The announcement last week, reported exclusively by Austin Weekly News, that state Rep. La Shawn Ford would relinquish his seat in the Illinois House has brought the first contenders for the seat in next year’s Democratic primary.
Thomas Gary, an Oak Parker who has served on the Triton College board and in the U.S. Navy Reserve for 27 years, announced late last week that he will run for Ford’s seat.
Pastor John J. Harrell, a pastor with both Austin and Proviso Township roots, has also filed to run. Harrell is an Austin resident and pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Austin. He also leads Proviso Baptist Church in Maywood and is on the board of Loretto Hospital and Hire 360 Workforce Development. He filed his candidacy with the state on July 10.
Gary currently serves as director of the State Treasurer’s local government investment pool, Illinois Funds. During his tenure, Illinois Funds has grown from under $7 billion to over $22 billion in assets under management.
“Public service is the price we pay to make the lives of our neighbors and our communities stronger and safer than how we found them,” Gary said. “I have devoted my life to serving my neighbors and communities. And I have used my deep well of knowledge in government finance to help communities in Austin, the western suburbs, and around Illinois.
“Public service isn’t just about numbers – it’s about communities,” Gary said. “I’ve spent my career making sure taxpayer dollars go further and serve the public better. I’m running to bring that same level of integrity and impact to the General Assembly.”
Gary has volunteered in Austin serving as Economic Development Task Force co-chair in developing Austin Coming Together’s Quality of Life plan. He also serves on the board for Beyond Hunger, the anti-hunger nonprofit serving swaths of the 7th District.
Gary raised his two children, Alex and Maya-Gabrielle, in Oak Park. He lives with his wife, former Deputy Governor Cristal Thomas, in Oak Park.
