The Rev. Dan Rodriguez-Schlorff, a 25-year-old Filipino-American, has become the first openly gay Asian candidate to run for an Illinois statewide office, according to a press release. Rodriguez-Schlorff is the Green Party candidate for the state treasurer’s seat that is currently occupied by Judy Baar Topinka. (Topinka recently announced her bid for the governor’s office.)
Rodriguez-Schlorff’s campaign started Dec. 4. He has won endorsements from Green advocates around Illinois as well as from business owners, minority activists, and others.
In the next month or so, Rodriguez-Schlorff plans to go on a two-week tour of the state, visiting such places as Springfield, Kankakee, Moline and Carbondale. In addition, he has already met with fellow Green Party candidates, including gubernatorial hopeful Rich Whitney.
Rodriguez-Schlorff’s office is at 401 S. Michigan. See www.schlorff.com.