Endorsing Bernie Sanders as of March 9, 2020.
Chicago Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd
State Rep. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago
State Rep. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago
State Rep. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin
State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove
State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago
State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island
State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee
State Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan
State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin
Lake County Commissioner Julie Simpson, D-Vernon Hills
Illinois Democratic State Central Committeeman Patrick Watson
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Josina Morita, D-Chicago
Skokie School Board member Emily Miller
Other endorsements:
Former state Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston
Former Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar, D-Chicago
Former state Rep. Al Riley, D-Olympia Fields
Former Lake County Commissioner Adam Didech, D-Buffalo Grove
Dan Montgomery, president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers
Boone County Democratic Party Chairman Jon Gedney
Pastor Marvin Hunter
Alexander County Democratic Party Chairman Phillip Matthews
Mony Ruiz-Velasco, president of Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Green New Deal co-author Rhiana Gunn Wright
Illinois Nurses Association — Political Action Committee
