Human Rights Campaign endorses Pritzker for Illinois gov.

CHICAGO — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced on Tuesday that the organization was endorsing Democrat J.B. Pritzker for Illinois governor.

“J.B. Pritzker has the vision and experience needed to build a stronger future for the hard-working families of Illinois,” said HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof in a press release. “From fighting for access to affordable healthcare to standing up to the Trump-Pence White House and their hateful agenda, Pritzker is committed to moving Illinois forward and advancing fairness and equality for all. HRC is proud to endorse J.B. Pritzker for governor.”

HRC said in the press release it had identified more than 2.5 million “Equality Voters,” meaning they are strong supporters of progressive LGBTQ policies, in Illinois. Last year, HRC announced a coast-to-coast campaign to mobilize these voters for the midterm elections called HRC Rising, which represents the largest grassroots expansion in the organization’s 38-year history.

Equality Illinois PAC gave its endorsement to Pritzker and and his running mate Juliana Stratton as well as attorney general candidate Kwame Raoul last month.