The Monroe County Democratic Party has announced its endorsements of candidates running in contested races in the March 20, 2024 Democratic primary election. Only two positions on the March 20 Monroe County Democratic primary ballot will have contested races. 

In those two contested primary races, Monroe County’s Democratic precinct committee people voted overwhelmingly to endorse and support Brad Harriman for U.S. Congress and Zina Cruse for Circuit Judge.

Brad Harriman is a Democrat running for the U.S. Congressional seat being vacated by long-time Congressman Jerry F. Costello. Harriman is a lifelong resident of the 12^th Congressional District which is comprised of all of Monroe, St. Clair, Randolph, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Jackson, Williamson, Franklin, Jefferson, and Perry Counties and the western third of Madison County. 

Harriman comes is the grandson of a coal miner and the son of a union pipefitter and a secretary. Harriman was a college football player and graduated from Southern Illinois University. He later earned his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Harriman has had a 33-year career as an educator and coach which has included helping at-risk youth culminating in serving as Regional Superintendent of Schools. 

Congressman Costello himself has endorsed Brad Harriman for the Congressional seat. Costello has held the seat since 1987, but he announced that he would not run for re-election thereby concluding his long Congressional career in January of next year. 

Monroe County Democratic Party Chairman Alan Pirtle said, “Brad Harriman has the background, the outstanding record of public service, and strong work ethic to be an excellent U.S. Congressman for Monroe County. Brad will certainly have big shoes to fill succeeding Congressman Costello. However, our Monroe County Democratic precinct committee people and Congressman Costello himself know that Brad will work very hard for the people in our county and Brad will get the job done for everyone here. We can count on Brad to serve the people of Monroe County and the other counties in the district rather than serving the special interests. It’s for these reasons that we enthusiastically support Brad Harriman for Congress.”