On August 31, we were excited to learn that gubernatorial candidate Sen. Daniel Biss selected progressive Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as his running mate. It showed his understanding that the Bernie wing of the Democratic Party must be heard in the upcoming gubernatorial primary. Today, we are disappointed and shocked to learn that Sen. Biss has chosen to drop Ald. Ramirez-Rosa from the ticket.

Ald. Ramirez-Rosa was a delegate for Senator Bernie Sanders during the 2016 presidential election and is a leading progressive voice in the Chicago City Council. We are proud of Carlos for the integrity he has shown in standing by his convictions as a strong and unwavering advocate for working families. We believe he was an excellent candidate for Lt. Governor and are saddened that his voice will be missing from Sen. Biss’ campaign.

With Carlos on the ticket, many were encouraged that important issues like Medicare for all, the fight for a $15 minimum wage, affordable childcare and free college tuition would be part of the agenda for Illinois. These issues that resonate deeply with working families and millennials were central to the Bernie Sanders campaign — and are the reason he won 79 of 102 counties, 11 of 18 congressional districts, and almost a million votes in Illinois.