llinois State Senator Willie Preston, a working-class Democrat, maverick and chair of the Il. Senate Black Caucus, will make a campaign announcement regarding the Second Congressional District Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Skyway Bowl, a black-owned South Side bowling alley.
He will make earlier stops in Danville at 10 a.m., Kankakee at noon and South Holland at 1:30 p.m.
Preston previously has announced that he was considering entering the crowded Democratic field to replace incumbent U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02).
Before his upset election to the 16th State Senate District in 2022, a race in which he was outspent 20-1 and opposed by Democratic party bosses, Willie worked as a union janitor, union carpenter and as a butcher to help support his wife and six children.
During his brief time in the Senate, he has been a leader fighting for justice reform, standing up for Black health and wellness, promoting apprenticeship programs, and tackling the high costs of living for seniors and working families. He recently urged Gov. J.B. Pritzker to commute the sentence of Larry Hoover Sr.
I like this launch video, it’s on the longer side and is somewhat unconventional but I think that’s better than the same old, same old we’re seeing from a lot of candidates this cycle in IL.
I’d give it an A. I didn’t much about him. I find this a very effective ad. This guy comes off with a very impressive background. I can’t help but be impressed with what this guy has achieved.
- Chicago Voter - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 10:48 am:
I give it an A. He truly is a working class Democrat.
- Remember the Alamo II - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 10:57 am:
Probably one of the most impactful ads I have seen in a while.
That’s an A. Great job emphasizing his connections to the district and his personal journey, both personally and professionally. He also references topics/issues that should resonate in his race, including union membership, Laquon McDonald’s murder, and legislative successes.
Senator is proud of his many accomplishments in a crowded field of established names. Pointing to his past work can help separate himself from his primary competitors. There are ways to weave that into the campaign narrative without distracting from what he WOULD do as Congressman, instead of what he HAS done as state senator. For instance…
= We need more than outrage. We need power. =
What a great line! Do not bury that in the second half underneath all the “I” statements and clips. Lede with it, and then hit ‘em with the “Working Class Democrat.”
Probably the best introduction ad I’ve seen so far. Does a nice job of providing his backstory with his accomplishments. Most importantly it comes across as authentic. I’d give it an A.
- Leo from Dolton - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 11:51 am:
Damn, Senator. That is one powerful video. I learned more about you in 2 minutes than I ever have from watching intro videos (except Raja-he is the bar). Not sure who your team is, but they should get a raise. I didn’t know much about you, but I do now.
In a time when Ds cannot connect with the common folk, Senator Preston accomplished that in his launch video. Good for him!
- Rufus T. Firefly - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 4:01 pm:
Tremendous video. And Preston’s authenticity really comes through. He gives you the feeling that you can trust him and he runs for office for the right reasons.
- City Zen - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 10:20 am:
I like how he sandwiched maverick in between his political creds.
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 10:36 am:
No one who supports commuting the sentence of Larry Hoover should be anywhere near elected office.
- beep boop - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 10:37 am:
I give it a A- mostly because of the originality.
I like this launch video, it’s on the longer side and is somewhat unconventional but I think that’s better than the same old, same old we’re seeing from a lot of candidates this cycle in IL.
- Steve - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 10:43 am:
I’d give it an A. I didn’t much about him. I find this a very effective ad. This guy comes off with a very impressive background. I can’t help but be impressed with what this guy has achieved.
- Chicago Voter - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 10:48 am:
I give it an A. He truly is a working class Democrat.
- Remember the Alamo II - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 10:57 am:
Probably one of the most impactful ads I have seen in a while.
- Skokie Man - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 11:01 am:
That’s an A. Great job emphasizing his connections to the district and his personal journey, both personally and professionally. He also references topics/issues that should resonate in his race, including union membership, Laquon McDonald’s murder, and legislative successes.
- Dirty Red - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 11:04 am:
Senator is proud of his many accomplishments in a crowded field of established names. Pointing to his past work can help separate himself from his primary competitors. There are ways to weave that into the campaign narrative without distracting from what he WOULD do as Congressman, instead of what he HAS done as state senator. For instance…
= We need more than outrage. We need power. =
What a great line! Do not bury that in the second half underneath all the “I” statements and clips. Lede with it, and then hit ‘em with the “Working Class Democrat.”
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 11:10 am:
I knew nothing about him before watching this. Now I like him. A lot. Great story, well told. A.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 11:48 am:
Probably the best introduction ad I’ve seen so far. Does a nice job of providing his backstory with his accomplishments. Most importantly it comes across as authentic. I’d give it an A.
- Leo from Dolton - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 11:51 am:
Damn, Senator. That is one powerful video. I learned more about you in 2 minutes than I ever have from watching intro videos (except Raja-he is the bar). Not sure who your team is, but they should get a raise. I didn’t know much about you, but I do now.
- Save Ferris - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 1:17 pm:
Help me out here. Why is touting a release for Hoover something you would do? What constituency does that appeal to?
- Logan Square - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 3:12 pm:
In a time when Ds cannot connect with the common folk, Senator Preston accomplished that in his launch video. Good for him!
- Rufus T. Firefly - Wednesday, Aug 20, 25 @ 4:01 pm:
Tremendous video. And Preston’s authenticity really comes through. He gives you the feeling that you can trust him and he runs for office for the right reasons.