Senate Democrats Giving Early Boost to Appointed Sen. Natalie Toro
Sen. Natalie Toro (D-Chicago)
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Sen. Natalie Toro (D-Chicago), who was appointed this summer and faces a heavily contested primary in the northwest side district next year has already gotten a big boost from the Senate Democratic campaign arm.
The Illinois Senate Democratic Fund (ISDF) reported giving Toro $150,000 Wednesday, kickstarting her primary campaign. Toro is reportedly already buying video web ads on platforms like YouTube.
Toro was appointed to replace former Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, who resigned to join Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration. Progressives supported Pacione-Zayas staffer Graciela Guzman for the seat.
Guzman is seeking the seat in 2024. Also running is Dr. Dave Nayak, who describes himself as a “physician, social entrepreneur and farmer.”
The early effort from Senate Democrats shows Senate President Don Harmon may be likely to go to great lengths to protect his incumbent, even one like Toro, who was just appointed this summer.
“Harmon protects his incumbents. Bottom line,” said a longtime Democratic operative.
The ISDF also bought $10,000 in media production for Toro from longtime Democratic admakers Adelstein & Associates.