Toi Hutchinson Drops Out of 2nd Congressional Race, Backs Robin Kelly

State Senator Toi Hutchinson has posted on her Facebook page that she is withdrawing her name from the Illinois Second Congressional election to replace Jesse Jackson, Jr..  Hutchinson endorsed Robin Kelly.

Hutchinson wrote on her Facebook page:
"I said from day one that my campaign was not about me. It was about fighting for what we need in this district. If in an effort to win I become a part of dividing our house, it wouldn’t be a win. Not when we need unity more than ever. That’s why yesterday I decided to withdraw my candidacy for the 2nd Congressional district seat. I thank God that I still have a platform to fight for all of the things that are so important to all of us in the State Senate. But as ever, I also know we need a champion in Congress as well. Today I endorsed Robin Kelly in her campaign to win this district, and I urge you to support her with your vote on election day. 

We can’t move our state or country forward divided. I always said that this campaign was not about me. I’m stepping aside so we can stand together as a party and as a community. Our voices are loud. Our voices are strong. I believe in us. That will never change.

Thank you all for your support."

2nd Congressional Candidate Forum in Peotone

The resignation of Jesse Jackson, Jr. means residents of the Illinois Second Congressional District will elect a new representative during the April 2013 municipal election.  

 Primary elections will be held February 26, 2013.    Voters can attend a candidate forum in Peotone at Peotone High School organized by The Will County Farm Bureau, The Cook County Farm Bureau, Shut This Airport Nightmare Down (STAND), Will County Board Member Judy Ogalla, and Kankakee County Commissioner John Howard.

All candidates have been invited.  

Forum Details:

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Peotone High School, 605 W. North St., Peotone

Doors open at 2pm, forum begins at 2:30pm

Toi Hutchinson Announces Candidacy for Illinois Second Congressional District

Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson announced today that she will run for the Illinois Second Congressional District seat vacated by Jesse Jackson, Jr..  Hutchinson currently represents the Illinois 40th State Senate District.  Hutchinson wrote on her Facebook page, "Today I have officially announced my plan to run for Congress. Families in the South Suburbs and the southside deserve a representative who understands their concerns and who will work alongside President Obama to create new jobs, rebuild our roads and schools, and protect the gains we've made on equal pay, health care and civil rights. I'm going to work hard every day to help the people of the Southland and I'm looking forward to earning your support over the coming months."

2010 Will County News interview with Hutchinson.

The Special Election to replace Jackson will be April 9, 2013.  This is the same day as previously-scheduled municipal elections in Illinois. 

Map of the 2012 Illinois Second Congressional District:

Map of the Illinois Second Congressional District

Senator Dick Durbin to join Toi Hutchinson at Early Vote Rally

US Senator Dick Durbin is holding a rally for State Senator Toi Hutchinson Monday, October 18th at 6 pm in Bradley, Illinois.

For more information on the Early Vote Rally, visit Senator Hutchinson's website.

Women for Toi Hutchinson Go Door-to-Door, hold Fundraiser for State Senator Toi Hutchinson's Election Campaign

State Senator Toi Hutchinson represents the 40th State Senate District of Illinois:

Map from toihutchinson.com

Hutchinson was appointed to the State Senate to fill out the term of Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson. Hutchinson was previously Halvorson's Chief of Staff.

Women for Toi Hutchinson meet before heading door-to-door 

Women for Toi Hutchinson are holding a "Jazzin with Toi" fundraising event in order to support Hutchinson's election campaign on August 26th at the Lincolnshire Country Club in Crete, Illinois.

willcountynewspolitics also sat down and spoke with Phyllis Hayes, Chairperson of Women for Toi Hutchinson.  Hayes answered questions regarding why she supports Toi Hutchinson, and why she thinks Toi Hutchinson is the best person for the job of representing the citizens of the 40th District in Springfield.

Hayes also answered the question: "What makes Hutchinson able to represent the needs of such a diverse district, ranging from Bloom Township in Cook County to Green Garden Township in Will County to Pembroke Township in Kankakee County and more?"

Obviously, the District has many needs.  Pembroke Township, for example, is one of the poorest townships in the country.  According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, 44% of adults are unemployed and 98% of children qualify for free lunch.  Pembroke lacks basic infrastructure such as natural gas lines and homes lack running water.

Also, in the Chicago Tribune's report of Pembroke Township:

"Hopkins Park's 800 residents are mainly African-American, and many are descendants of the founders. The village, about 60 miles south of Chicago, was founded as a place where African-Americans could use their farming skills and build a life after slavery.

But today, the village has a 44 percent unemployment rate, and the average household income is about $14,000, Payton said.

In 2000, when jobs were plentiful and home values soared, 44 percent of Hopkins Park's residents were living below the poverty level, four times the state average, according to U.S. census data."


The 40th District includes part of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, in Florence Township.  The proposed "Peotone Airport", also known as the "South Suburban Airport" or "Third Chicago Airport" is slated to be built in the 40th District.  There is much opposition to this plan from residents residing near the proposed airport.


Interview with Phyllis Hayes, Chairperson of the Women for Toi Hutchinson Committee: