Prairie State Wire

Ted Dabrowski, former president of Wirepoints, has announced his candidacy for governor. He said that entrenched interests in Springfield have blocked reform for too long and emphasized that his campaign is based on conservative principles and a commitment to middle-class families. The announcement was streamed on Facebook.

"Just because you know what to do doesn't mean you get to do it," said Dabrowski, candidate for the Governor of Illinois. "I am someone who has never been content to be right, without making sure it's done right. Pritzker may believe his conduct advances his Presidential ambitions, but I think Illinois families are ready for responsible leadership that advances their ambitions. We're going to speak our minds. We're going to make our case to the voters in no uncertain terms."

Dabrowski began his career in the banking sector before transitioning to public policy research in Illinois fifteen years ago. Initially, he focused on presenting evidence and sound arguments to drive improvements in the state, avoiding partisan politics. Over time, he realized that good ideas alone could not overcome the entrenched resistance within Illinois’ political system. His decision to run for governor marks a shift from analyst and policy advocate to a leader ready to push for reform.

According to Dabrowski's speech, he highlighted Aviston and Bartelso school districts as examples where financial resources are not the primary determinant of student achievement. These rural schools, despite being among the lowest funded, outperformed affluent suburban districts in literacy and math. He attributed their success to a strong community culture and suggested adopting their methods statewide could improve Illinois education.

Dabrowski contrasted himself with Governor Pritzker by describing Illinois as suffering from economic decline, rising taxes, and unsafe neighborhoods. He asserted that Pritzker’s leadership style damages the state’s prosperity and fuels division through inflammatory language. Dabrowski pledged to offer voters a principled conservative vision focused on restoring growth and opportunity for working families.

Rather than portraying himself as a career politician, Dabrowski emphasized his years spent building networks across Illinois through think-tank research and community outreach. He presented his bid for governor as an extension of this groundwork, claiming broad support from diverse communities ranging from Chicago neighborhoods to downstate towns. By stressing his personal integrity, practical knowledge, and cultural ties, Dabrowski positioned himself as a unique Republican candidate ready to unify and reform the state.

Dabrowski brings over three decades of experience in international finance and domestic policy leadership. He spent 16 years in senior financial roles, including as Head of Corporate Banking at Citibank in Poland, where he advised the government on economic liberalization and managed multi-billion-dollar Treasury portfolios in Poland and Mexico. After returning to the U.S., he became Vice President of Policy at the Illinois Policy Institute and later served as President of Wirepoints, a nonprofit focused on Illinois’ economy and government. His research has been cited by national outlets including The Wall Street Journal. Dabrowski holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago, an MBA in finance from the Wharton School, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech.