Of the eight candidates, only Toro and Guzmán received votes from the 11 Democratic committeepeople in the weighted vote, according to The Daily Line.
Three Chicago City Council members — Alds. Daniel LaSpata, 1st; Felix Cardona Jr., 31st; and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th — voted for Guzmán, while the other eight selection panel members voted for Toro.
Going into Monday night’s vote, Toro reportedly had the backing of Iris Martinez, 33rd Ward committeewoman and Cook County Circuit Court clerk. Prior to the selection, sources told Crain’s that Martinez was the primary behind-the-scenes driver in the selection process and it was unlikely anyone would be appointed without her support.
Following her appointment, Toro said, “I plan to be a senator for everyone in the 20th District. I will work to gain the trust of constituents within the district.”
But, as expected, it looks like Guzmán will plot a primary challenger ahead of next year’s election — with the support of the same labor unions, campaign volunteers and get-out-the-vote efforts that helped secure the fifth floor at City Hall for Johnson.
In a statement released Tuesday, Guzmán said, “I am disappointed in the outcome of the appointment process, but remain committed to running for the 20th District Senate seat in 2024. I am dedicated to serving our district to improve the lives of our neighbors in the most progressive State Senate district in Illinois.”
