Winnetka’s Hanley appears to win Democratic primary for state senate

“Humbled, grateful, gratified” were words New Trier Democrats President Patrick Hanley used when claiming victory on Tuesday night in a tight race with Evanston attorney Rachel Ruttenberg for the Illinois Senate’s 9th District’s Democratic nod.

Hanley, of Winnetka, had earned 51.6% of the vote — a lead of 1,287 votes — with all 141 precincts reporting, per unofficial tallies from the Cook County Clerk’s office at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday.

A victory lines Hanley up against Tom Lally, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, in November to represent the district and replace Sen. Laura Fine, who vacated her seat for an unsuccessful run for Congress. The Illinois Senate 9th covers Wilmette, Kenilworth and Winnetka, as well as Evanston, Glenview and portions of Northbrook, Skokie and northern Chicago.

In a victory speech to an applauding full room at Charcoal Oven restaurant in Skokie, Hanley opened by giving thanks to his family, supporters and campaign staffers. He highlighted three women: his wife, Jessica; his mother, who was at that moment watching his children; and longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who endorsed Hanley.

Hanley then spoke to his campaign’s message.

“I think this election happened the way that it did because I think voters are looking for a new generation of leadership,” he said, “new active, organized leadership that we feel can take the fight back to Donald Trump and can fight for an Illinois that is safer, that is greener, that is growing, that is affordable and is an Illinois we can look forward to living in and staying in.”

Ruttenberg did not immediately return messages from The Record.

Ruttenberg had a list of endorsements that included Illinois Majority Leader Robyn Gabel and local State Reps. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Tracy Katz Muhl. She is the deputy committeeperson and previous president of the Democratic Party of Evanston, who worked as the deputy chief of staff for policy for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle up until she launched her state senate campaign.

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.

Aside from his volunteer work with the New Trier Democrats, Hanley also chairs the Village of Winnetka’s Environmental and Forestry Commission.

Hanley believes his campaign’s work in the community was critical in the tight race with Ruttenberg.

“I think it was the grassroots campaign that we ran,” he told The Record. “I think it was all the things we did in the community. It was the rapid response, the mutual aid, the coat drives. That kind of active leadership is what is connecting with voters right now.”

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

Hanley and Lally will face off in November to fill her seat.

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