Moderate Natalie Toro Appointed to Senate, Big Primary Anticipated
Newly appointed Sen. Natalie Toro (D-Chicago) shakes hands with Senate President Don Harmon after being appointed to replace former Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas Monday night. (Photo: ISDF Facebook page)
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As expected, Democrats appointed moderate Natalie Toro to the Illinois Senate Monday night, replacing progressive Cristina Pacione-Zayas, who resigned to join the administration of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The appointment was engineered by ward committeemen Cook County Circuit Clerk Iris Martinez and Alderman Scott Waguespack for the heavily Latino northwest side district.
Toro has caused heartburn for many progressives as she was endorsed by the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police in her run for Cook County Board last year. Multiple progressive groups got behind Graciela Guzman, who previously worked for Pacione-Zayas.
The bucking of the progressive groups will likely lead to a heated primary next year, where Guzman is expected to get in.
“[Guzman] is going to run and she’s going to win,” one progressive leader in the area told The Illinoize. “Natalie Toro is a police union shill and does not represent progressives.”
Guzman issued a statement Tuesday confirming she would run for the seat next year.
“I am disappointed in the outcome of the appointment process, but remain committed to running for the 20th District Senate seat in 2024,” she said. “I am excited to speak with my neighbors over the next few months and collaborate on a progressive and principled vision for the 20th district.”
Also expect physician Dave Nayak, who threw his hat in the ring for the appointment, to run for the seat next year. He has already loaned his campaign $90,000.