7th Congressional District Reps and Latino Caucus Step Up with Welch for 7th District State Central Committeeman

More 7th Congressional District Leaders are joining the chorus for Speaker Welch to fill the State Central Committeeman post vacated by Congressman Danny Davis’ retirement.

State Representatives Eva-Dina Delgado, Lilian Jiménez, Edgar Gonzalez, Aaron Ortiz (previously announced), and Norma Hernandez are stepping out with Welch calling on him to represent their Districts at the state party level.

Rep. Norma Hernandez represents a west suburban district that includes Melrose Park and also serves as Proviso Township Democratic Committeewoman and Chair of the House Latino Caucus. She works to be at the forefront of advocating for Black and Latino districts to continue being represented by people of color, ensuring that strong voices are at the table to raise and address community concerns.

“I’m honored to endorse Speaker Chris Welch for State Central Committeeman,” said Hernandez. “In moments of challenge, he leads with vision, integrity, and purpose. His commitment to representation reminds us that when every voice is at the table, we can truly fight for and achieve our shared values.”

Welch agreed that representation now is more important than ever.

“Across the country, we see how communities of color are being silenced,” said Welch. “That’s why in Illinois, it’s so important that our diverse communities always have a seat at the table on our local government boards, in our State Capitol, in Washington, and within our Democratic Party. Representation matters–and I am proud to deliver on that belief with legislation that I have supported, with our diverse caucus, with Democrats I’ve helped to the bench and onto the ballot, and with all of the local parties that I visit every day to uplift and inspire. The state central committee should be strengthened by a leader with vision, integrity, and purpose.”

An Illinois State Central Committeeperson (SCC) plays a crucial role in uplifting community voices to the state party level. As Republicans and the Trump administration work to erase proper representation with redistricting, coalitions are pushing for the 7th District State Central Committee post to be held by Speaker Welch.


Welch’s full endorsement list includes:

Congressman Danny K. Davis
Former Secretary of State Jesse White
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon
Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson
Hillside Mayor Joe Tamburino
Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker
River Forest President and Committeeperson Cathy Adduci
Westchester President Greg Hribal
State Representative Kam Buckner
State Representative Lisa Davis
State Representative Michael Crawford
State Representative Margaret Croke
State Representative Kelly Cassidy
State Representative Kimberly DuBuclet
State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado
State Representative Marcus Evans
State Representative La Shawn Ford
State Representative Edgar Gonzalez
State Representative Norma Hernandez
State Representative Lilian Jiménez
State Representative Theresa Mah
State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin
State Representative Yolonda Morris
State Representative and Committeeperson Aaron Ortiz
State Representative Jawaharial ‘Omar’ Williams
1st Ward Committeeperson Laura Yepez
2nd Ward Committeeperson Tim Egan
3rd Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Pat Dowell
4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson
11th Ward Alderwoman Nicole Lee
14th Ward Alderwoman Jeylú Gutiérrez
15th Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Ray Lopez
16th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Stephanie Coleman
18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis
24th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Monique Scott
25th Ward Alderwoman and Committeeperson Byron Sigcho-Lopez
26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes
27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett
36th Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Gilbert Villegas
37th Ward Alderwoman and State Central Committeewoman Emma Mitts
42nd Ward Alderman and Committeeperson Brendan Reilly
43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen
43rd Ward Committeeperson Lucy Moog
Cicero Township Village President and Committeeperson Larry Dominick
Cook County Commissioner and 11th Ward Committeeperson John Daley
DNC member Dan Hynes
Former State Central Committeewoman Darlena Williams Burnett
Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Famer and Former Personal PAC President Terry Cosgrove