Lipinski Wins Cop-Firefighter Support, Sun-Times Endorses Newman

CHICAGO, IL — The congressional race in Illinois’ 3rd District heated up as Congressman Dan Lipinski and Marie Newman announced major endorsements in the upcoming Democratic primary. The two foes are facing off once again after Lipinski narrowly won the 2018 primary by 2,145 votes in a heavily Democratic district he has historically commanded.

Newman’s campaign got a huge push by the Chicago Sun-Times, which endorsed the progressive Newman over the socially conservative Lipinski.

Two years ago Lipinski was endorsed over Newman by the Sun-Times because the editorial board felt Lipinski’s conservative views were compatible in the “traditionally white ethnic district,” which is now one-third Hispanic. The newspaper also opined that “Lipinski has never really distinguished himself in Congress” and referred to the incumbent congressman as a “reluctant Democrat,” voting against the Affordable Care Act in 2010, key immigration legislation, and his slow support of LGBTQ equality and protections, in opposition to his own party. Newman is pro-choice, while Lipinski is renowned for his anti-abortion stance.

“Democratic voters in this district deserve to be represented by a consistent fighter for better health care, especially as the Trump administration continues its assault on the Affordable Care Act. Marie Newman, a businesswoman from La Grange, leaves no doubt that she would make that fight.

Our endorsement goes to Newman. Nobody will have to give her a push to champion the values and policies of her own party,” the Sun-Times said in its endorsement.

The Sun-Times endorsement is another big win for Newman, who this past weekend earned the endorsement of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who called Newman "a shining example of what a progressive, pragmatic Democrat looks like."

Also announcing their support of Marie Newman on Tuesday were Congressional Progressive Caucus Members Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Caucus Co-Chair Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI).

Lipinski, who is running a “commonsense campaign” for re-election, was endorsed by the two largest unions representing Chicago police officers and firefighters. The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 and Chicago Firefighters Union Local #2 represent the more than 13,000 rank and file members of the city’s police and fire departments, as well as retirees.

"Congressman Lipinski has always offered unwavering support for our brothers and sisters in blue,” FOP Lodge 7 said in a statement. “He is a regular presence at Get Behind the Vest and National Night Out events and is someone that we can count on to help secure federal resources for policing initiatives. Dan Lipinski understands the challenges facing law enforcement, and we are proud to endorse him for reelection."

Twenty-eight mayors throughout the 3rd District are also backing Lipinski “because of his demonstrated ability to resolve local issues and deliver federal resources.”

In addition to Newman, Lipinski faces two other challengers, media company owner Rush Darwish and Nicor employee Charles Hughes. Lipinski insiders have said they expect Darwish to siphon away potential Newman votes in the March 17 primary.

Darwish’s campaign took issue with Darwish being perceived as a "spoiler" and issued a written statement that Lipinski and Newman are fighting for the support of Springfield and Washington insiders.

"Our campaign is interested in talking directly to voters. The voters of the 3rd District belong to no one and are looking for someone who is not a status quo politician and not an insider. Our campaign is focused on garnering a plurality of votes. Many people in our district are dissatisfied with Dan Lipinski's performance as Representative. We hope to earn their votes as well as anyone in the district who wants change."

Illinois' 3rd Congressional District sweeps through sections of Chicago's Southwest Side, and the south and western suburbs up to the Cook-DuPage border, and a small section of Will County.