While Secretary of State Jesse White goes about his business, a small army of ambitious Democrats are trying to figure out how to replace him.
Just as was the case with longtime Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan before him, Whiteâs lengthy tenure has tried the patience of would-be successors. But with Whiteâs pledge to retire after completing his sixth term in 2022, the field of candidates has been steadily growing, even though the partyâs primary election is more than 15 months away.
The latest candidate to officially express her interest is Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, a 35-year-old native of Alton who graduated from the University of Illinois intent on a career in politics.