(The Center Square) – While Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains unchallenged in the 2026 Democratic Party primary, Republican candidates for governor are lining up support.
Former state Reps. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton, and Tom Morrison, R-Palatine, announced their endorsements of former Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski on Monday.
Ives supported former state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, in 2022 but said there is a better option in 2026.
“No one knows the issues better than Ted, and subsequently, nobody is better positioned to attract independent suburban voters on the merits of who can do better for Illinois families,” Ives said.
Morrison said Dabrowski is the candidate who can win.
“For the past 15 years I’ve known Ted, and whether I was in office or out, I’ve been so grateful for his insights and understanding and how to get Illinois on the new and better path that we’re capable of and that we deserve if we get the right leadership,” Morrison said.
Ives, Morrison and former DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan endorsed Dabrowski at a press conference in Wheaton.
Dabrowski also announced several six-figure donors to his campaign.
Uline CEO Richard Uihlein and Madison Dearborn co-founder James Perry donated $250,000 each to Ted for Illinois. Investor Noel Moore gave $125,000 and five others gave $100,000 each.
The Republican nominee will likely face a significant financial disadvantage against incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Ives said she believes Dabrowski can win his first attempt at public office, even though Pritzker is a billionaire with the political infrastructure and backing of the Democratic Party of Illinois, which was built by former Illinois House Speaker and DPI Chairman Michael Madigan.
“Madigan’s headed to prison. We know it’s a David vs. Goliath fight, but we’re already meeting with people around the state that have had it with Governor Pritzker,” Ives said, pointing out that “David won!”
In 2018, Ives challenged incumbent Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner in the Republican primary and lost.
Bailey launched his second gubernatorial run last week after falling to Pritzker in the 2022 general election.
Concerned Parents of Illinois founder Kristina McCloy said she is supporting Bailey and his running mate, Cook County Republican chairman Aaron Del Mar.
“If you are tired of watching Illinois sink under radical ideologies and leadership, then this is your team. Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar are the fighters that Illinois family needs,” McCloy said.
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and Lake Forest businessman Joe Severino are also seeking the GOP nomination. Mendrick is endorsed by sheriffs in Iroquois, Jefferson and Macon counties as well as by Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino. Mendrick’s running mate is U.S. Army veteran Robert Renteria.
