* Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller…

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is launching her campaign for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District today, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with an introductory video, linked here, that summarizes her family’s history of service and her plans to carry that legacy forward.

Miller raised her family in the south suburbs and grew up in Chicago with her family’s generational story rooted in Black migration.

It is that legacy of determination, perseverance and public service that prompted Miller to serve on the Cook County Board of Commissioners and to launch her campaign to serve as the next congresswoman from the 2nd District.

She states in the video, “My great-grandfather was a Pullman Porter; he helped build the Black middle class. My grandmother, mother and sister were all teachers, and my dad wore this country’s uniform his entire career. I’ve carried that legacy forward. On the Cook County Board, I’ve worked to expand healthcare access, lower costs and deliver better care – especially for women and communities of color.

Commissioner Donna Miller has joined a crowded Democratic primary, running alongside state Sen. Robert Peters, Eric France and Adal Regis. Former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is also reportedly eyeing a bid.

* Politico…

Richard Porter, a battle-hardened Republican Party loyalist, is considering a bid for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, who’s retiring.

Porter sees an opening for himself and the Illinois Republican Party by blending establishment savvy with MAGA fealty.

His background: Porter, 65, is a seasoned attorney from Chicago’s northern suburbs and a former Republican National Committeeman who has worn many hats over the years. He was a senior domestic policy adviser to President George W. Bush and counselor to Vice President Dan Quayle. More recently he’s been an unofficial adviser within the Illinois Republican Party. […]

Walking a tightrope: “I represent the old and new party,” Porter told your Playbook host, adding he’s still in the “testing the waters phase” of running for Senate.

* Press release…

Robin Kelly will hit the road today to sit with Illinois residents, hear their concerns about the Big Ugly Bill and discuss ways to address their fears and move Illinois forward. Kelly voted against the Big Ugly Bill multiple times and stood with Leader Jeffries as he blasted Trump and the GOP’s “immoral” megabill in a record 8-plus-hour speech. Kelly is committed to continuing her fight against this cruel agenda in the U.S. Senate.

WHEN
Wednesday, July 9
1:45 p.m.

WHERE
Peoria Public Downtown Library

* Evanston Roundtable…

[Sen. Mike Simmons], who represents the far north side of Chicago in the state senate, announced his candidacy on social media Tuesday morning. He pitched himself as the candidate to champion affordable housing, increase access to mental health care for youth, boost public transportation and lift up small businesses. […]

“That’s the type of leadership and creativity and innovation, and, frankly, just the dedication to the people I represent in the communities that raised me, that I would bring to Congress,” Simmons told the RoundTable in an interview. […]

In in his current position, he helped add a state-level child tax credit to “provide tax relief to working families” and helped pass the Jett Hawkins Act to ban hair-based discrimination in Illinois schools, according to his campaign website.

“I’ve got a track record in the Illinois senate now,” Simmons said, adding that he’s ready to move up to the federal government to combat the Trump administration while addressing affordability in the 9th District. […]

Simmons said people in the district are tired of “complacent Democrats,” and that he plans on turning his goals into action instead of making empty promises.

* The North Shore Record…

“We need some changes,” Phil Andrew told The Record on Tuesday, the day he announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress.

Andrew, a Democrat who lives in Wilmette, is the latest to enter the race to lead the 9th Congressional District, which will need a new representative when longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky retires at the end of her current and 14th term. […]

Andrew said the district does not need another career politician. Instead, it needs leaders who can get things done in a “moment of crisis,” which he said describes the current state of the nation under the Trump administration.

“It is about leading in crisis,” Andrew told The Record. “We really need more than words. We need action right now.” […]

“They’re really tired of the typical political approach, signing onto letters and a lot of talk without a lot of action. … I think people really want somebody who can work with people from across the spectrum to get things done.”

* Related…

* KWQC | Rockford native to run for Illinois 17th District: Montez Soliz of Rockford announced his campaign on Monday to run for the Illinois’ 17th Congressional District as a Democrat. The seat is held by a fellow Rockford native, Eric Sorensen, since 2023. In a media release, Soliz said the race is “a turning point for a generation ready to lead, ready to act, and ready to build a future we all deserve.” Soliz said he would stand for “everyday people.”