Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has endorsed Republican Pat O’Brien for the office of Cook County State’s Attorney.

O’Brien aims to unseat incumbent Democrat Kim Foxx on Nov. 3.

“[This] was a historic day at Lodge 7,” the Chicago FOP posted on its Facebook page on Aug. 20. “We are proud to announce our endorsement and total support for Judge Pat O'Brien for Cook County state's attorney. For the first time, the FOP is a real player in Chicago politics. Our revamped PAC committee voted to endorse Pat and support him with the maximum amount for a PAC fund ($57,800). 

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx | File photo

"We need membership to help to make this a reality and return the rule of law to our city,” the post continued. “Please consider donating your time to this cause. Call Fernando Flores at the FOP. He is organizing the manpower calendar. Register to vote.”

Foxx responded with an Aug. 20 post of her own on Twitter.

“I am not surprised that the @FOP7Chicago, which has encouraged and marched alongside white supremacists, would support my opponent in this race. I remain focused on protecting the health and safety of Cook County residents, not catering to the interests of this organization.”

O’Brien, who was a Cook County Circuit Court judge for eight years, told Chicago City Wire that Foxx is once again playing the race card.

“She's been hiding out in the foxhole and thinks that somehow by throwing slurs around she can direct attention away from all of the mistakes she's made and all of her lack of judgment and experience,” O'Brien said. “The stove is getting hot and she's reaching for the only card she knows how to play, which is the race card.”

Other endorsements for O'Brien have come from Cook County Republican Chairman Sean Morrison, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider and Guaranteed Rate Mortgage President Victor Ciardelli.

“The FOP organization itself has somewhere upward of 10,000 members,” O'Brien said. “It's substantial. Most of them have families. All of them live in the city. It's a big boost, and I am very grateful for their support. In 2016 the Fraternal Order of Police did not endorse Kim Foxx, and in the primary in 2020 they didn't endorse her either. They've endorsed me and been nice enough to give me money from their PAC and all of that is helpful to my chances for election.”