Ahead of Second Forum, Ald. Knudsen Announces Wave of New Endorsements and Quarterly Campaign Finance Results

With $218K Raised from Nearly 300 Contributors in 2022, Ald. Knudsen Enters Final Months with $165K Cash on Hand

Chicago — Alderman Timmy Knudsen is announcing a wave of new endorsements ahead of this evening’s candidate forum hosted by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Greg Hinz from Crain’s Chicago Business. Tonight he will speak to his vision and record of putting public safety and fiscal responsibility first as alderman.

Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, Alderman Tom Tunney, Alderman Walter Burnett, 43rd Ward Democratic Committeeman Lucy Moog, 47th Ward Democratic Committeeman Paul Rosenfeld, former 43rd Alderman Charles Bernardini have joined the half dozen current or former local elected officials in supporting Ald. Knudsen.

The Illinois Restaurant Association, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago have also endorsed Ald. Knudsen in the race, joining Victory Fund, the Chicago Federation of Labor, AFSCME Council 31, and  IUOE Local 150 in putting organizational strength behind the campaign. 

“The outpouring of support from leaders in our community and organizations that fight for a better Chicago is humbling and energizing as we enter the home stretch of the campaign,” said Alderman Timmy Knudsen. “I look forward to sharing my vision and early results in making our communities safer and our city finances stronger at tonight’s forum and in the six weeks ahead of Election Day.” 

“As someone who is dedicated to making government work better for the people of Chicago, I am proud to support another next generation leader in Timmy Knudsen for Alderman of the 43rd Ward,” said Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia. “Timmy and I have known each other for years, working hand in hand to advance progressive causes like H.B. 40 to protect reproductive rights and support candidates like Governor JB Pritzker and the Democratic ticket. We are both public school kids (Go Illini!) who care deeply about improving city services and governing responsibly. He has earned the trust of many leaders, and I am standing by his side because I know he’s the best candidate to fight for 43rd Ward families.”

“43rd Ward Democrats are proud to endorse Timmy Knudsen for 43rd Ward Alderperson.  We chose Timmy for his leadership and vision, his smarts and his ability to have open dialogues with neighbors about issues related to public safety, the needs of our local schools and the hope for our neighborhood,” wrote 43rd Ward Democratic Committeeman Lucy Moog in her endorsement message on Friday. “He has worked in our community for years, most recently chairing our organization's Judicial Review Committee to ensure we have qualified judges on the bench. We are very excited to work with him to build a more vibrant ward where all neighbors are included in big decisions and big plans.” 

“Timmy served as Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals with integrity, independence, and humility. He brings those same traits to the City Council and to the 43rd Ward,” said former 43rd Ward Alderman Charles Bernardini, who served from 1993 to 1999.

“Timmy Knudsen is a hard worker and we are already seeing the results in the 43rd Ward as Alderman,” said Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer. “The most important thing an elected official can do is listen — listen to constituents, to businesses, and to people who are deeply invested in our City and their neighborhood. And after he listens, Timmy fights for our values. Whether reproductive rights, the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities, migrants or others who need an ally, Timmy’s actions show that he leads with heart and will always fight for the values we share. Ald. Knudsen is the right person to represent the 43rd Ward, and I’m happy to endorse him in this race.”

“I first got to know Ald. Knudsen when he served as Chairman of the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals. His leadership on ZBA was fair, stern and refreshing. Now as a colleague in City Hall, he is bringing these strengths to council floor and fiercely advocating for the 43rd Ward,” said 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. “Ald. Knudsen has been a reliable partner as we work to improve public safety and move our city finances in the right direction. I’m proud to endorse him and will fight to keep him in Council working for the 43rd Ward.”

The complete list of Ald. Knudsen’s endorsements is available here: https://www.knudsenfor43.com/endorsements

In a campaign finance report filed today, Ald. Knudsen will show that his campaign committee has raised more than $218K in 2022 from nearly 300 contributors, more than any other candidate (aside from the self-funder). He enters the final two months ahead of the February 28 election with $165K cash on hand.

Tonight’s candidate forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. at DePaul University’s Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield. Hosted by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, it will give business owners and residents a perspective on how the candidates in the 43rd Ward election will handle issues including public safety, business attraction, future neighborhood development and more.

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