Prairie State Wire

Jeanne Ives has publicly criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for his association with rapper Lil' Durk, urging him to return a $150,000 contribution from the artist. "He should give back the $150k contribution thug rapper Lil' Durk, just arrested in an alleged murder-for-hire plot, gave him," Ives said.

"Johnson has $1.3m in his campaign account," said Ives, Founder. "He should give back the $150k contribution thug rapper Lil' Durk, just arrested in an alleged murder-for-hire plot, gave him. I doubt Johnson will because he doesn't care who he takes money from and the media and voters will give him a pass. Johnson should be excoriated if he doesn't give back the money immediately."

According to an article shared by Ives from the Chicago Tribune, Mayor Johnson has not indicated whether he will return the donation from Lil' Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks. The Tribune notes that Banks is a significant contributor to Johnson's political committee. During a news conference, Johnson addressed questions about the donation: "You are asking me if I should make a judgment on a Black man before a full trial has actually come to fruition. I hope you do understand why it is not my position to determine the outcome of someone’s life."

Screenshot of Jeanne Ives Oct. 25 Post on X | X

In her social media post on X dated October 25, Ives further elaborated on her stance. She compared this situation to instances where Republicans were questioned about contributions from individuals later arrested in connection with the January 6 Capitol events. "I was and I returned the money," she wrote, adding that she believed those individuals needed financial support due to perceived unjust punishment.

Reports from NPR and the Associated Press indicate that Lil' Durk is not alone in facing legal issues related to this case. Five other members of his rap collective "Only the Family" have been arrested, with additional arrests possible.

Jeanne Ives is known for her tenure as an Illinois State Representative for six years representing House District 42. She also ran for governor in 2018 and sought election to represent Illinois’ 6th Congressional District in 2020.