Welch/Harmon State Central Committee Showdown Avoided
House Speaker Chris Welch speaks while Senate President Don Harmon looks on during a news conference in 2022. (Photo: Capitol News Illinois)
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Two of the state’s most influential Democrats avoided a potentially awkward and embarrassing primary this week when Senate President Don Harmon backed off plans to run for the Democratic Party of Illinois’ State Central Committee.
Both House Speaker Chris Welch and Harmon had announced plans to succeed outgoing Congressman Danny Davis (D-Chicago) representing the 7th Congressional District on the State Central Committee, stretching from the south side of Chicago to much of the area surrounding the Loop west to include both Harmon’s hometown of Oak Park and Welch’s hometown of Hillside.
But Harmon chose to avoid the confrontation Monday, choosing not to file his petitions to get on the ballot.
“The Senate is combating grave dangers in our nation,” Harmon said in a statement. “I’m comfortable that the slate of central committee candidates across the state can handle the politics and confident that [Democratic Party of Illinois Chair] Lisa Hernandez will continue to lead a vibrant statewide Democratic Party.”
Welch still has to face Oak Park Township Supervisor Tim Thomas for the post.
A spokesperson for Welch did not respond to multiple inquiries from The Illinoize.
Chicago Alderwoman Emma Mitts, Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), and Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin are seeking the second seat in the 7th District.
By law, one State Central Committee post is held by a man and another is held by a woman.
