By Illinois Review
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski is facing growing questions after delivering a muddled response on racial profiling and refusing to say whether he agrees with President Donald Trump’s recent call to “jail” Gov. JB Pritzker.
In an interview with WTTW News on Monday in Springfield, where he filed his petitions, Dabrowski was asked whether he believes federal immigration agents have engaged in racial profiling when making arrests in Illinois. The question stemmed from claims by Pritzker and progressive Democrats that federal authorities unfairly target minorities and immigrants.
At first, Dabrowski brushed off the claim, calling it a “Pritzker-invented talking point.” But seconds later, his tone shifted.
“I think it’s a pretty tough thing to say,” Dabrowski responded when pressed. “Most people came from the border, from Latin America and other places. It’s kind of a fact.”
While initially dismissing racial profiling as a political talking point, Dabrowski appeared to acknowledge that arrests are indeed concentrated among immigrants from Latin America – a remark some said echoed the very argument he was rejecting.
The exchange comes as Dabrowski works to define himself in a crowded Republican primary, where immigration, crime, and loyalty to President Trump remain defining issues.
His campaign has focused on government reform and fiscal accountability, but his latest comments have sparked doubts among conservatives about his clarity and conviction.
When asked separately about Trump’s statement that Pritzker “should be jailed” for unspecified reasons, Dabrowski again refused to take a stance. He declined to say whether he agreed or disagreed, offering no direct response.
That cautious approach contrasts sharply with other Republican contenders who have been more outspoken in their support of the President. For a candidate attempting to court the conservative grassroots, Dabrowski’s reluctance to take firm positions on issues central to the GOP base is politically risky.
The timing of Dabrowski’s comments is especially striking given the events of the past week. As Illinois mourned alongside Republican Darren Bailey – who tragically lost his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in a Montana helicopter crash – President Donald Trump personally called Bailey to offer his condolences, encouragement, and unwavering support.
According to Bailey’s campaign, the two spoke at length. President Trump described Bailey as “a great warrior,” telling him he was “going to win” and urging him to keep fighting for the people of Illinois.
The call was more than a gesture of sympathy – it was a powerful reminder of Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party and his deep respect for leaders who stand firm in their convictions.
For conservatives across Illinois, it underscored a simple truth: conviction, not calculation, earns the loyalty of both President Trump and the voters who support him.
As the Illinois primary approaches, Dabrowski faces a defining test of leadership – whether he will speak with the moral clarity and courage that the conservative base expects, or continue offering cautious answers that leave voters questioning where he truly stands.
