Political hot stove heating up in Illinois

Why it matters: Both parties are choosing candidates for the 2022 primary in June.

Secretary of state: Former state treasurer and Democrat Alexi Giannoulias is running to replace the retiring Jesse White.

Yes, but: Black Democrats are upset at the county slating process and believe the party should back a minority candidate.

• Other Democrats running include Anna Valencia (City Clerk) and two alderpeople, Pat Dowell (3rd) and David Moore (17th).
• White has not endorsed a candidate. He reportedly will next month.
• The county Democrats also backed incumbents Fritz Kaegi for Cook County Assessor and Tom Dart for Sheriff. Both are white men, both chosen over other minority candidates.

Governor: Republican candidate Darren Bailey chose a running mate this week, Stephanie Trussell, a Black former right-wing talk show host on WLS 890.

• She has walked back previous criticisms of Donald Trump and in 2014, tweeted a meme about President Obama that is wildly offensive (trigger warning: It's super racist).

• The rumor mill is churning again over Republican Richard Irvin, the current mayor of Aurora who was reelected in April.
• His staff denied the rumors in October, but recent polling included his name.
• If he ran and was elected, Irvin would become the first Black Governor of Illinois.

What's next: Still no word from outgoing Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger on whether he'll throw his hat into the gubernatorial ring.