The Illinoize

View Original

Cabello Gets Primary from Pro-Union Mayor

Thanks to retirements and redistricting, dozens are seeking spots in Congress in Illinois’ 17 districts in 2022.

NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.

When Republicans engineered the retirement of Sen. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) a couple of weeks ago, it appeared they had avoided a potentially costly primary between Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) and former Rep. John Cabello. Chesney will seek Stewart’s senate seat and Cabello will seek a return to the House.

But Cabello’s path to a return to Springfield got a little more complicated Thursday.

Roscoe Mayor Mark Szula filed paperwork with the Illinois State Board of Elections listing his intention to seek the seat. But, interestingly, he didn’t declare a party in his filing. He’s given money to both Republicans and Democrats and works for Local 150, which has been active in supporting candidates in both parties. Candidates in Roscoe municipal elections are elected on a non-partisan basis.

Szula told The Illinoize Friday he plans to run in the Republican primary.

Obviously, Szula would bring a lot of union money to a primary and try to shake the race up for Cabello, who was former President Donald Trump’s state chairman. Republicans have a 12-14 point advantage in the district.

Patrick Pfingsten

@pfingsten1

patrick@theillinoize.com