WESTCHESTER, Ill., April 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois House Speaker Emanuel
"Chris" Welch was unanimously recommended to serve as the new
Proviso Township Committeeman in a meeting held Friday evening of
the Executive Committee, replacing the late
Karen Yarbrough.
With the support of every local mayor, labor leaders from
throughout the state, and active Democrats throughout the township,
the Proviso Township Democratic Organization (PTDO) recommended to
the Cook County Democratic Party that Speaker Welch be named
Proviso Township Committeeman. Their recommendation is expected to
be ratified by the full Cook County Democratic Party on Monday.
"Karen Yarbrough was a
trailblazer for our region who worked hard each and every day to
grow our party and ensured that local residents knew that our party
stood up for working people," said Welch. "It is an honor to follow
in her footsteps and to have received such unanimous support from
my friends and neighbors."
Welch was born and raised in Proviso Township where his deep
roots have motivated his work in the community for over 20 years.
Before being elected State Representative, Welch served on the
Proviso Township High School Board after graduating from Proviso
West, where he played baseball. He and his wife are raising their
two children in the community.
PTDO President Clarence Thomas,
who stepped in initially to fill the role of Committeeman,
understood that Welch could carry on the legacy of Karen Yarbrough, while also bringing new ideas
to the party and engaging new members.
"We were saddened by the loss of our dear friend Karen," said
Thomas. We were so close, and Karen left huge shoes to fill. The
entire organization believes that Speaker Welch is best able to
serve as Committeeman and continue making Proviso Township a
strong, united organization."
Cook County Board Chair
Toni Preckwinkle congratulated the
Speaker and PTDO on what could be a game-changing appointment.
"Speaker Welch and I have a longstanding working relationship,"
said Preckwinkle. "He has always been a trusted friend and staunch
advocate. We both fight passionately and fervently for our party
and our people. I am proud to have him join Cook County Democrats. I look forward to
working with the Speaker and the party in supporting Proviso,
electing more Democrats, and supporting a successful campaign for
Biden Harris 2024."
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SOURCE Democrats for the Illinois House