Jonathan Carroll (D-57th)
When State Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-57th) was asked if he intended to run for reelection after Northfield Township Democratic Committeeperson Tracy Katz Muhl announced she was seeking Carroll’s seat in late May, he told the Journal, “That’s the plan.” Monday, however, Carroll announced he would not seek reelection.
“I had conversations with my family. After talking to my children, we decided there are other opportunities to seek,” Carroll told the Journal & Topics. Carroll said he would finish out his term, which ends in January 2025.
Carroll faced allegations that he spent campaign funds for personal use and pressured a former staffer to get an abortion late last year. That investigation recently concluded with a finding that the allegations could not be substantiated. Carroll said he was cleared by the legislative inspector general and said he fully cooperated with the investigation.
Carroll said neither the allegations made against him, nor “whoever runs against me,” were factors in his decision not to run for reelection next year.
Before becoming a state legislator, Carroll worked in education. He said he could see returning to that field, but right now his focus is to “finish my term strong.”
Katz Mul’s message to Carroll: “I want to thank him for his service and best wishes to him and his children.”
Although Katz Muhl is currently the only candidate running for the Democratic Party nomination for the 57th District State House seat, the Democratic Primary election takes place on March 19, 2024, meaning candidates do not need to start circulating nominating petitions until the fall. Katz Muhl acknowledged that schedule, saying she takes nothing in the race for granted.
Political leaders endorsing Northfield Township Democratic Committeeperson Tracy Katz Muhl’s (center) candidacy for 57th State Rep. speaking at her campaign kickoff Saturday (from left) Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton (D-14th), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th), State Sen. Laura Fine (D-9th) and U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-10th). (Photo submitted)
Katz Muhl said she has raised more than $200,000 since announcing her candidacy on May 30. The list of public officials endorsing her clocks in at 49, including prominent officials: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider (D-10th) and Jan Schakowsky (D-9th), multiple Cook and Lake county officials, state legislators, Glenview, Northbrook, Des Plaines, Highland Park, Evanston, and other municipal officials, Northfield, New Trier, Evanston, and other township officials, along with others.
As she has in her role as Northfield Township committeeperson, Katz Muhl said she will be making the rounds on Tuesday, July 4, starting with marching in the Glencoe holiday parade, then attending a rally in Highland Park to commemorate the mass shooting at last year’s Highland Park July 4 parade, then onto a Northbrook parade and Northbrook fireworks.
Katz Muhl recently attended Glenview Summer Fest with other Democrats representing Glenview and Northfield Township.
Northfield Democratic Committeeperson and 57th State Rep. candidate Tracy Katz Muhl (left) with Northfield Democratic Committeeman Emeritus Michael Kreloff at last month’s Glenview Summer Fest. (Tom Robb/Journal photo)
The 57th District includes parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Glencoe, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Wheeling, Wilmette, and Winnetka.
The post Carroll Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection first appeared on Journal & Topics Media Group.
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July 3, 2023 at 05:55PM
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