Prairie State Wire

Ted Dabrowski, an Illinois gubernatorial candidate, announced his campaign at the Kane County Republican Gubernatorial Forum held at Rookies RocHaus. He said his intention to address property taxes for middle-income families in West Dundee, support law enforcement free from the SAFE-T Act, and restore merit-based education.

"I am running for governor for the middle-income family in West Dundee getting fleeced by the highest property taxes in the nation," said Dabrowski. "I am running so Kane County law enforcement can be free of the SAFE-T Act and bring real safety back to the county. And I am running to bring literacy and the principles of merit and achievement back to Illinois schools."

Illinois politics have recently been influenced by discussions surrounding high property taxes, criminal justice reforms like the SAFE-T Act, and disparities in student performance, particularly in reading. Republican candidates have highlighted the need for homeowner relief, enhanced law enforcement support, and a renewed emphasis on literacy and academic achievement as essential strategies to retain families in the state and rebuild trust in government.

According to research from the Tax Foundation and other analysts, Illinois ranks near the top for effective property tax rates. Recent data suggests that the state is either competing for or holds the highest rate nationally. Homeowners face substantial annual property tax bills, contributing to broader cost-of-living challenges. This burden is particularly pronounced for middle-income families in suburbs such as those in Kane County, prompting Republicans to call for structural tax reform and spending discipline in Springfield.

Illinois student performance data reveal persistent literacy issues. National assessments indicate that fewer than one-third of Illinois fourth-graders meet reading proficiency benchmarks, placing the state among many where early reading skills are lacking. Despite some reports noting growth compared with pre-pandemic years, students generally remain significantly behind pre-2019 achievement levels, especially in core subjects. These findings have fueled bipartisan debate, with conservatives advocating for phonics-based instruction, accountability measures, and restoring merit and achievement standards in public schools.

Dabrowski is a Republican with a long-standing focus on fiscal reform, economic growth, and government accountability. He serves as president of Wirepoints, a conservative research group, and previously held the position of vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute where he analyzed pensions, taxes, and state finances. In 2025 he launched his gubernatorial campaign as a data-driven reformer aiming to reduce tax burdens, bolster law enforcement support, and enhance academic standards for Illinois students and families.