Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and I have reached a difficult decision about our ticket. As of today, I’ll be moving forward with a new running mate.
Growing up with an Israeli mother, grandparents who survived the Holocaust, and great-grandparents who did not survive, issues related to the safety and security of the Jewish people are deeply personal to me.
I strongly support a two-state solution. I support Israel’s right to exist, and I support Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. I also care deeply about justice for Palestinians, and believe that a vision for the Middle East must include political and economic freedom for Palestinians.
That's why I oppose the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, or BDS, as I believe it moves us further away from a peaceful solution.
When I asked him in the interview process prior to his selection, Carlos said he too supported a two-state solution and opposed BDS.
Since we've announced his selection, we have been asked about his position on BDS. After much discussion, it’s become clear that Carlos’ position has changed. While I respect his right to come to his own conclusions on the issue, it simply wasn't the understanding we shared when I asked him to join the ticket.
In light of this, we have agreed that I will be moving forward with a new running mate. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right decision.
The values that I was raised with have fueled and shaped my public service. I’m running for governor to create a more fair and just community. That’s why I’m fighting for health care for all, a tax system that calls on the rich to pay their fair share, and good schools for every child in every neighborhood. Carlos and I agree about these issues and I am glad that he will continue fighting for these progressive causes in his role as alderman.
We'll have news in the coming days about how we move this campaign forward—because we will move forward. The upcoming election is too important, and the future of our state is at stake. Illinois' middle class and working families are hurting, while the rich and well-connected have a monopoly on power. We have the opportunity, this year, to move our state in the right direction and build a progressive future together. And I'll do everything I can to make sure that's exactly what we do.
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