West Cook News

As the race heats up for Illinois’ pending elections, 7th District State Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillsdale) said he was “truly honored to be endorsed for re-election” by Assistant Majority Leader State Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood).

“I have enjoyed working with Chris Welch," Lightford said in a video posted to Twitter.  "He is a hard-working fighter who knows what his district needs."

Welch is seeking re-election in the 2016 race. On his website, Welch outlines his mission as serving working families, including increasing measures for protection against foreclosure, focusing on improving classroom education, simplifying public services and providing safer streets in Illinois’ communities.

“My goal is to serve in an open and transparent way with the utmost integrity,” Welch said. “I want to be accessible… . I cannot be successful alone. Together we will achieve more.”

Welch has come under a significant primary challenge, however, by Chris Harris, a former Forest Park village commissioner.

Harris, a Democrat, jump-started his own campaign by claiming that he is the better choice among “working class folks.” He claimed relative impartiality as his strongest suit.

Harris called out Welch for his close ties to House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), claiming he is a part of the "Chicago machine" politics that kotow to special interests.