Sen. Sam McCann Declares Conservative Party Run For Governor

SPRINGFIELD, IL — State Sen. Sam McCann announced Thursday his intention to run for governor as a Conservative Party candidate. He aims to contend against Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic nominee J.B. Pritzker on the November ballot. The pro-union downstate lawmaker was first elected in 2010 and decided not to seek re-election as a Republican in 2018. His declaration drew immediate praise from Democrats and denunciation from Republicans.

McCann said the GOP had become unrecognizable to him under the present governor.

“Rauner has smeared the reputations of proven conservatives and abandoned the principles that millions of Illinois working families hold dear: economic liberty, traditional values, and law and order,” McCann said in his campaign announcement, first reported by Capitol Fax.

The 50th District state senator has clashed with Rauner in the past. Last month, McCann alleged that the governor told him he would "destroy you and your family" if he voted to override a veto.

As his running mate, McCann selected veterans' rights activist Aaron Merreighn. The two have worked together before on veterans issues, including the outbreak of Legionnaires' at Quincy Veterans Home.

“Sadly, it has become symbolic of the failed leadership in Springfield that governs by crisis instead of by common sense," said Merreighn, a combat veteran who has served three tours in Iraq. “In the Marine Corps, the values you learn lead you to service and helping others. That is why I became an advocate for my buddies, and why I want to serve my fellow Illinoisans as Lt. Governor."

McCann has received more than $100,000 in the past month from unions who endorsed JB Pritzker. The Construction & General Laborers District Council transferred $55,400 to his Senate campaign committee the day before the March 20 primary. On Monday, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 contributed $50,000 to his campaign, according to the state board of elections.

According to the governor's re-election campaign, McCann's gubernatorial bid is nothing but a sham intended for his own enrichment.

“Public service should not be for personal gain and Sam McCann’s new ‘campaign’ is just a thinly veiled attempt to profit off of politics," said a Rauner spokesperson.

Pritzker responded positively to McCann's entry and used it as an opportunity to criticize Rauner.

“I welcome another voice to the race for governor at this critical time for our state,” said JB Pritzker.

State Republicans called McCann a "crook," saying he lied about serving in the Marines, avoided paying taxes on his business and has been foreclosed upon and sued over his credit card debt.

“Now, McCann is jumping into the governor’s race to play the part of spoiler, hoping to cash in along the way and maybe land a lucrative appointment from Pritzker or Madigan after the election," said Illinois GOP spokesman Aaron DeGroot. "Sam McCann is the worst kind of politician – one who uses politics for profit.”

“Illinois deserves a clear choice in November. I am the only conservative in the race, and the only candidate who has stood up to both Rauner and Madigan," McCann said. "Our campaign offers a real chance for Illinois to break free from the politics as usual crowd. Our campaign offers the only choice voters have to take back Illinois.”

The McCann campaign must submit 25,000 valid signatures by June 25 to make it onto the ballot.

Announcement video from the McCann for Illinois campaign: