Jeanne Ives, former state representative and founder of Breakthrough Ideas, said Illinois Catholics have enough voting power to influence state policies on life, parental authority, and property rights, but many continue to support Democratic leaders such as Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
“He’s a Muslim immigrant who does not respect our traditions and other religions,” said Ives. “But, no doubt, just like in Illinois, too many Catholics don’t vote their faith at all and voted for him just like they vote for Pritzker. Catholics have the votes to flip the state to one that respects life, parental supremacy in their child’s life, and property rights. Instead they elect seriously evil people like Pritzker.”
Ives made her comments in response to a New York Post report about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision to skip the installation ceremony of Archbishop Ronald Hicks at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The event marked a break from longstanding tradition attended by previous mayors regardless of faith. Ives drew parallels between Mamdani’s actions and what she described as inconsistencies in Catholic voting patterns in Illinois, particularly continued support for Governor Pritzker. According to Ives on X, “He’s a Muslim immigrant who does not respect our traditions and other religions (…) But, no doubt, just like in Illinois, too many Catholics don’t vote their faith at all and voted for him just like they vote for Pritzker.” She continued, “Catholics have the votes to flip the state to one that respects life, parental supremacy in their child’s life, and property rights (…) Instead they elect seriously evil people like Pritzker.”
Catholics represent approximately 23% of Illinois adults, forming a significant voting bloc in the state. Pew Research Center data indicates that while white Catholics nationally and in Illinois show a modest Republican lean—with 61% aligning with the GOP among frequent church attendees—Hispanic Catholics tend to favor Democrats. This mix contributes to diverse political affiliations within the community and influences election outcomes on issues such as reproductive rights and taxation.
In Illinois, abortion is protected as a fundamental right under the Reproductive Health Act signed by Governor Pritzker in 2019. There is no parental notification required for minors since its repeal in 2022. <a href="https://www.aclu-il.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-abortion-illinois’>The ACLU of Illinois reports that this framework ensures autonomous reproductive decisions free from discrimination. Property taxes in Illinois rank among the highest nationally at an average effective rate of 2.23%, which may also impact voter priorities.
Nationally, Catholic voters have shown a shift toward the Republican Party; Pew surveys from 2024 show that 52% identify or lean Republican compared to 44% Democratic—a trend that includes Hispanic Catholics whose Democratic support decreased from 66% in 2020 to 55% in 2024.
Ives served as a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019 representing the 42nd District. She is a graduate of West Point with military service experience and ran for governor in 2018, securing nearly half of the Republican primary vote.According to Ballotpedia.
