Cacciapaglia withdraws from state Senate race

By Stuart R. Wahlin
Staff Writer

Rockford City Attorney Jennifer Cacciapaglia (D) announced late March 28 she is withdrawing from the Illinois Senate race in which she’d hoped to unseat incumbent Sen. Dave Syverson (R-34).

In a press release thanking supporters and campaign volunteers, she delivered the news “with heavy heart.”

“This was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make,” Cacciapaglia stated. “People who know me know that I am not one to walk away from a fight, but this is the right decision for me and my family.”

Cacciapaglia acknowledged a number of problems plaguing the community, particularly job losses, arguing the 34th District has not been getting its fair share of support from the state.

“The people of our community deserve better, and although I will not be the candidate, I look forward to November, when I hope we will finally have leadership in place working toward no other purpose than the betterment of our wonderful community and all of our citizens,” she stated, pledging to continue that fight in Rockford.

Winnebago County Democratic Chairman Dan Lewandowski, who withdrew his candidacy for the same seat in September, will now serve as chairman of a three-person committee that will slate a Democrat in Cacciapaglia’s place for the November election. County Board member George Anne Duckett (D-12) and Democratic Central Committeeman John Nelson will round out the group.

The application deadline for interested Democrats in the 34th District is April 7.

Syverson has held the Senate seat since 1992.