Sylvia Mackey says, "Liz is a person whom I call The Phenomenal Woman. She not only works in various political leadership positions, she is an ardent advocate for retired NFL players and their families. She is an ambassador for the Gridiron Greats and After the Impact Fund, while also being a high-profile executive in Illinois government and politics."

So far, Liz Nicholson, a Democratic fundraiser, has filed paperwork to run in Steele’s district. Fellow commissioner Larry Rogers, who defeated a Kaegi-backed challenger last year, said he might run to unseat Kaegi next year, or help fund a candidate to challenge him.