By Illinois Review
An Illinois-based nonprofit that provides original research and commentary on the state’s economy and government finances is facing a financial crisis of its own as its president considers a run for governor.
Since 2020, Wirepoints has seen a steep decline in revenue. The organization reported $1.12 million at its peak that year, but by 2022, revenue had fallen to $709,000, dropping further to just $294,175 in 2023. With expenses totaling $688,601 that year, Wirepoints faced a deficit of $394,426.
Despite bringing in only $294,175 in 2023, the fiscally conservative nonprofit spent $200,000 on executive salaries – $100,000 to President Ted Dabrowski and $100,000 to the vice president. An additional $295,252 went to other staff, bringing total salaries for the year to $495,252.
Dabrowski, a close ally of state central committee member Jeanne Ives and Naples-based Chicago radio host Dan Proft, regularly offers commentary on Illinois’ finances and economy. He has led Wirepoints since its founding in 2018.
For years, Dabrowski has warned about the state’s chronic overspending – what he calls the “corrupt practice of deficit spending” – arguing that Springfield politicians consistently spend more than they take in.
However, his organization mirrors the state’s spending habits, raising only $294,175 in 2023 while incurring $688,601 in operating expenses, resulting in a deficit that he cites as evidence of the problems in Illinois government.
At the time of this publication, Wirepoints has not filed any disclosures with the IRS for fiscal year 2024.
As Dabrowski considers a governor’s run on a platform of fixing the state’s overspending, his potential candidacy is already stirring controversy.
At the Illinois State Fair last Thursday, Dabrowski steered clear of President Donald Trump, following a strategy favored by party insiders.
“Illinois’ problems have nothing to do with Donald Trump,” Dabrowski told a Republican crowd at the state fair. “He can’t fix the property taxes. He can’t fix the gas tax. He can’t fix our out-migration. We have to fix it.”
For years, Dabrowski has maintained his distance from Trump, carefully avoiding any hint of an endorsement.
Dabrowski will face DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick in the Republican primary for governor, with additional candidates expected to enter the race in the coming months.
The primary is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
—
Update at 1:55 pm CDT
Longtime Trump advisor Roger Stone weighs in on his X account, tweeting, “Can’t win an Illinois GOP governor primary by avoiding Trump, who had big gains in Chicago and across the state in 2024.”
