Endorsement: Villegas for the 3rd Congressional District

Illinois Democrats set out to create a Latino district after the 2020 census, and they succeeded by drawing the new 3rd Congressional District.

The district runs east-west through Chicago and the suburbs, from Logan Square to West Chicago. It includes parts of Cook and DuPage counties.

There's no question that the district leans Democratic and that whoever wins the Democratic primary will be heavily favored to win the open seat in November.

Four Democrats from Chicago are seeking their party's nomination. The candidates are Juan Aguirre, a registered nurse; Iymen Chehade, a college professor and artist; state Rep. Delia Ramirez and Chicago Alderman Gilbert Villegas.

We are most impressed by Ramirez and Villegas because of their government experience.

Ramirez, who was elected to the Illinois House in 2018, says her top issues include codifying abortion rights and expanding access to affordable health care, including pushing for Medicare for All.

Villegas, who has been an alderman since 2015, says his top issues include funding law enforcement, ensuring police get proper training and addressing gun violence. He also said the federal government needs to take steps to lower inflation and to provide affordable health care.

Ramirez is more progressive than Villegas. But Villegas has views that more closely align with suburban voters in the district.

And while candidates often talk about the need for bipartisanship, Villegas says he would be pragmatic in his approach. It would make it easier for him to work across the aisle and get things done.

Villegas is endorsed.