Ted Dabrowski, a gubernatorial candidate for Illinois, addressed the 22nd Annual Pastors Christmas Appreciation Dinner in Elk Grove Village, where he criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker’s policies. Dabrowski claimed that Illinois has lost its way under the current administration and pledged to focus on political reforms while encouraging pastors to concentrate on their ministries.
“Illinois has lost its way thanks to Gov. Pritzker and the Democrats’ extreme policies,” said Dabrowski. “Not just economically, but morally as well. They’re forcing DEI and Trans issues into schools. As our pastors continue their important work of healing Illinois spiritually, I will work to fix Illinois politically.”
At the event, Dabrowski linked Illinois’ spiritual condition to what he described as a political and moral crisis. He expressed gratitude to pastors for their work with families and criticized Governor Pritzker and Democratic leaders for promoting extreme social policies and an anti-family agenda. According to Dabrowski, pro-abortion groups now view Illinois as a Midwestern refuge for abortion access, turning the state into an abortion hub. He framed his campaign as a partnership with church leaders: pastors would focus on healing hearts while he aimed to change laws in Springfield.
Reproductive-rights advocates describe Illinois as a “haven of abortion access” and a national leader in expansive abortion policy. Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the state has enacted broad protections for abortion providers, created interstate “shield” laws, and required full Medicaid coverage of reproductive services, including abortion. Recent legislation mandates public colleges and universities offer access to medication abortion and contraception through campus health services. Supporters argue these measures safeguard care for both Illinois residents and out-of-state patients. However, conservatives like Dabrowski warn these policies contribute to making Illinois the Midwest’s abortion center and deepen the state’s moral divide.
Illinois education officials have integrated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) priorities throughout state policy across early childhood programs, public schools, and higher education. The Illinois State Board of Education has informed lawmakers it is not directing districts to halt DEI lessons or initiatives despite federal scrutiny. Separate racial equity frameworks and DEI toolkits guide state-funded early childhood programs and campuses in crafting curricula and staffing plans. Advocates believe these policies support marginalized students and foster belonging; critics argue they introduce ideology into classrooms at the expense of merit-based standards—concerns that resonate with Dabrowski’s warnings about DEI and gender issues being promoted in schools.
Dabrowski is a conservative policy analyst who previously led Wirepoints, an Illinois-based research organization known for its analyses of taxes, pensions, and state finances. Before heading Wirepoints, he served as vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute and spent many years in international banking—a background he says demonstrated how jobs and investment follow low taxes, safe communities, and accountable government. Now running for governor, Dabrowski argues that Illinois can recover by reducing tax burdens, restoring meritocracy, supporting families, churches, and small businesses.
