ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Rep. Litesa Wallace, Democratic candidate for the IL-17 district Congressional seat has chosen a campaign manager.

Dulana Reese, former chief of staff to State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), has a bachelor’s in communications from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s in public services management from DePaul University.

“I’m excited to serve a campaign that’s surging with grassroots strength,” Reese said. “Representative Wallace is a proven champion for Democratic values, and I am honored that she has chosen me to lead her campaign in this crucial race.”

The announcement comes after Rep. Wallace traveled to Springfield to submitted more than 1,200 signatures for candidacy. Rep. Wallace is running to represent the newly drawn District 17 in northwestern Illinois, which includes most of Peoria, Rockford, Freeport, the Quad Cities, Bloomington-Normal, Macomb, and Galesburg.

“Dulana Reese is a great addition to our team of ‘Wallace Warriors,’” Rep. Wallace said. “She has served on winning campaigns across Illinois, and we’re looking forward to putting her talent and experience to work as we march toward the June 28 Democratic primary.”

Dr. Wallace, holds an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from Northern Illinois University, has served three terms in Springfield as the State Representative from Rockford’s 67th District. She gained national attention in 2018 when she ran for Lt. Governor alongside Daniel Biss in the Democratic primary for Governor.

She has been endorsed by Winnebago County Citizens for Choice, The Collective PAC, Democracy for America, and a long list of elected officials in the 17th District and across Illinois.

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