By Illinois Review
Former Wirepoints president and Illinois GOP gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski is making waves – not for his policies, but for his donors. His campaign is bankrolled by Democrat supporters and Brandon Johnson allies, sparking questions over whether his bid reflects Republican values or is being propped up by the very forces conservatives have long opposed in Illinois.
Yes, Dabrowski has the backing of major Republican donors like Richard Uihlein and Vince Kolber. But alongside them are contributors who routinely fund Democrats – a mix that is stirring unease among conservative grassroots Republicans.
On September 2, Dabrowski’s campaign reported a $250,000 donation from James Perry, a senior advisor with Madison Dearborn Partners in Chicago. State election filings show Perry is also a frequent supporter of Democrats, including Chicago Alderman Bill Conway, State Representative Margaret Croke, Dr. Rafael Yanez and former Mayor Lori Lightfoot – to whose campaign he contributed $50,000 in 2019.
In April 2025, the Chicago City Council approved an ordinance barring anyone convicted in connection with the January 6 attack from holding city jobs — even if pardoned. Alderman Bill Conway was listed as a co-author of the measure.
Croke, in particular, underscores the Democratic ties. In July, the Cook County Democratic Party Central Committee endorsed her for state comptroller. Two months later, she stood beside Gov. JB Pritzker to oppose potential National Guard deployments to Chicago, taking direct aim at President Donald Trump: “I stand with Governor Pritzker and the people of Illinois for rejecting President Trump’s threats to deploy military personnel in Chicago,” she wrote.
Croke has also championed LGBTQ+ causes and opposed Trump’s executive order restricting transgender youth from accessing health care. Her political ties run even deeper – her husband, Patrick, served as Barack Obama’s lawyer during the 2008 presidential campaign.
She is also proudly pro-choice, sponsoring a resolution affirming support for Roe v. Wade. In addition, Croke has backed legislation shielding Illinois doctors from discipline when performing abortions.
Yanez, another figure tied to Dabrowski’s mega-donor network, is a Chicago police officer and close ally of embattled Mayor Brandon Johnson. Last year, Johnson appointed Yanez to the Chicago Board of Education, where the mayor praised him as a “public servant… deeply tethered and connected to the neighborhoods.” Yanez has also enjoyed backing from the powerful Chicago Teachers Union, one of Johnson’s most loyal political allies.
On the campaign trail, Dabrowski remains closely aligned with Republican State Central Committee member Jeanne Ives and Naples-based Chicago radio host Dan Proft. Ives, a longtime ally, is frequently seen at his side during press conferences and public events.
Dabrowski will face DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, former GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey, and businessman Joseph Severino in the Republican primary.
The contest is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
