GOP candidate Dabrowski enters fray to challenge Illinois Gov. Pritzker

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Former Wirepoints president and banker Ted Dabrowski has launched his campaign for Illinois governor.

The Wilmette Republican addressed supporters from the front steps of his home Friday morning.

“While I am not from the political system, I know the system. I know the players. I know how the sausage is made and why it tastes so bad,” Dabrowski said.

Dabrowski left a career in international banking to work on policy solutions for Illinois, most recently as president of Wirepoints.

Dabrowski also introduced his candidate for lieutenant governor, emergency room Dr. Carrie Mendoza.

“She became active politically when she saw that politics was corrupting medicine and worsening the quality of care for her patients,” Dabrowski explained.

Mendoza has worked in urban, suburban and rural hospitals over the course of her career.

In addition to general economic issues, Dabrowski highlighted the high cost and limited access to quality education in Illinois.

Dabrowski said Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s policies have hurt people across the state.

“Governor Pritzker has made Illinois less prosperous, less educated, less safe, and a less desirable place to live,” Dabrowski said.

Dabrowski called out what he referred to as Pritzker’s “extreme” rhetoric.

“We’ve seen that with his calls for disruption and his characterization of federal law enforcement as a terrorist organization,” Dabrowski said.

Pritzker has repeatedly used Nazi references when discussing President Donald Trump’s administration.

Dabrowski and his supporters say they can overcome the financial disadvantage they potentially face against the billionaire Pritzker.

“I’m not worried about his money. There’s not enough money in the world to pay for his years of nonexistent job growth, rising taxes, and dismal student outcomes,” Dabrowski said.

State Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, is serving as Dabrowski’s campaign chairman.

“Ted’s going to have the financial resources he needs to compete, and more important than J.B. Pritzker’s money, we have facts. We have people in Illinois who are sick and tired of the leadership that’s in place now, and Ted’s going to change that,” Plummer said.

Pritzker is seeking a third term after launching his reelection campaign in June. He is also believed to be pursuing a run for president in 2028.

Other Republicans in the race include DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and Lake Forest businessman Joe Severino.

The GOP primary is scheduled March 17, 2026. The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.