Alderpersons for Welch: Speaker Closes Ranks on 7th District State Central Committee Support

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is steadily picking up steam and uniting Illinois party leaders and elects around his bid to fill Congressman Danny Davis’ role as 7th Congressional District State Central Committeeman. 

The Speaker has been officially endorsed by Congressman Davis and over 40 others to fill the role. Now, Alderpersons Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward), Jeylú Gutiérrez (14th Ward), Timmy Knudsen (43rd Ward), and Alderperson Lamont Robinson (4th Ward), are uniting around the effort to ensure the best representation for their wards at the Illinois party table. 

“Speaker Welch is a proven leader and a true advocate for all communities,” said Alderpersons Robinson. “He brings people together, listens, and fights for what matters. As Congressman Davis said, when you look at the 7th District, the right choice is clear. I’ve worked with the Speaker for years—as a State Rep and now as Alderman—and I’ve seen him uplift candidates and communities across the state. He is the kind of leader we need in these turbulent times, and I’m proud to stand with him.”

Welch has served as a collaborative leader since entering the House in 2013. As Speaker, he’s worked to ‘lift all boats’ in the Illinois Democratic Party. His House Dems Caucus is #1 in the country– being the only caucus continuing to make gains in flipping Republican strongholds and advancing Democratic values. 

Welch’s full endorsement list includes:  

1. Congressman Danny K. Davis

2. Former Secretary of State Jesse White

3. Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez

4. Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon

5. Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey

6. Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson

7. Hillside Mayor Joe Tamburino

8. Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker

9. River Forest President and Committeeperson Cathy Adduci

10. Westchester President Greg Hribal

11. State Representative Kam Buckner

12. State Representative Margaret Croke

13. State Representative Kelly Cassidy

14. State Representative Kimberly DuBuclet

15. State Representative Marcus Evans

16. State Representative La Shawn Ford

17. State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin

18. State Representative and Committeeperson Aaron Ortiz

19. State Representative Jawaharial ‘Omar’ Williams

20. 1st Ward Committeeperson Laura Yepez

21. 2nd Ward Committeeperson Tim Egan

22. 3rd Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Pat Dowell

23. 4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson

24. 11th Ward Alderwoman Nicole Lee

25. 14th Ward Alderwoman Jeylú Gutiérrez

26. 15th Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Ray Lopez

27. 16th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Stephanie Coleman

28. 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis

29. 24th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Monique Scott

30. 25th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Byron Sigcho-Lopez

31. 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

32. 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett

33. 36th Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Gilbert Villegas

34. 37th Ward Alderwoman and State Central Committeewoman Emma Mitts

35. 42nd Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Brendan Reilly

36. 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen

37. 43rd Ward Committeeperson Lucy Moog

38. Cicero Township Village President and Committeeperson Larry Dominick

39. Cook County Commissioner and 11th Ward Committeeperson John Daley

40. DNC member Dan Hynes

41. Former State Central Committeewoman Darlena Williams Burnett

42. Chicago LGBQT Hall of Famer and Former Personal PAC President Terry Cosgrove