We proudly endorse Toni Preckwinkle for re-election as President of the Cook County Board.
Under President Preckwinkle’s leadership, Cook County government has remained focused on what matters most: expanding access to healthcare, strengthening public safety, and supporting working families and small businesses. Her administration has demonstrated that county government can be compassionate, fiscally responsible, and results-driven. Toni is not always welcomed as “Ms. Friendly,” but she is always welcomed as “efficient and effective.” The commercials by her opponent are downright offensive and border on racist. Her opponent slams her for past endorsements, including those of the Mayor and Kim Foxx. However, she is not to blame for their terms. They were elected to office. Reilly has ideas for improving the County, but to date, he has no track record to examine. His big promise is NOT to raise taxes. As he campaigns, I have not seen him or heard him in ONE Black community. I would like to know what each of them thinks about the abolishment of DEI. I would like to know the specifics of the criminal justice system under the County Board. The County Assessor is Fritz Kaegi. He is responsible for property tax assessments.
Toni has been President of the County Board for 15 years and deserves another elected term. In this age of turmoil, she finds a balanced budget. She has earned the public trust. Balanced budgets should be applauded, probably more based on experience rather than on a candidate’s age.
Through Cook County Health and CountyCare, the County provides care to anyone who walks through its doors, regardless of citizenship status—serving nearly 400,000 residents each year. President Preckwinkle has expanded access by opening new health centers and dental clinics and has forgiven nearly $800 million in medical debt for more than 600,000 residents, easing crushing financial burdens while improving health outcomes across our communities.
Public safety under her leadership has meant investing in people and prevention. Cook County has committed nearly $200 million to violence prevention, behavioral health care, and wraparound services for survivors of gun violence. These smart, community-centered investments are working: violent crime, including gun homicides, has declined by more than 55 percent over the past four years.
President Preckwinkle has also been a strong champion for families and small businesses. Since 2020, Cook County has awarded $67 million in grants to small businesses with 20 or fewer employees, helping entrepreneurs recover, grow, and remain competitive. Her administration permanently sustained the nation’s largest guaranteed income program with a $7.5 million investment, giving families stability and dignity as they meet basic needs.
At a time when federal policies threaten healthcare access, public safety funding, and economic opportunity—particularly through proposed Medicaid cuts and reduced violence prevention resources—Cook County needs experienced, steady leadership. President Preckwinkle understands the stakes and has proven she will fight to protect the services our communities rely on. Experience matters.
Toni Preckwinkle leads with integrity, experience, and a deep belief in the role of county government as a frontline provider of essential services. Her record is clear, her vision is strong, and her leadership is needed now more than ever. Experience matters.
For the health, safety, and economic well-being of Cook County residents, we strongly endorse Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President.
