Jonathan T. Swain Raises $357,000 in First Quarter for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District Campaign (Chicago, IL) — Today, Jonathan T. Swain reported raising $357,000 in the first quarter of 2022, with $319,000 cash on hand, from a broad coalition of donors inspired to support the first-time candidate in his bid to represent Illinois’ 1st Congressional District. An experienced public, private, and non-profit sector leader, Swain has spent decades fighting to address the challenges facing underserved communities. This experience coupled with his range of experience uniquely position him to serve the people of the 1st District in Congress.
Jonathan T. Swain
“I am incredibly thankful to my supporters and grateful for the confidence they’ve put in me and my campaign to represent Illinois’ 1st District in Congress,” said Jonathan T. Swain. “Throughout my life and career, I’ve fought to strengthen our communities and expand opportunity for everyone, and I hope to continue that work in Congress. I’m excited about the momentum that we’re building for this campaign and to have the resources needed to share my vision for how we can make the 1st District the best place it can be for everyone who calls it home.”
In his most recent role as President and CEO of LINK Unlimited Scholars – a nonprofit with a 50+ year history of getting high potential Black youth in Chicago to, through, and beyond college – Swain worked to further Black success through education. He is also the owner of the Hyde Park community staple and retail business, Kimbark Beverage Shoppe, which has been in his family for two generations, and once served as President of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Black Leader and Executive in 2021 and is responsible for founding multiple events and festivals to serve South Side communities, including the Hyde Park Summer Fest, one of the community’s largest festivals.
Born and raised on Chicago’s south side, Swain has been inspired to share his knowledge and time with the next generation to help empower them to become our city’s leaders and ready to assume that role and all of its responsibilities. This inspired him to co-found the Black Bench Chicago, which prepares Chicago’s next generation of leaders to enter politics and government. In his previous role as a Commissioner of Chicago’s Board of Elections, Swain led outreach to Black communities throughout the city to reach new and younger voters, inform them about early voting, and support them to use their voices. He has committed years of service to the city of Chicago in various roles, including serving as Chair of the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals, Deputy Commissioner in the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, the Auburn Gresham community and the administration of Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Jonathan T. Swain Raises $357,000 in First Quarter for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District Campaign