03/23/2018
Dear Supporters:
At approximately 10pm on Tuesday night, I called Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz to congratulate her on winning the Democratic nomination for Illinois State Representative in District 17.
I entered this race six months ago because of my deep conviction that all children deserve access to excellent public education and fulfilling economic opportunity. Our campaign has only deepened this belief. As I knocked on doors throughout Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, and Glenview, I met the most incredible parents, grandparents, educators, professionals, and students. Across this district, people agree that we must do whatever it takes to secure a bright future for our children and their children by providing affordable housing and access to mental health support, progressive tax reform and common sense gun reform, quality early childhood education and targeted career training.
With your help, I will continue to fight for these issues regardless of the office or title I hold.
This campaign was powered by people. Over 450 individuals contributed financial resources to make this possible. Over 200 people across this district volunteered to knock on doors, write postcards, host meet and greets, enter and compile data, write emails, and much, much more. Despite significant obstacles, together, we came within striking distance of a win.
I could not have asked for a better “kitchen cabinet” - a huge thank you to Pete Giangreco, Coray Ames Hoffner, Ju Chien Hsu, Barbara Kahler, Dawn Koenigsknecht, John Kupper, Bridget Nelson, Rachel Niemann, Tracy Quattrocki, Andy Ross, and of course, Leslie Weyhrich, who volunteered countless (and many late) hours to make this thing move forward.
I am honored to have had the support of progressive, independent Democratic leaders including State Senator Heather Steans and State Representative Kelly Cassidy, and Democratic Committee Chairs, Eamon Kelly, Lucy Herman Moog and Carol Ronen.
I believe we are part of a larger movement, one that acknowledges that we must change the way politics are done in Illinois.
I will continue to fight for the future of all of our children. What is more, I am excited to have an even bigger and bolder group of friends and colleagues to do this work with me.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making this possible.
Best,
Candance