Environmental Leader, Grassroots Organizer Patrick Hanley Launches State Senate Bid with Endorsement of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (Winnetka, IL) – (May 8, 2025) – Environmental leader and grassroots organizer Patrick Hanley announced his candidacy for the Illinois State Senate on Thursday night before a crowd of more than 100 volunteers, friends, elected officials, and family members in his backyard in Winnetka.
Hanley is running on a platform of sustainability and economic growth, arguing that Illinois can show the nation how a state can be fair and prosperous.
“At a time when the nation is broken and led by breakers, we in Illinois should be builders,” Hanley said at his candidacy announcement. “As a dad of two small boys and as the husband of an immigrant small business owner, I’m running to make sure families like mine see a bright future in our state.”
“With the federal government in shambles, states are on the front lines of democracy and policymaking. Illinois is at a turning point, and we must now show the nation how to reject the false choice between a good economy and a growing economy, between fairness and prosperity. We have an opportunity to build a state that is green and growing,” said Hanley.
Hanley is running for a seat now held by State Senator Laura Fine, who announced her run for Congress in the 9th Congressional District Tuesday. Hanley is endorsed by retiring Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.
“Patrick is exactly the kind of bold, progressive Democratic leader – and fighter – that Illinois needs,” Schakowsky said. “I am proud to enthusiastically endorse Patrick Hanley’s candidacy in Illinois 9th State Senate district.”
Hanley and his wife Jessica are small business owners of Piglet in Bed, the eCommerce bedding and homewares brand. Hanley serves on the Executive Committee of the environmental non-profit Openlands, on the board of Reform for Illinois, and as Chair of the Winnetka Environmental & Forestry Commission.
Hanley plans to run a grassroots campaign, drawing on his background in political organizing. He is President of the New Trier Democrats and co-founder of Operation Swing State, a coalition of Chicago area Democratic organizations that helped send more than 10,000 volunteers into Michigan and Wisconsin to knock doors in the November 2024 general election.
The primary election will take place March 17th, 2026. For more information, visit hanleyforillinois.com.
Environmental Leader, Grassroots Organizer Patrick Hanley Launches State Senate Bid with Endorsement of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
