Wirepoints Leader Eyes Gubernatorial Run Against Pritzker

Potential Gubernatorial Bid by Ted Dabrowski Sparks Discussion in Illinois

Ted Dabrowski, the president of the conservative media outlet Wirepoints, is seriously considering a run for the governorship of Illinois in the 2026 election. If he decides to enter the race, Dabrowski would likely be a Republican candidate challenging incumbent Governor JB Pritzker, who has served two terms and recently announced his intention to seek a third.

Dabrowski has expressed concerns about the direction of the state, particularly regarding its economic growth and rising taxes. He believes that Illinois, which he describes as a great state with immense potential, is failing to meet its full capacity. “Illinois should be one of the top growing, most prosperous states in this country and right now, we’re not; we’re losing people,” he stated. Dabrowski pointed to high property taxes and second-highest gas taxes in the nation as key issues driving residents away.

During a recent event in Peoria, Dabrowski met with local lawmakers and potential donors to discuss his possible bid for governor. The event was part of the re-election campaign of state Rep. Travis Weaver, a supporter of Dabrowski’s potential candidacy.

Governor Pritzker has already confirmed his plans to run for a third term, partnering with Christian Mitchell as his new lieutenant governor. Juliana Stratton, the current lieutenant governor, is running for a U.S. Senate seat instead. Pritzker has emphasized his accomplishments in workforce development, but Dabrowski argues that these efforts have not been enough to address the state’s challenges.

Dabrowski, who resides in northern Chicago, has spent years analyzing Illinois’ issues through his work at Wirepoints. He has written extensively on potential solutions to the state’s problems, believing it’s time to test whether his ideas could resonate with voters.

“Every year, we keep spending more and more,” Dabrowski said. “Twenty-six states across the country have cut income taxes in the last two years. Many other states are giving relief. We keep raising taxes. We raised the gas taxes. Under Governor Pritzker, we doubled gas taxes. It’s not fair to people.”

Before joining Wirepoints, Dabrowski served as vice president of the Illinois Policy Institute, where he developed a deep understanding of the state’s policy landscape. State Rep. Travis Weaver, a member of the Illinois House from Pekin, believes Dabrowski’s background makes him well-suited for executive leadership. “Somebody like Ted, who’s such a policy expert and knows the landscape of Illinois so well, that’s such a great role for an executive to have, because he can see the big picture of where he wants to take Illinois,” Weaver said.

While Dabrowski is not the only Republican considering a gubernatorial run, there is another candidate in the mix: James Mendrick, the sheriff of DuPage County, who launched his campaign earlier this year. If Dabrowski enters the race, he could face competition in a Republican primary. However, for now, his focus remains on Pritzker.

“I think Governor Pritzker has had his years,” Dabrowski said. “We’ve had the fourth-worst economic growth since he’s been in charge. We have the highest property taxes under Governor Pritzker, we have the second-highest gas taxes under Pritzker. He’s had his chance to fix things, and he hasn’t. So, it’s time to let other people have a chance.”

As the political landscape in Illinois continues to evolve, Dabrowski’s potential bid adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming election cycle. Whether or not he officially runs, his comments reflect a growing sentiment among some Illinois residents who believe the state needs a different approach to address its challenges.