Charlene Eads, the Democratic Candidate for State Representative of the 79th District, received the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers earlier this week for the upcoming November election.
“An endorsement from the IFT is a signal to Illinois voters that you will be an advocate for public education, vital public services, and working families.” IFT Department of Political Activities Director Michelle Paul wrote in a letter to Eads.
The IFT is made up of over 200 local unions throughout Illinois. IFT said in a news release in endorses candidates that “share our goals and values, including ensuring adequate funding for education at all levels and the public service Illinoisans rely on.”
Eads said she was honored to receive the endorsement from the organization. Eads is running against Jackie Hass for the seat. The incumbent State Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst, who has held the seat since 2017, will be stepping away at the end of the term.
“Teachers are the bedrock of our society.” Eads said earlier this week. “Their role as teachers is even more important today with our kids dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Union also endorsed several other candidates across the area, many from Will County.
Others receiving IFT endorsements include incumbent State Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, for reelection in the 19th Senate District and backed State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, for election in the 43rd Senate District.
A Joliet teacher, Meg Loughran Cappel, also secured an endorsement to represent the 49th District. The union also backed incumbents State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood, in the 86th District and State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, in the 98th District.
The Illinois Federation of Teachers also endorsed Joe Biden for U.S. President.
The 79th District includes all or parts of Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Essex, Hopkins Park, Peotone, Herscher and Braceville.
