* Subscribers were told earlier this morning. The North Shore Record…

New Trier Democrats President Patrick Hanley announced during a gathering at his Winnetka home that he will run for the state senate to replace Sen. Laura Fine (D-9th District), who is seeking Schakowsky’s national seat. […]

“Every decision I will make for you in Springfield will be grounded in sustainability,” [Hanley] said. “Of the environment, of the atmosphere, of the water, yes, but of our society and our economy and our democracy too. We’re going to plan for 100 years not just the five ahead of us.” […]

In a statement provided by Hanley’s campaign, Schakowsky said, “Patrick is exactly the kind of bold, progressive Democratic leader — and fighter — that Illinois needs. I am proud to enthusiastically endorse Patrick Hanley’s candidacy in Illinois 9th State Senate district.” […]

Aside from his volunteer work with the New Trier Democrats, Hanley also chairs the Village of Winnetka’s Environmental and Forestry Commission; serves on the executive board of Openlands, a nonprofit conservation group; and has helped Reform for Illinois and Fairvote Illinois fight for electoral reforms.

Hanley conceded that he likely will not be the pick of the Democratic Party of Illinois, but said his “grassroots” campaign is about the future of the state’s Democratic Party.

* Evanston Now…

Hanley helped lead Operation Swing State, an organizing group that led Illinois volunteers to knock on doors across Michigan and Wisconsin in the lead-up to November’s general election. […]

Hanley will face Evanstonian Rachel Ruttenberg, deputy committeeperson for the Democratic Party of Evanston and former deputy chief of staff for policy in the office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Ruttenberg announced her campaign Thursday.

Fine has represented the 9th Senate District in Springfield since 2018. Before her, the district was represented by now-Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss. […]

Ruttenberg’s campaign says she’s backed by Illinois House Majority Leader Rep. Robyn Gabel, State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowtiz, State Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl and former Evanston Democratic Committeeperson Eamon Kelly.

* More…

* Journal & Topics | Ruttenberg Announces For 9th District State Senate: When Fine was asked Thursday if she is backing Ruttenberg, she said, “Not now.”

* Evanston Round Table | Local Dem leaders running for state senator open midterm downballot contests: Both Ruttenberg and Hanley’s announcements in the state Senate race are downstream of the bigger contest developing further up the ballot for the U.S. congressional seat currently held by longtime Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th District). Schakowsky announced Monday that her current 14th term will be her last, joining U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in voluntarily ending their long tenures representing Illinois at the national level. Since these announcements, both now-open races have seen rapid campaign rollouts by aspiring Democrats and open speculation about who else might join the fray.

* Tribune | Glenview state Sen. Laura Fine joins race to replace US Rep. Jan Schakowsky: Fine, a longtime resident of Glenview, may end up part of a crowded primary field of Far North Side, and north and northwest suburban Democrats running to replace the 14-term Schakowsky in the strong Democratic district. A progressive critic of the far right and social media content creator, Kat Abughazaleh, had already announced she was joining the race even before Schakowsky said she planned to retire. Abughazaleh also has a head start in fundraising for next year’s race. The primary will be held on March 17.