Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley (D) announced Wednesday that he has been endorsed by fellow Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool (D).

“Mike is just the kind of ally President Obama needs in Congress to change America,” Claypool said in a statement.

Quigley is one of almost two dozen candidates running for the vacant seat in Illinois’ 5th district. Former Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D) resigned earlier this month to become President Barack Obama’s White House chief of staff.

Local political insiders consider the Democratic frontrunners to be Quigley, state Reps. John Fritchey and Sara Feigenholtz and 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O’Connor.

The primary for the special election is March 3 and the general election is April 7. The winner of the Democratic primary is all but guaranteed to be Emanuel’s eventual successor.