AURORA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin has shifted his Republican campaign for Governor into a higher gear with his first formal media interviews and a glimpse at his strategy.
Richard Irvin, Aurora’s first African-American mayor, has faced digs from primary opponents who insist he’s not a real Republican. But, Irvin, whose great grandfather was a slave, told WBBM Newsradio he comes from a line of lifelong Republicans.
"I believe in giving a head up, not a hand out. A head up is more permanent, it teaches people how to fish. I'm a Republican," Irvin said. "Let me tell you who also things I am a Republican, Barack Obama, when he came to campaign against me when I ran for mayor in 2005."
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Real Republicans are giving him money. He’s raised more than $1 million, quickly, and that’s more than any of his four major primary opponents.
When asked about Donald Trump, he steered the conversation elsewhere.
Irvin said he’s done well as mayor of Illinois’ second largest city and is tough on crime. While he doesn’t directly blame Democratic Governor JB Pritzker for high crime across the state, he told WBBM Newsradio the incumbent doesn’t really care about crime or police officers.
"If I was governor, I will make sure I have the police's back. They will know I have their back, just like the police in Aurora know that I have their back," Irvin said.
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While Irvin rejects those who said he’s not a real Republican, he is known for working with all sides. So, how will he appeal to people who voted for Donald Trump? He deflected that question.
"That's exactly what JB Pritzker wants us to be talking about - anything other than his record in the state. You've got to look at my record. My record as the Mayor of the City of Aurora is one of success," Irvin said.
Listen to the full interview below: