Ending weeks of speculation, Quinn announced on Friday that he will not enter the already-crowded race for mayor of Chicago. The former Democrat governor of Illinois says he will instead focus on community organizing efforts such as property tax relief.
Beginning his career as a consumer advocate, Quinn served as governor of Illinois from 2009 to 2015, following the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich following corruption charges. Prior to assuming office, Quinn was also the Lt. governor (2003-2009), state treasurer (1991-1995), and commissioner of the Cook County Board of Appeals (1982-1986).
When asked if he anticipated endorsing anyone in the race for Chicago mayor, Quinn replied that he liked all of them. However, he held off endorsing anyone this early in the election.
“I think it’s important to hear what the candidates have to say in a real campaign,” said Quinn. “I think it’s important in this stage of our city’s history that we have a robust battle of ideas in the mayoral campaign.” Quinn went on to say that he wanted to continue to work in the political sphere, but outside of elected office.
“I realized that […] there’s only one person right now that can make initiative happen in Chicago and Illinois, who has, maybe the experience to do it,” said Quinn, “and so I think that maybe is my calling.”
Quinn went on to express his disappointment with incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
“Our city [Chicago] is the only city of the top ten largest cities in America that does not have a term limit on the mayor,” says Quinn. The former governor would go on to criticize Lightfoot for having reneged on her campaign promise to institute term limits to fight corruption.
Quinn himself supported Lightfoot in the 2019 mayoral runoff against the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Toni Preckwinkle.
Starting on Monday, candidates for mayor can begin turning in their petitions where 12,500 valid signatures are required. Among the candidates that are challenging Mayor Lightfoot include: Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.), Alderman Ray Lopez, Alderman Sophia King, Alderman Roderick Sawyer, businessman Willie Wilson, state Rep. Buckner, state Rep. Paul Vallas, and state Rep. Ja’Mal Green.
