South Cook News

After Chris Butler lost the Democratic nomination for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District seat, Michael R. Wear, founder of Public Square Strategies, posted his admiration for the candidate.

“I’ve told @Christhecitizen this in private, but I’ll say it publicly now. Chris’ campaign was, is & will continue to be an inspiration to so many of us. Chris proved that you can be right in the thick of the political fray & be faithful and hold to your values. Thank you, Chris,” Wear tweeted.

Butler acknowledge his community support in his reply.

“It takes a community of friends like @MichaelRWear to keep the faith,” Butler posted.

Butler had brought his campaign to the "Mike Huckabee Show." The former Arkansas governor dubbed Butler as a "rare bird" for being an Democratic abortion opponent.

The Chicago pastor discussed on the show that there are few pro-life platforms in his community, but he was willing to push past that because the issue of life is just too important. Butler touted his experience working with a diverse array of people and said he planned to bring his skill set to Washington. 

"As a pastor who has walked with women and their families through the difficulties of unplanned and unwanted pregnancies, we must work together for both the life of the mother and the life of the infant," Butler wrote in a press release as the Supreme Court's Roe vs Wade decision had been leaked.

Butler is the lead pastor at Chicago Embassy Church Network in South Holland. He campaigned on defending the sanctity of life. He ran a campaign that was "focused on families and fighting for the hope, safety, and opportunity." 

Butler had the support of former Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Orland Park), who was among the few Democratic abortion opponents in the House.

Butler came in fifth out of 17 candidates with 5.6% of the vote.

Jonathan Jackson (D) will face off against Eric Carlson (R) in the November General Election to replace incumbent Rep. Bobby Rush (D) who in January announced he wouldn't run for re-election.

 The district includes much of Cook County, the South Side of Chicago, and continues southwest to Joliet.