Chicago City Wire

Christine Shanahan McGovern, the Republican candidate for Illinois House District 36, has issued a strong response to the recent endorsement of GOP candidate Bob Fioretti by civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson. 

McGovern emphasized that the endorsement underscores the idea that "family values have no color" and called for unity among Illinois residents in the face of rising crime and economic challenges.

“People are uniting against the government working against them as current political leadership continues to try to divide Illinois citizens,” Shanahan McGovern said in a press release. 

Fioretti is challenging Democratic nominee Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke for the Cook County State’s Attorney position, highlighting widespread concerns about crime and corruption in Illinois. 

“When the Republican candidate is extraordinary and the choice is crystal clear, we back the Republican, especially if his name is Bob Fioretti,” Jesse Jackson said of Fioretti.

Fioretti, a former alderman and previous candidate for this office, emphasizes that residents are leaving the city due to high crime rates and taxes. 

Fioretti told Center Square he remains focused on ensuring election integrity and breaking the cycle of corruption in local governance.

“Every day we pick up a newspaper and we see something about more corruption here in this city or county or the state, and it’s costing us billions of dollars,” Fioretti told the Center Square.

Shanahan McGovern expressed her belief that the issues facing communities, particularly crime, should not be politicized. She also highlighted the need for additional law enforcement personnel. 

“Crime versus community safety should not even be a debate,” Shanahan McGovern said. 

Shanahan McGovern praised Fioretti's commitment to tackling crime at all levels, asserting that under his leadership, communities would see a significant decrease in criminal activity. 

“Bob Fioretti will take on criminals’ activity at every level, from street corners to high-rise offices,” she said. “Child abusers will be sought out and prosecuted. Bob’s record of protecting children is both notable and steady.”

Shanahan McGovern also pointed to her recent endorsements from various ethnic groups, including the United Hellenic Voters of America and the Greater Chicagoland Black Chamber of Commerce, as evidence of a shared desire for leadership grounded in faith, family and freedom. 

“We both see no boundaries to bring common sense, safety, and security back to Illinois families,” McGovern said.

Shanahan McGovern is a mother, business owner and substitute teacher with a background in economics and communication. 

The 36th House District encompasses various areas, including parts of the Beverly, Mount Greenwood, and Auburn-Gresham neighborhoods in Chicago, along with sections of nearby suburbs such as Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge, Hometown and Palos Hills.

Shanahan McGovern has been gaining traction in her campaign for Illinois' 36th House District, leading her opponent Oak Lawn attorney Rick Ryan in a recent poll with 44.7% of the vote to his 42.5%. 

Ryan has faced an uphill battle given past scandal over the alleged misuse of client funds and a lack of substantial backing from the Democratic Party.