Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
Regional leaders endorse John Harrell for 8th Illinois House District
Chicago, IL – More than a dozen elected officials and regional leaders have endorsed John Harrell for the 8th Illinois House District representing the West Side of Chicago and West suburban communities.
The co-founder of Black Men United and Pastor of both Proviso M.B.C. in Maywood and Chicago Northside New Hope M.B.C churches, Harrell has dedicated his life to uplifting families and communities in need, providing food, water, job programs, and securing county and state support for residents.
“I am proud of the broad range of support I have received, not only from leading community activists but also the elected officials representing many of the governments included in the 8th Illinois House District,” said Harrell, who recently opened a campaign office at 5449 W. Madison in Chicago.
“The trust that they have given me reinforces my dedication to do even more to help communities and people in need, especially those who live in the 8th Illinois House District. That is and always will be my mission.”
The 8th House District covers parts of north Austin and Garfield Park, as well as parts of Oak Park, Forest Park, Berwyn, Broadview, Cicero, Countryside, Hodgkins, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Westchester, and Western Springs.
Harrell is endorsed by many of the region’s leading elected government officials, including:
They include Senator Kimberly Lightford, Senator Lakesia Collins, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, Congressman Raja Krisnamoorthi, Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico, Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey, Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, and Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker.
Harrell is also endorsed by the statewide Service Employees International Union (SEIU), SEIU Local 73 unions, and Teamsters Local 777 unions.
“There is no one more qualified or who has more experience fighting for the needs of the people and communities than Pastor John Harrell,” said ally and former Illinois Senate Majority Leader Rickey Hendon.
“He will turn Springfield upside down fighting for the needs not only of his residents but in the state, working with everyone.”
Harrell is a former US Army National Guard Veteran, co-founder and President of Black Men United Foundation with 37 Chapters nationwide, Pastor and Chairman of National Baptist Convention USA Inc., and a board member at the Triton College Foundation and at Loretto Hospital.
Last August, Harrell was highly praised by both Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch at the ribbon-cutting for a new affordable housing project in Maywood for his leadership and dedication to the community.
Hendon said that in the remaining weeks before the March 17, 2026 Democratic Primary Election, more leaders will step forward to embrace Harrell’s candidacy.
“Many more endorsements are coming which will be announced soon,” Hendon said.
The 8th House District covers parts of north Austin and Garfield Park, as well as parts of Oak Park, Forest Park, Berwyn, Broadview, Cicero, Countryside, Hodgkins, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Westchester and Western Springs.
Harrell has also received the endorsement of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, the largest regional Arab American business organization in Northern Illinois.
Early voting begins on different dates in Cook County started on February 12, 2026, at super sites in downtown Chicago at 69 W. Washington Street Pedway. Early voting begins on March 2 in Chicago Wards and at most suburban Village Halls.
Mail-in ballots will also be sent to voters who’ve requested them beginning Feb. 5. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is March 12.
Voters can get assistance with election services by visiting the John Harrell Campaign Office at 5449 W. Madison, or by visiting his website at HarrellForIllinois.com.
Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].
Follow RayHanania at Twitter
- Chicago mayoral candidate Wilson challenges Giannoulias time spent away from Secretary of State duties - August 15, 2026
- Leving Team Saved Falsely Accused Dad from Jail - August 14, 2026
- Chicago Public School budget challenges analyzed in Political-Review podcast hosted by Hanania and Calabrese - August 14, 2026
