Josina Morita, a commissioner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), is entering the race for Cook County commissioner of the 13th District now held by Commissioner Larry Suffredin, who announced he won’t seek re-election, according to Politico Illinois Playbook.
On her official Facebook page, Morita stated on May 20, “I’m excited to announce I’m running for Cook County Board, 13th District! I’m honored to launch this morning with early endorsements from Jan Schakowsky and Toni Preckwinkle.”
Morita would make history as the first Asian American woman to serve on the county board, if elected. In 2016, she made history when she was elected MWRD commissioner.
Alongside being part of the MWRD Commission, Morita chairs the Asian American Caucus, which formed in 2019 to advocate for resources and representation for Asian Americans in Illinois. In 2016 she was named one of 50 Young Asian American Stars in Politics by Asian Fortune Magazine, according to her official website.