MAJOR BLACK RELIGIOUS LEADERS MAKE FIRM OF THEIR ENDORSEMENT IN THE RACE FOR COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 5TH DISTRICT

Pictured are a portion of 100 Ministers Endorsing Cook County Commissioner McCaskill. Photo Courtesy of STH Media
Pictured are a portion of 100 Ministers Endorsing Cook County Commissioner McCaskill. Photo Courtesy of STH Media

MAJOR BLACK RELIGIOUS LEADERS MAKE FIRM OF THEIR ENDORSEMENT  IN THE RACE FOR COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 5TH DISTRICT

 

PASTOR WILLIAM FLESHMAN ASSEMBLES OVER 100 BLACK CLERGY TO ENDORSE COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER

 DR. KISHA McCASKILL

 

(Dolton, IL) Pastor William Fleshan of the Abundant Living Christian Center of Dolton has assembled over 100 major religious leaders from throughout Cook County to confirm their collective endorsement for Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill for a full four-year term of office in the upcoming March 17th Democratic Primary.


The group detailed their rationale for this endorsement during a recent press conference amid growing concerns of SNAP benefits, the threat of cuts in healthcare, immigration concerns, and the lack of a southern Cook County Trauma Unit.


The aforementioned Clergy view this election as not just a case of simple mathematics but a movement to ensure that the next Cook County Commissioner for the 5th District is well-qualified and a proven results-oriented candidate such as that of Dr.Kisha McCaskill


“In this critical era of divisive politics in Washington DC, my support is guided by the need for strong leadership. Dr. McCaskill has shown consistent courage in defending democracy and standing with working families. I respect the other candidate in this race, but Dr. McCaskill is the strongest advocate for this critical hour. “says Pastor William Fleshman of the Abundant Life Church of Dolton.


“I’m proud to support Dr. McCaskill to continue her incredible work as our commissioner for the 5th District of Cook County. Dr. McCaskill is a steady, principled, and proven leader. She is someone who listens deeply, fights for working families, and believes in an America where inclusion is our strength, not our weakness. In a moment when our region needs courage, competence, and moral clarity, Dr. McCaskill stands ready to serve with wisdom and integrity.” says Apostle Carl White of the Victory Christian International Ministries.


Pastor Ray Bady of the Valley Kingdom Ministries of Oak Forest adds, “In this season of political smoke-and-mirrors, my choice isn’t about identity—it’s about integrity and truth. Dr. McCaskill has stood tall when others shrank back and fought for working people with conviction. I’m supporting the candidate whose record meets the urgency of this moment—someone ready to confront extremism, defend democracy, and stand up for justice. We don’t need a placeholder; we need a truth-teller and a real fighter.


Chief Apostle William McCoy adds, “I’m supporting Commissioner McCaskill because she has a proven record of delivering results, building coalitions, and standing firm against extremism. At a time when democracy is under assault, we need a leader with experience, independence, and the courage to confront threats head-on.”


“I’m grateful, honored and blessed to have received such tremendous support from elected officials, civic leaders, and clergy persons throughout Cook County. All of which are near and dear to me given that we work so closely together on an array of issues and projects. It will be imperative that we continue our efforts in working together to achieve the collective goal in expanding housing, affordable healthcare, and other necessary groundbreaking projects to the southland.” says Commissioner McCaskill.


Commissioner McCaskill is also grateful to the super majority of Chicago Ward Committeemen, Chicago Aldermen, and Township Committeeman, Countywide Elected officials and State elected officials throughout the 5th district and beyond who have also endorsed her candidacy.


Among the many officials endorsing Commissioner McCaskill include:


Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel Chris Welch

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle

Country Club Hills Mayor James Ford

Phoenix Mayor Terry Wells

Hazel Crest Mayor Sandra Alexander

Chicago Heights Mayor David A. Gonzalez

Calumet Park Mayor Ronald Denson

Blue Island Mayor Fred Bilotto

Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant

Alsip Mayor John Ryan

Sauk Village Mayor Marva Campbell-Pruitt

Posen Mayor Frank Podbielniak

Park Forest Mayor Joseph Woods

Midlothian Mayor Gary L. Heureux

Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld

Glenwood Mayor Toleda Hart

Ford Heights Mayor Fred Wilson

Dixmoor Mayor Fitzgerald Roberts

Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson

Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers Currin

Thornton Township Committeeman Napoleon Harris

Rich Township Committeeman Calvin Jordan

9th Ward Committeeman Anthony Beale

21st Ward Committeeman Howard Brookins Jr

21st Ward Alderman Ronnie Mosley

Calumet Township Robert “Bob” Rita

Bremen Township Committeeman Vernard Alsberry

Worth Township Committeewoman Patricia Joan Murphy


The McCaskill campaign has also received endorsements from several labor unions including the Chicago Federation of Labor, Local 134 Electrical Workers Union, and AFSCME.


On January 10th, 2025, Illinois State Senator and Thornton Township Committeeman Napoleon Harris III were joined by ten other Chicago and south suburban Democratic Committeemen as they met to select a person to occupy the 5th District Cook County Commissioner’s seat left vacant by the current Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. The gathering took place at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois.


After hearing presentations from five candidates, the group decided overwhelmingly to appoint well-known democratic organizer, former schoolteacher, and Harvey Park District Executive Director Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill as the new Cook County Commissioner of the 5th District. Commissioner McCaskill is currently serving out the remaining term of the now former Commissioner Monica Gordon.


PHOTO COURTESY OF STH-MEDIA

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