The Chicago native serves as the deputy director of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, which was launched by former President Barack Obama in 2015 to address opportunity gaps facing young Black men, them reported. Simmons' resume includes his work as a policy and urban planning consultant of his firm, Blue Sky Strategies. He’s also served as policy director under former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and worked as a legislative staffer on Capitol Hill under Sen. Dick Durbin.
“I promise to work hard, I promise to be really progressive, and I’m just looking forward to doing the work for our community,” the politician told The Daily Line.
The board member of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Equality Illinois, is receiving praise from his colleagues after his latest achievement.
“We are extremely thrilled with state Sen. Mike Simmons’ historic appointment to the Illinois Senate,” said Myles Brady Davis, director of communications for Equality Illinois. “He will be a powerful voice for change and his impact will extend well beyond Illinois. His victory will inspire more Black people and LGBTQ people to run for office in their communities.”
Rep. Greg Harris, the Illinois House majority leader and the first openly gay person to hold the position, said he feels fortunate to have known Simmons as a friend for many years.
“I’m incredibly excited about the knowledge and enthusiasm he is bringing with him. Plus, his story and lived experience is going to inform and guide us all on so many matters we're confronting in the General Assembly,” Harris said. “I’m happy for Mike and for my neighborhood.”
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, which supports prospective LGBTQ+ political candidates, applauded the senator in a tweet, congratulating him for “blazing the trail for LGBTQ leadership in the Illinois Senate.”
