Newman receives endorsement from former gubernatorial candidate

Democratic candidate for the 3rd Congressional District in Illinois Marie Newman received an endorsement from a former Illinois gubernatorial candidate.

Northwest side Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar announced his endorsement of Newman in a campaign email Friday. Newman is running against incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Western Springs, for the Democratic nomination to represent the 3rd District, which includes all or parts of Crest Hill, Homer Glen, Lemont, Lockport and Romeoville.

“I believe that now is the time to support grass-roots campaigns and reject the politics of big money, special interests and entrenched incumbents,” Pawar said in the email. “Now is the time to elect new voices. Now, more than ever, is the time to elect more women to Congress.”

Pawar dropped out of the Democratic primary for governor in October but has since remained active in supporting other progressive candidates and causes.

This is the latest in a string of endorsements Newman’s campaign has received, including those from U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, feminist activist Gloria Steinem, the progressive policy group MoveOn and the Human Rights Campaign.

Lipinski has represented the 3rd District since 2005, having taken over the seat from his father, Bill, and has run unopposed in the 2014 and 2016 primaries.

“Marie’s candidacy presents us with a choice: elect a progressive who believes we rise and fall together or continue with more of the same entrenched and divisive politics,” Pawar said.

The primary election to decide the Democratic nominee is March 20.