Christian Mitchell is running for Illinois State Representative in the 26th District located in Chicago. Christian Mitchell would fill the seat once held by 4th Ward Alderman Will Burns. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle once held the aldermanic seat, until she became the Board President.
David Miranda, campaign communications spokesman said, "Christian Mitchell was raised with a passion for life and empathy for people, having inherited it from his mother and grandfather." His mother was a nurse for thirty years. His grandfather was a union steelworker and an elder at his church in Maywood. Miranda added, "Their hard work and commitment to community inspired him to enter public service after graduating from the University of Chicago with a bachelor's degree in Public Policy Studies."
On the political side, Christian Mitchell was a Deputy Field Director for Lisa Madigan’s re-election campaign in 2010, working with local elected officials in Chicago and other faith and community leaders to increase voter turnout and participation. Christian Mitchell was also campaign manager for Will Burns’ successful campaign for Alderman of the 4th Ward in 2011.
The 26th District represents a unique leadership opportunity because of its rich diversity. It stretches from Streeterville all the way to South Chicago. It includes Chicago’s vibrant downtown business district, museums and tourist attractions, and a rich tapestry of neighborhoods populated by people from all walks of life: doctors and teachers, tradesmen and students. It is a district with great assets and tremendous people.
Because of this diversity, Christian’s plans to improve the 26th District can serve as a roadmap for other communities across the state and throughout the country. As State Representative, Christian will fight to create jobs and a better climate for small businesses, to improve our schools, to keep our streets safe, and do so in a way that’s fiscally responsible.
Christian Mitchell also has governmental experience having worked for a faith-based community organizer in the south suburbs and on the south side of Chicago. As an organizer, Christian worked with people in their communities to fight for living wage jobs, adequate housing, improved transportation and equitable schools. In 2009, in consultation with community leaders and the members of the general assembly, Christian drafted legislation that would become the Urban Weatherization Initiative, a state jobs program focusing on insulation, weatherproofing and upgrading of single family homes in low- and moderate-income urban areas in the state of Illinois – and a requirement to hire workers from those communities.
Christian’s efforts as an organizer also led to several other measurable improvements. The state legislature passed a law to create a universal fare card for transit systems in Chicago and the South Suburbs, drafted in part by Christian. It will allow for transfers between Metra, CTA, and Pace by 2015 – improving the options for those traveling a long distance to work.
He recently served as part of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s senior staff, helping advise on many issues and connecting members of the community to services the county provides.
Christian Mitchell has challenged his Democratic opponent to a series of debates, according to David Miranda. Mr. Mitchell noted the necessity of creating a conversation between the candidates.
"I'm interested in continuing to hear from the people what they want done in Springfield," said Mitchell. "I've been talking to voters for the district and the state. Today I'm reaching out to my opponent to say, 'Let's hear what the people want. Let's talk about our experience, let's talk about the issues, let's answer their questions, let's put everything on the table.' My campaign is about listening to the voters and focusing on them.
"This campaign isn't about self-promotion," said Mitchell. "It is about who has the most experience creating change in the district, and who has the best ideas to move the state forward."
As of press time, David Miranda told The Examiner that Mitchell's opponent has not responded to the request for a series of debates.
Christian has been endorsed by Governor Pat Quinn, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Secretary of State Jesse White and many other elected officials. He has also been endorsed by community organizations, business groups and labor organizations. For a complete list of endorsements, visit his website. Also, to donate to Christian Mitchell's campaign, click on his Act Blue page.
Christian Mitchell is a resident of the Bronzeville community.
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John is the author of an award-winning book, the 2010 Winner of the USA National Best Book award for African-American studies, published by The Elevator Group Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, Two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers did it. Also available an eBook on Amazon.
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