Chicago City Wire

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley has endorsed former Illinois Appellate Court Judge Eileen O'Neill Burke for Cook County State's Attorney, favoring her over the Cook County Democratic Party's selection, Clayton Harris III, in the upcoming March primary election. Quigley emphasized that O’Neill Burke is aptly prepared to address concerns about crime and guide the community towards safety and justice.

O’Neill Burke publicized this endorsement on social media platforms.

"I'm honored today to announce the endorsement of Congressman Mike Quigley!" she posted.

She further quoted Quigley, "'As a former defense attorney, Cook County Commissioner & now Member of Congress, I enthusiastically endorse Justice Eileen O'Neill Burke for State's Attorney,'" according to her post on X.

Quigley underlined that Burke possesses the requisite experience and sound judgment to effect positive change and protect the community’s welfare.

"In every community I visit throughout Chicago and Cook County, people tell me they’re concerned about crime and eager for a change in direction," Quigley said in a statement reported by Politico.

"We are at a critical juncture, and Eileen O’Neill Burke has the unmatched experience and good judgment to get us back on track toward safety and justice for all."

Quigley's endorsement follows an open letter authored by a group of prominent Black politicians urging voters to elect a Black man as state's attorney for the first time in Cook County history.

"In the more than 100-year history of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, there has never been a Black man elected to the post," these politicians wrote. "In the March 2024 Democratic Primary election, we have the opportunity to change that" by electing Harris, who is Black.

Harris — a seasoned member of the Democratic Party who served under former Mayor Richard M. Daley and was former Governor Rod Blagojevich's last chief of staff — secured the Democratic Party endorsement over O'Neill Burke, who was supported by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle. Preckwinkle was among those who signed the letter. Subsequently, Harris also received an endorsement from the Chicago Teachers Union.

Currently, O'Neill Burke has a slight advantage in fundraising with more than $300,000. Harris' political fund had $275,900 as of Sept. 30. According to public records, Preckwinkle was among Harris’ top five donors.