DFA backs Traynere for Bolingbrook Mayor, Berwyn United slate
Endorsements aim to replace corrupt Chicagoland officials with Trump resistance leaders
Today, Democracy for America (DFA) announced its endorsement of progressive resistance leaders running against corrupt incumbents in the Chicago suburbs of Berwyn and Bolingbrook.
In Berwyn, DFA endorsed candidates on the Berwyn United slate, which is looking to completely replace the current Democratic leadership of the city, from the mayor on down. In Bolingbrook, DFA endorsed Jackie Traynere for Mayor. Traynere was encouraged to run after participating in a protest against Donald Trump, who was being hosted for a rally by the incumbent mayor.
“For too long, corrupt local politicians have been able to skirt by, using the system to enrich themselves rather than serving the communities they’re supposed to represent. In Berwyn and Bolingbrook, we’re endorsing candidates who will hold the current incumbents accountable and blaze a new trail of progress in their communities.
“In Berwyn, the diverse team of progressive candidates on the Berwyn United slate are committed to ethical reform and progressive policies that will make the city work for all of its residents,not just the most wealthy or well connected. These candidates share a vision for a more inclusive city that welcomes anyone who wants to work or raise a family in its bounds.
“Jackie Traynere is running for mayor in Bolingbrook against a man who openly embraces Donald Trump and his divisive policies. For decades, he has been able to exploit the system to line his own pockets and Jackie is going to put an end to that corrupt agenda
“These leaders in Berwyn and Bolingbrook understand that resistance against Trump’s hateful agenda starts at the local level, and we’re excited to give them our full support.” - Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America
Traynere will be on the ballot in Bolingbrook for the April 4 general election. The Berwyn United slate includes the following candidates, who will be on the ballot for the February 28 primary:
- Ted Polashek - Mayor
- Marge Paul - Clerk
- Cynthia Gutierrez - Treasurer
- Larry Disch - Alderman - 1st Ward
- Jose Ramirez - Alderman - 2nd Ward
- Jeanie Reardon - Alderman - 3rd Ward
- Bob Fejt - Alderman - 4th Ward
- Korynna Lopez - Alderman - 5th Ward
- Sandi Radtke - Alderman - 7th Ward
- Edgar Garcia - Alderman - 8th Ward
- Linda Kampe - Township Supervisor
- Elizabeth Jimenez - Township Trustee
- Cynthia Hayes - Township Trustee
- Joey Johnston - Township Trustee
- Barb Bossnay - Township Trustee
Earlier this week, DFA announced a new $500,000 initiative to elect progressive leaders in cities nationwide, as well as its first municipal endorsement of the year, Tishaura Jones for Mayor of St. Louis. The emerging leaders DFA has previously helped elect to municipal offices include Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, Mayor Michael Tubbs of Stockton, CA; Vice Mayor Regina Romero of Tucson, AZ; and City Councillor Helen Gym of Philadelphia, PA.
Democracy for America is a member-driven, people-powered progressive PAC with more than one million members nationwide committed to taking on income inequality, money in politics, and structural racism.
Since its 2004 founding, DFA members have raised and contributed more than $40 million and made more than 11.1 million volunteer calls to help successfully elect 907 progressive candidates nationwide.