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* The late embargo on this meant it couldn’t be included in this morning’s subscriber edition, which goes out at about 5 o’clock every morning…
EMBARGOED
May 12, 2025, 7AMAnnouncement from Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison
Today, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison announced his candidacy for Congress in Illinois’ Eighth Congressional District. He released this statement on his historic candidacy:
“As the grandson of immigrants and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I never saw people like me in leadership growing up. That is why it means so much to me to announce I am running for Congress.
I’m running for Congress because I believe that if you work hard, you should be able to earn a living wage. I believe in advancing policies that support families, and that everybody deserves a fair shot to get ahead. These are the principles that have guided my work in public service, and the principles that will drive my campaign.
The race ahead won’t always be easy, but I’m ready for the challenge. It is an honor to rise to the occasion and fight for the community I care so deeply about. Growing up in the Northwest suburbs of Illinois has given me so much, and I look forward to continuing the conversations about the issues that matter most to all of us”
Kevin Morrison is a Cook County Commissioner and candidate for Congress. In 2018, he made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ and youngest-ever Commissioner, as well as the first Democrat to represent his district. As Chairman of the Technology and Innovation Committee, Human Relations Committee, and Emergency Management and Regional Security Committee, as well as the Vice Chair of the Forest Preserve Finance Committee, he has been a leader on mental health, small business, the environment, public safety, and tenants’ rights. Kevin has delivered results for working families and marginalized communities.
Kevin was raised in Elk Grove Village, where he attended public schools before graduating from DePaul University in 2013 and UIC Law School in 2024. He brings years of public service experience, including as an Edgar Fellow and a former member of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Board, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ candidates. Kevin Morrison is running for Congress to fight for working people in Illinois and our shared values.
Kevin Morrison has received endorsements from the following leaders in the IL-08 Congressional District:
Maggie Trevor – Cook County Commissioner
Nicolle Grasse – State Representative
Bill McLeod – Mayor, Hoffman Estates
Paula McCombie – Mayor, South Barrington
Daniel Hebreard – President of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Rob Martwick – State Senator
Adriane Johnson – State Senator
Ted Mason – Elk Grove Township Democratic CommitteemanMore to follow.
That district is currently represented by US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for Senate.
* A 6 o’clock embargo on this one meant it also wasn’t included, and allowed someone else to claim they had it “first”…
**EMBARGOED UNTIL Monday, May 12th at 6:00AM CT**
Today marks the launch of Illinois Blue PAC, the first federal political action committee organized for Illinois’ 2026 U.S. Senate race, in support of Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.
Formed to support a candidate whose story, record, and leadership have sparked early enthusiasm across Illinois, Illinois Blue PAC aims to help elevate Stratton’s message and ensure voters across the state hear from a leader who brings both lived experience and statewide impact to the race.
A proud daughter of Chicago’s South Side, Stratton’s path into public life was shaped by her role as the primary caregiver for her mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s — an experience that deepened her understanding of the health care system and continues to inform her approach to leadership. She began her career as a professional mediator and later served in the Illinois General Assembly before becoming the state’s first Black woman elected Lieutenant Governor.
Since taking office in 2019, Stratton has helped lead the Pritzker-Stratton administration’s efforts to raise the minimum wage, eliminate the grocery tax, expand access and make Illinois a safe haven for health care, and pass one of the strongest gun safety laws in the country.
Before entering elected office, Stratton built a career focused on uniting communities, solving problems, and changing how the law impacts vulnerable populations. She served as an administrative law judge, mediator, and restorative justice practitioner, and was a founding board member of both the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center and the Council on Criminal Justice. A lifelong advocate for young people and underserved communities, Stratton’s work has always centered on dignity, fairness and healing.
“I’ve spent the last six years serving as Lieutenant Governor of the great state of Illinois, and I’ve seen firsthand the progress that’s possible when we treat the needs of middle-class families as a focal point, not just a talking point,” Stratton said in her campaign announcement.
Her campaign has already earned the endorsements of Governor JB Pritzker and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. A recent poll conducted by the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association shows a wide open field with Stratton leading once voters hear more about each candidate and their background.
“Juliana Stratton understands what Illinois families face because she’s lived it — as a caregiver, a mediator, and a public servant,” said David Lobl, Chair of Illinois Blue PAC. “She brings compassion and clarity to every room she’s in, and she knows how to build coalitions that actually deliver. That’s the kind of leadership we need in the U.S. Senate.”
Illinois Blue PAC is chaired by Chicago native David Lobl, a seasoned health care and political consultant who has previously advised the Governor of New York and the Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Mark Kalish, a former member of the Illinois House of Representatives and a leader of the Health Care Council of Illinois PAC, joins as Senior Advisor, with a background in advancing legislation and building cross-sector support on health care issues.
Alex Hanns, founder of the public affairs consultancy StrategyA and former communications advisor to Governor JB Pritzker, leads the PAC’s messaging and media relations efforts, bringing experience in advocacy, electoral, and public sector campaigns across Illinois.
Stephan Miller, founder of media firm CreoStrat and former Chief Brand Strategist at Chicago-based Kivvit (formerly ASGK, now Avoq), leads paid media efforts, drawing from experience on candidate and issue-based campaigns in the U.S. and abroad.
The PAC has received early support from health care leaders and advocates across the state. Its first federal filing will occur in July.
About Illinois Blue PAC
Illinois Blue PAC is a federal political action committee supporting Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton’s campaign for U.S. Senate. We believe in expanding access to care, advancing economic dignity, and electing leaders who deliver results. Juliana Stratton has spent her life fighting for Illinois families, and we’re proud to support a campaign fueled by compassion, credibility, and momentum.
* Someone else claimed to have a “SCOOP” on this story. But, because of the 5 am embargo, I was able to include it in this morning’s Capitol Fax. I’m told that everyone who received this release was informed that it was not exclusive…
Embargoed until 5 AM ET tomorrow — Rep. Kelly to Announce 18 CBC endorsements
Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced that 18 Members of Congress of the Congressional Black Caucus have endorsed her campaign to succeed Senator Dick Durbin in the United States Senate. The members include Representatives Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05).
“I’m honored to have the support of so many colleagues who I have worked closely with in Congress to deliver for families,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “We are in a moment that demands tough leaders with proven experience, who can stand up to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and MAGA Republicans and fight back as they target Illinoisans’ Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and drive up costs. I never back down from a fight, and I’m proud to have the support of my colleagues who know that I can get the job done.”
Robin’s House of Representatives colleagues endorsing her today have seen up close her proven record of delivering results from Illinoisans. In Congress, Robin has been a relentless advocate for gun violence prevention, leading a sit-in on the House floor to protest inaction on gun violence and co-sponsored landmark legislation protecting victims of domestic violence. Her efforts helped pass the most significant gun violence prevention legislation in 30 years. Robin has also championed closing gaps in maternal health care, passing a law to dramatically expand Medicaid postpartum coverage to a full year. In the Senate, Robin will continue fighting to make Illinois safer from crime and gun violence, lower costs for families, and tackle health inequities.
For the most part, I think these embargoes are goofy.
* Also, click here for an impressively long list of endorsements lined up by Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl in her bid for 10th District Democratic State Central Committeewoman.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 12, 25 @ 11:56 am
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=== David Lobl, a seasoned health care and political consultant===
So unless the Lt. Governor is going to say differently, I presume she is against universal single payer, Medicare for all, and probably also against the public option.
I wouldn’t want to have anything to do with this guy and it is disappointing to see him be involved with the Lt. Governor’s Senate Campaign as a PAC that is brazen enough to brag about themselves in a press release.
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, May 12, 25 @ 12:12 pm
Yeah, embargoes are an over-the-top consultant gimmick to create a heightened sense of importance to the news. It’s not like the news is dealing with China - US relations or
something.
Comment by Here Here Monday, May 12, 25 @ 12:12 pm
Embargoes seem to me like they’re the media’s version of Attorney Client or Executive Privilege.
Comment by Leatherneck Monday, May 12, 25 @ 12:21 pm
Just use scheduled send people.
Comment by Anonish Monday, May 12, 25 @ 12:26 pm
The 5-7AM embargoes means that articles on these stories will not appear in Gatehouse newspapers (if at all) until perhaps at least Wednesday if we’re lucky.
Comment by Leatherneck Monday, May 12, 25 @ 12:27 pm
Katz Muhl — wow. Impressive entry.
Comment by Torco Sign Monday, May 12, 25 @ 12:34 pm
LOL Press “embargoes” do seem like a relic from a long gone era. Attempts at managing the news in this age look cynical and inauthentic.
Comment by Responsa Monday, May 12, 25 @ 12:47 pm
It seems to me that embargoes simply punish people who follow the request and reward others with a “scoop.”
Just announce the darned thing.
Comment by NIU Grad Monday, May 12, 25 @ 12:48 pm
NIU Grad, that’s quite perceptive of you.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 12, 25 @ 1:02 pm
Candy Dogood sent me down a rabbit hole- This Lobl guy is going to be manna from oppo heaven for her opponents. Should be great.
Also, I like Kalish but you pretty much just ensured that SEIU is an enemy now.
Comment by Peoples Republic of Oak Park Monday, May 12, 25 @ 1:06 pm
===This Lobl guy is going to be manna from oppo heaven for her opponents. ===
There are politicos that have the belief that some people are “above vetting.” I do not share that belief, but did no one even bother using google?
Whoever thought it was a great idea to involve Lobl and the include an over the top — embargoed — announcement of his involvement has made a bad decision. He hasn’t just had some questionable clients for a candidate running in a Democratic primary, David Lobl is a liar. We’ve got own political problems, we don’t need to import them from New York and the Cuomo family.
Is Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton not actually a progressive?
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, May 12, 25 @ 1:18 pm
And didn’t Kalish get beaten because of his opposition to Personal Pac and others on the abortion litmus test? I hope not a penny of JB’s money ends up in that IE after this announcement.
Comment by Jeb Monday, May 12, 25 @ 1:33 pm
Kalish was appointed to a House district - basically a present from Lou Lang - that he should have been able to easily keep for as long as he pleased by doing not much more than breathing. Passed four middling bills while he was there, and then he flubbed it by letting his ultra conservative position on abortion rights shine through. He wasn’t a fit for that district, and so they took his seat away, as they should have.
His consolation prize was to become one of the PAC operatives for a group that is already one of the largest in the state, i.e., he did nothing to build it to what it is. Oh, and they are one of the most divisive groups in the Capitol.
The track record kind of flies in the face of ‘advancing legislation’ and ‘building cross sector support.’
Nice credentials between him and Lobl. Honestly these two hires on their own already have me looking at the other candidates.
Comment by NoUseForAName Monday, May 12, 25 @ 2:58 pm
Baffling the Stratton campaign will talk about improving caregiving services and then onboard a leader from the Health Care Council of Illinois, a group that protects corrupt nursing home owners at the expense of seniors and disabled people.
Between trying to muscle out opposition, and putting up millionaires to run your campaign, this whole campaign reeks of Illinois status quo politics.
Comment by System Reboot Monday, May 12, 25 @ 3:18 pm
Kevin Morrison is a great guy and will work like crazy in this election as he always does.
Comment by Amalia Monday, May 12, 25 @ 3:54 pm
The Stratton campaign is trying too hard to be important.
Amateur hour…I think Kelly’s endorsement by members of the black caucus is important.
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, May 12, 25 @ 4:15 pm