Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Sunday threw his support behind his former campaign staffer Margaret Croke over Yoni Pizer and three other candidates in a North Side statehouse primary race that’s forcing some powerful Illinois Democrats to pick sides.

It’s a somewhat rare show of support from Pritzker, who has shied away from making endorsements for state representatives or senators.

But for the 12th Illinois House District seat that includes the freshman governor’s Gold Coast home, Pritzker chimed in for Croke as the shuffling of city legislative seats continues following former Illinois Senate President John Cullerton’s surprise retirement earlier this year.

“Margaret has been a leader and activist fighting to protect women’s health and reproductive rights,” Prtizker said in a statement. “She is a thoughtful and engaged advocate for early childhood education, college affordability and more economic opportunities — the kind of leader you and your family can depend on. I’ve known Margaret for years, and I’m grateful for the key role she played in my campaign for governor. Margaret is my choice and the best candidate to represent the people of our great 12th district.”

Croke served as the director of women’s outreach in Pritzker’s gubernatorial campaign. She’s squaring off against Pizer, who was appointed to the 12th House District seat last week to replace former state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, who now holds the 6th Senate District seat vacated by Cullerton.

Sun-Times file photos

Pritzker’s endorsement puts him at odds Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who is supporting Pizer in the race. Pizer previously worked for U.S. Rep Mike Quigley, D-Ill., and was an early supporter of Lightfoot when she was considered a long shot candidate for City Hall’s fifth floor.

But they’re not the only powerful Democrats taking different sides in the race. Croke’s backers include City Clerk Anna Valencia; state Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill; U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill.; and several major organized labor groups. Pizer’s backers include Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris, D-Chicago; state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago; and Ald. Tom Tunney (44th).

Also on the March 17 primary ballot for the 12th District statehouse seat are Democrats Jimmy Garfield, Marty Malone and Ryan Podges.