Illinois Family Action (IFA), a Mokena-based Christian advocacy organization, announced it held its annual candidate interviews Jan. 6-8, evaluating Republican contenders for state and federal office and signaling its policy priorities ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
IFA, the political arm of the Illinois Family Institute, issues endorsements for races including the Illinois House and Senate, U.S. Congress and the governor’s office. The organization uses its endorsements to guide voters during primary and general elections.
“Over the past eight to ten primary cycles, Illinois Family Action has hosted candidate-interview sessions to give grassroots leaders, organizational heads, and pastors a firsthand look at those running for state and federal office in Illinois,” David Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, told Prairie State Wire.
Candidates from across Illinois attended the interviews, speaking directly to the panel and responding to questions on issues ranging from state governance to social policy.
Kristina McCloy, founder of Concerned Parents of Illinois and a vetting panel member, praised the process.
“This was a wonderful thing, that a group of grassroots and conservative leaders all got together and got to ask the candidates our questions, not get it from the biased media,” McCloy told Prairie State Wire. “Everyone was respectful, had a voice, and learned from one and another.”
Participants included several statewide figures, including gubernatorial candidates Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski and James Mendrick, and U.S. Senate candidates Don Tracy and Jeannie Evans.
The panel-style format allowed candidates to present their platforms, clarify their positions, and engage with questions from organizational leaders and pastors, providing voters with a detailed look at how they might approach leadership in Illinois.
“Our goal is simple: to equip principled conservatives with real information straight from the candidates themselves,” Smith said. “These sessions allow voters not only to learn where Republican candidates stand—especially when there is a contested primary—but also to ask direct, sometimes tough questions and hear their answers without filters.”
Through endorsements, social media advocacy and public messaging, IFA positions itself as a politically active organization promoting what it describes as biblical, pro-family principles in governance.
IFA also maintains an active social media presence, criticizing government spending, abortion policy, immigration and Democratic leadership, while warning against federal overreach and socialism and advocating for fiscal accountability, individual liberty and religious values.
IFA leaders have emphasized that political engagement is a core responsibility for Christians, arguing that faith and politics are inseparable because government decisions shape daily life and the ability to practice and share one’s beliefs.
“That kind of clarity helps leaders and activists make wise, informed decisions about whom to support, endorse, and recommend to others,” Smith said.
Less than a week ago, Smith personally provided an “enthusiastic endorsement” for Dabrowski as the GOP candidate for governor, noting, “Illinois pro-family voters should unite behind his campaign.”
“Ted Dabrowski is exactly the kind of leader Illinois needs: smart, experienced, and fearless in confronting the forces that are bankrupting our state and failing our students,” Smith said in the endorsement.
