It's not a huge surprise, as Preckwinkle re-nominated Berrios for the party chairmanship in March, and will rely on the party's help in her bid for office in the fall.
And as she explained to Chicago Magazine, “I am a Democrat. I work for Democrats. I believe in the Democratic Party.”
But her backing of Berrios over Commissioner Forrest Claypool, who is trying to get on the ballot as an independent, has some questioning just how independent Preckwinkle is, or will be.
“She re-nominated Berrios to be chairman of the county party. She is close to Madigan and close to Berrios…. She is part of the Chicago machine," Republican nominee for president Roger Keats told Chicago Magazine.
Claypool sidestepped questions of Preckwinkle's independence during a press conference where he announced his candidacy earlier this month:
"It's normal in the process. I expect Democratic officials to line up behind Democratic nominees in most circumstances. That's how the system works," he said.
The Claypool campaign, however, says it will work with people across all parties to ensure fair taxes for county residents.
Chicago Magazine also reports that Keats signed Claypool's petition, but is backing the Republican nominee, Sharon Strobeck-Eckersall.