New Trier Dems’ Hanley announces bid for state senate — with Schakowsky endorsement in tow

The local political dominoes continued to fall Thursday evening in the wake of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s retirement announcement.

New Trier Democrats President Patrick Hanley announced during a gathering at his Winnetka home that he will run for the state senate to replace Sen. Laura Fine (D-9th District), who is seeking Schakowsky’s national seat.

Hanley spoke about his commitment to sustainability, not only in terms of energy and environment but also the future of the state.

“Every decision I will make for you in Springfield will be grounded in sustainability,” he said. “Of the environment, of the atmosphere, of the water, yes, but of our society and our economy and our democracy too. We’re going to plan for 100 years not just the five ahead of us.”

His message received plenty of support from guests of his home on Thursday, but it also has the backing of at least one major name. Hanley also announced Thursday his campaign has the endorsement of Schakowsky, whom he called “a woman who taught us all how to fight, who is the model for progress and representation.”

In a statement provided by Hanley’s campaign, Schakowsky said, “Patrick is exactly the kind of bold, progressive Democratic leader — and fighter — that Illinois needs. I am proud to enthusiastically endorse Patrick Hanley’s candidacy in Illinois 9th State Senate district.”

Hanley, 36, was born in Evanston and raised in Northbrook. He holds a degree from George Washington University and two graduate degrees from the University of Chicago. Once a consultant, Hanley now owns a small business with his wife, Jessica Hanley. They live in Winnetka with their two children.

Aside from his volunteer work with the New Trier Democrats, Hanley also chairs the Village of Winnetka’s Environmental and Forestry Commission; serves on the executive board of Openlands, a nonprofit conservation group; and has helped Reform for Illinois and Fairvote Illinois fight for electoral reforms.

Find out more about his campaign at HanleyforIllinois.com.

Hanley conceded that he likely will not be the pick of the Democratic Party of Illinois, but said his “grassroots” campaign is about the future of the state’s Democratic Party.

“I bring to this campaign a heart for public service, a mind trained in the private sector, the grit and conviction of an organizer and you know that I will call every phone, I will knock every door, I will lift every rock to get (stuff) done for Illinois,” he said. “This is not going to be the establishment campaign. That is OK. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is going to be the grassroots campaign. This is going to be the movement campaign.”

Illinois’ 9th Senate District covers Wilmette, Kenilworth and Winnetka, as well as Evanston, Glenview and portions of Northbrook, Skokie and northern Chicago.

Fine has represented the district since 2018, before which she served in the state house of representatives.

Also Thursday, Rachel Ruttenberg, an attorney from Evanston, announced her candidacy to replace Fine as well as a list of endorsements that include Illinois Majority Leader Robyn Gabel and local State Reps. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Tracy Katz Muhl.

Read more about Ruttenberg’s campaign in the Evanston RoundTable.

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