By Illinois Review
Six months after losing the Republican primary for governor, Ted Dabrowski is back on the political circuit – but not for Darren Bailey.
On September 22, Dabrowski will host an event in Bolingbrook titled “Ted Dabrowski Shares What’s Next.”
The promotion reads: “It’s time to fight for Illinois. To advance what we’re for, not just oppose what we’re against. To unite people across Illinois who are ready for reform. And to give Illinoisans the tools they need to engage.”
Noticeably absent from that message: the Republican currently running for governor.
Bailey defeated Dabrowski decisively in the March primary, winning roughly 53.5 percent of the vote to Dabrowski’s 28.8 percent. Bailey now faces Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in November.
President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Bailey earlier this week, telling reporters, “I’ve already endorsed him. I’m all for Bailey,” while calling Pritzker a “disaster.”
Yet Dabrowski appears focused on building his own political operation. His campaign website remains active, urging supporters to “Join the Fight for Our Future” and describing the moment as an “opportunity to mount a political opposition in Illinois.”
Questions about Dabrowski’s future are already circulating inside Republican circles, with some in the party speculating he may be positioning himself for another run in 2030. Those questions are fueled less by any single report than by his own continued activity: an active campaign website, high-profile events, and a noticeable silence on Bailey’s behalf.
Illinois Review previously reported that Dabrowski did not intend to attend the Illinois GOP’s post-primary Unity Breakfast. Dabrowski and his running mate ultimately skipped the gathering.
Six months later, the primary is long settled.
Bailey is the Republican nominee. Pritzker is the Democratic opponent. And Dabrowski is promoting his own political movement and asking supporters to join him for an event about “what’s next.”
There is nothing unusual about a former candidate remaining politically active after losing an election. But with Election Day approaching, Dabrowski’s activities raise a straightforward question about where his political priorities currently lie: with the Republican ticket voters nominated in March, or with building his own organization for the future?
Dabrowski says it is “time to fight for Illinois.”
The question surrounding his latest political activity is whether that fight is focused on November 2026 – or what comes next for Ted Dabrowski.
