Highland Park Mayor Officially Declares AG Candidacy

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Mayor Nancy Rotering officially announced her campaign for the nomination to run as a Democrat for the jobs of Illinois Attorney General in a news release issued Thursday, citing her status as the first woman to be elected mayor of Highland Park and legal battles with the National Rifle Association. Rotering promised to be "uncompromising in her commitment" to reduce gun violence, for which she blamed the NRA, and the opioid epidemic, for which she promised to hold "Big Pharma" accountable.

"As Attorney General, I will be a powerful advocate, continuing my fight against the NRA to reduce gun violence, and taking on unscrupulous drug makers and online and offshore pharmacies to help curb the opioid epidemic gripping our state," Rotering said. "As a mother of four and a local Mayor, I know how to get things done. I have a record of holding big corporations accountable and cleaning up government – something we need now more than ever in Illinois."

In 2015, Rotering founded the Highland Park/Highwood Legal Aid Clinic, which focusing on helping women escape domestic violence and families battling deportation. Since then, the clinic has processed more than 400 cases and now has more than 100 volunteer attorneys.

Her campaign announcement also emphasized her record of keeping "balanced and sustainable government" and reforming city government as mayor. It also noted her experience working with ComEd to invest millions to upgrade infrastructure after prolonged power outages in 2011.

Rotering is an attorney who practiced with McDermott Will & Emery in Chicago before taking leave to care for a child with Type 1 diabetes. She specialized in white collar crime and regulation matters in the health care industry.

"I have built a strong team and have support from across the state. My background in business and law, coupled with my experience of taking action, will serve the people of Illinois well," Rotering said. "Illinois deserves a strong, principled advocate."

Rotering has not held a press conference, rally or released any other media announcing her campaign. She began collecting signatures for the run and officially amended her campaign committee earlier this month. Since then, her committee has reported nearly $118,000 in contributions.

Other candidates who have so far declared they are running for the Democratic nomination to replace Attorney General Lisa Madigan include Scott Drury, Sharon Fairley, Aaron Goldstein, Kwame Raoul and Jesse Ruiz. Erika Harold is the only Republican to yet announce her candidacy.

Primaries for the next year's election are set for March 20, and the general election will be held Nov. 6.

More: Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering Enters Attorney General Race

_{Top photo: Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering | Official portrait}