Patrick Keenan-Devlin announced his candidacy for state representative of the 18th District. "I am committed to charting a different course for Illinois, a new way that is effective, ethical, and equitable for the 18th District and all our citizens," Keenan-Devlin said. " I'll champion real solutions, I'm not afraid to challenge what's broken in Springfield, and I have the hands-on experience it takes to get things done."
After his graduation from Northwestern University, Mr. Keenan-Devlin served as Health Policy Advocate at the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law in Chicago. He then became Legislative Director at Citizen Action/Illinois, the state's largest public interest organization. In his work at Citizen Action, Mr. Keenan-Devlin has worked, in Springfield and in Cook County, to improve access to health care, achieve meaningful campaign finance reform, and regulate the predatory lending industry.
Mr. Keenan-Devlin, who served as student body president while at Northwestern, holds positions in several 18th District organizations and has ties to the North Shore. He serves on the Board of the United Way of Evanston. He is a member of the Sheil Catholic Center, and sits on its board of advisors. He has supported the progressive movement in this area, serving on the Board of the Democratic Party of Evanston and the New Trier Democratic Organization. He has volunteered on behalf of local Democratic candidates, including Dan Seals, Jan Schakowsky, Larry Suffredin, Julie Hamos, Daniel Biss, and Bonnie Wilson.
Mr. Keenan-Devlin says he believes his combination of "hands-on experience, passionate commitment to progressive values, and strong ties to the community has already earned him broad support."
In the days to come, Mr. Keenan-Devlin says he will travel precinct-by-precinct through the 18th District to ask residents to help him chart a new way for Illinois. For more information about his campaign visit www.PatrickforIllinois.com.
Evanston attorney and activist Jeff Smith and attorney Eamon Kelly have also announced their candidacy. In addition, retired Sixth Ward alderman Edmund Moran Jr. has said he is considering a bid for the seat.
Julie Hamos, the current State Representative from the 18th District, has said she plans to run for a "statewide office" but has not made a firm announcement that she will not seek re-election to her present position.
