Facebook/ State Central Committee District 14 Opponents Beth Findley Smith and Larry Smith

Some critics of Beth Smith mention her domestic battery charge against Larry. However, the Illinois Record previously reported that Mr. Smith admitted to police that he also hit Beth in the face with an open hand.

Shaw Media/ Story about domestic incident

The most damning allegation of their relationship was that Larry Smith claimed he asked Val “stolen valor” Ojeda, to secretly take Beth’s underwear and test it for DNA.

Facebook/ An attack ad fake police officer and military veteran Val Ojeda created against Beth Smith

This allegation has been made in Republican circles in addition to two primary sources telling the writer that this rumor is true. Larry Smith was asked for comment on April 4th, but has not responded. The article will be updated if he does.

The Illinois Republican/ Val Ojeda (left) Larry Smith (right)

If this accusation is true, it would be a serious invasion of privacy and should disqualify anyone from office, even if it is not illegal, especially since the couple lived together. Sadly, this kind of alleged behavior seems common now in the Illinois Republican Party, which currently has no statewide officials and is a superminority in both legislative houses.

​Facebook/ Some of the threats from Val “Stolen Valor” Ojeda

As of this writing, Mr. Smith has about the same chance of winning the 14th District election as his former wife.

John Reeves, a GOP strategist from Kendall County, has advised Illinois Republican politicians such as Dennis Hastert, Dean White, and Jed Davis.

Face book / Named Ilgop Strategist John Reeves

Reeves says candidates should “reset” after the primary. DuPage County GOP Chair Kevin Coyne adds that when Republicans attack each other, it helps Democrats win. Both leaders, despite criticism, know how to survive in a divided Illinois Republican Party.

Facebook/ Dupage County GOP and Lawrence Stowe Republican Precinct Captain and one of the most watched subjects in the history of the TV show “60 minutes” agreeing.

In reality, both sides in the Smith dispute will probably unite on April 16 in an ILGOP where staying in the game matters more than political values.

Facebook/ Beth Findley Smith left and Larry Smith right

The 39-year age gap between the former Smiths, though legal, was unsettling to this 34-year-old writer and seemed like a strange fit for a deeply conservative LaSalle County. Before and during their marriage, Beth served as Larry’s deputy committeeperson in the LaSalle County GOP and was also his partner. Some have compared Beth’s political rise during their relationship to Kamala Harris.

Facebook/ Larry Smith

Facebook/ Beth Findley Smith

Still, as one Illinois Republican put it, “it was a marriage of choice.” Politics is a contest where candidates are judged by their values and judgment.

A person’s choices in their personal life often reflect their political judgment, and Beth Findley Smith’s political career has included some poor decisions and questionable allies.

Just recently, Beth touted the endorsement of controversial Cook County chair Eric Angerer and has long opposed the popular idea of allowing Republican primary voters to elect the State Central Committee.

Facebook/ Beth Findley Smith and Eric Angerer

Beth’s political stances, probably more so than her private past, make her unfit to be the State Central Committee person for the 14th District. That said, there is a conundrum: Mr. Smith—former political boss, lover, and mentor—is even worse.

The Illinois Record previously reported that the ILGOP’s use of people with mental illness for political purposes could lead to threats of real violence.

A year ago, we covered RNC committee chair Richard Porter’s role in creating the “grassroots committee,” with only a brief mention of Larry Smith. The Illinois Record respected Porter’s experience with the Clinton impeachment trial, his legal background, and his work at Kirkland & Ellis. It was surprising to see Porter support people like Val “stolen valor” Ojeda and self-proclaimed Latin King human trafficker Terry Newsome through the grassroots committee.

Facebook/ Terry Newsome who has been arrested for selling cocaine and explosives in the past claims on facebook to have been in the Latin Kings and could have sold the author in prison.

YouTube/ Behind Enemy Lines video of Larry Smith’s former allies Terry Newsome and Val Ojeda

Larry Smith’s involvement in the failed “grassroots committee” was not surprising, given his questionable political connections. Val Ojeda, who has falsely claimed to be an Aurora police detective and a Gulf War veteran, says Larry Smith played a key role in forming the committee.

The Illinois Republican/ Val Ojeda’s Blog article titled “ The New Republican party for 2024”

The committee allowed short-term, self-proclaimed MAGA activists to misrepresent Republicans, was poorly managed, and quickly fell apart. Throughout his time in Illinois GOP politics, Larry Smith has focused on making deals and challenging rivals to strengthen his own position.

Illinois Review/ Article detailing the beginning of the collapse of the “Grassroots” committee

While Democratic officials often use social media to recruit volunteers and share their agenda, since February, the Illinois Record has counted 31 AI-generated videos of babies, often with dogs, on Larry Smith’s social media.

Larry Smith “Civic” Facebook/ Just some of the questionable AI baby and dog videos.

Beyond concerns about his character, Larry Smith has been an even stronger opponent than Beth of letting people directly elect State Central Committee members. The Illinois Record believes that having to choose between him and his former wife is the clearest sign that direct elections are needed.

Hot Chocolate / Everyone’s a WInner

Good thing the Illinois Record exists, as we have the leaked list if you want to skip to the bottom.

In theory, GOP state central committee members have a say in the state party’s rules, but they lack any real mechanisms to enforce them. The grand prize for these self-proclaimed individuals is at most discounted tickets to steak and mashed potato dinners that you probably would not want to go to anyway, unless you were interested in sexually harassing someone, getting sexually harassed yourself, or trying to take financial advantage of a hopeless candidate that likely is well intended.

Fb/ Former Dennis Hastert employee Mark Vargas left, and the sponsor of his blog Jim Economous, who we are not accusing of any crimes but are simply fixtures at ILGOP events.

Although the Democratic Party is often criticized for undemocratic tactics such as gerrymandering and super delegates, they at least let their voters have a say in electing their Democratic State Central Committee In contrast, Illinois Republican voters lack this privilege, as they are excluded from voting for state central committee members.

The only people who can vote for the Illinois Republican State Central Committee representatives are precinct captains and county committee persons. And the best way to describe those groups within the Illinois GOP is to call them flaccid Harkonnens. The gluttonous tribe of ingrates who are the villains in the book series Dune (referenced above).

Facebook/ Beth Findley Smith

Please see the full leaked email listing all the candidates from ILGOP employee Matt Janes. Expect a full analysis later. Have an amazing and memorable Passover. Remember, up to 80% of the Jews in slavery wanted to stay in Egypt.

From: Matt Janes <Mxxx@xxxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2026 2:14 PM
Cc: Tommy Choi <txxx@xxxxxx.xxx>; John Fogarty <fxxx@xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee Candidate Information

Hello,

Candidates applying for the Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee were required to submit their Notice of Candidacy, Ethics Disclosure, Letter of Recommendation, and Biography and/or Professional Résumé between March 18 and March 24. Additionally, candidates had until March 31 to submit their certified voter history.

The election for State Central Committee members will take place on April 15 during county conventions. These elections will be conducted through a weighted vote of Precinct Committeemen (PCs) within each Congressional District. A packet including instructions and outlines for the conventions has been distributed to County Chairs and will be sent again. The ILGOP will distribute the weighted vote ahead of the convention.

Candidates are responsible for distributing materials—such as endorsements, letters of recommendation, and biographies—to each county and/or Precinct Committeemen (PCs) within their jurisdiction.

Please find below the certified list of State Central Committee candidates by Congressional District, presented in alphabetical order by last name:

Congressional District 1:
Patrick Sheehan

Congressional District 2:
Jason Bunting
Wayland Johnson

Congressional District 3:
Mike Flynn

Congressional District 4:
Katie Justak
Robert “Bob” Kelsey

Congressional District 5:
Aaron Del Mar
Ken Jochum
David Prichard

Congressional District 6:
Victoria Finegan
Bob Grogan
Shaun Murphy
Ken Yerkes

Congressional District 7:
Steve Bolton
Caroline Cronin

Congressional District 8:
Peter Dombrowski
Debbie Kanarowski

Congressional District 9:
Julie Cho
Joan LaSonde

Congressional District 10:
Keith Brin
Jennifer Neubauer
Cornelius Shanahan
Erik Sivertsen

Congressional District 11:
Dan Ugaste
Chris Yaeger

Congressional District 12:
Rhonda Belford
Douglas Levi Slater

Congressional District 13:
Cindy Lamar

Congressional District 14:
Beth Findley Smith
Larry Smith

Congressional District 15:
Tom DeVore
Zach Emberton

Congressional District 16:
John Ackerman
Jim Rule

Congressional District 17:
Bradley Hix
Lana Soldat

Please let me know if you have any questions or require additional information.

Sincerely,

--

Matt Janes

Executive Director

Illinois Republican Party

Three Dog Night Joy to the World/ Because politics should always be joyful even when dark or gross.

Shaw Local/ Press release claiming Joliet only experienced two homicides as of December 8th.

The city of Joliet has over 150,000 residents, and two homicides would be an impressive stat, but what if the chief of police is lying?

​​Shaw Local/ In May of this year Joliet suspiciously reported zero murders

The Illinois Record presents an exclusive interview with Raven Littlejohn’s mother, Robin Anderson; Anthony Dunn’s mother, Minnie Walters-Heath; and Terrence Pierce’s brother, Timothy Norris, who all provide evidence of an attempt to conceal homicides that have seemingly accelerated after Democrat Will County Board Member Laurie Summers was appointed Will County coroner in 2019.

Facebook/ Will County Coroner Laurie Sommers appears to be dressed up as herself for the “day of the dead” celebrations.

Before Summers was appointed, when someone was found dead in the cold, muddy Des Plaines River, the Joliet PD might consider the drowning a homicide, as in the infamous case of Kathlee Savio and Drew Peterson.

​The Patch/ There have been a high number of drowning in the Des Plaines River with several victims families their loved ones have actually been murdered.

Despite a high amount of suspicious drownings and pleas from grieving families, after Laurie Summers took office in 2019, every body found in the Des Plaines River has been categorized as “accidental”.

The Patch/ Local Media Accuses Laurie Summers of not meeting basic accountability standards.

​

All told, the Illinois Record has calculated over 740 drug-related deaths during Summers’ tenure, with nearly all ruled accidental, with a handful of deaths categorized as suicide and undetermined each year. The Illinois Record identified a handful of drug-induced homicides indictments in WIll County, but each was first ruled an accident, suicide, or undetermined, and only later reversed through the efforts of victim families and other law enforcement branches.

​Will County’s 2024 Drug Related statistics. Summer suggests health related issues in the few amount of deaths categorized “undetermined”

​

The local media has categorized Summers’ tenure as “not transparent,” and there is a realistic possibility that the coroner’s office’s unwillingness to classify murders as homicide may be explained by laziness to do extra work and pressure to make crime statistics appear low, which has an effect on both the re-election campaign and the entire city’s property values.

​Facebook/ Laurie Summers poses with Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. Please feel free to contact Lauren Underwood’s office demanding a federal investigation into the increasing amount of suspicious death’s in Will County.

Regardless of the reason, the result is that Joliet is increasingly becoming a dumping ground for anyone who intends to get away with the horrific act of murder. If left unchecked, Joliet’s reputation could lead to an influx of homicide tourism.

The Patch / Jewel Robinson (Robert Long’s Mother) is another victims’ family members that insists their child or sibling was murdered and did not accidentally die in the Des Plaine River.

​

Everyone the Illinois Record has interviewed has accused Laurie Summers of being insensitive in her investigation, making disparaging remarks toward victims, and carelessly texting graphic pictures of their loved ones instead of allowing them to identify the body in person. Several family members have stated they are unsure if the coroner is presenting the correct bodies of their loved ones, preventing families from having a proper burial.

​

In 2014, Vice Media estimated the illegal market value of a human body at over 2.4 million dollars when stripped of blood and organs. Families now face the possibility that their child’s or sibling’s organs have been sold for profit.

​Vice Media/ considering inflation since 2014 the human body would be worth over 3.4 million dollars in 2025 dollars.

​

The Illinois Record shares the victims’ families’ view that there is a systemic cover-up in Will County, and that the only remaining question is why, with each possible explanation more horrifying than the next.

​

The Illinois Record presents an exclusive interview with three victims’ family members whose testimony is as brave as it is horrifying. We will publish more until the legacies of all victims are restored and justice is served. Our guests our the three following brave whistleblowers:

​

1- Robin Anderson (Raven Littlejohn’s Mother)

​Shaw Media/ Article detailing Robin Anderson’s inspiring fight for justice.

Raven Littlejohn was found naked except for a wig and bra on a bed in a felon’s apartment at the Joliet Housing Authority’s Heritage Building at 419 N. Bluff St. Next to the bed, police found a state ID neatly placed on a table, along with an inhaler.

​

There is no known video evidence of Raven entering the housing authority, and her clothes and cellphone are still missing. The two witnesses who called police about Raven’s death made jokes on the call and left the scene, claiming to go to a convenience store. Police had to obtain a key from Heritage House Building Management.

Despite the suspicious circumstances, Raven’s death was never considered a homicide.

Joliet Police did not test Raven for evidence of rape or assault, but Robin obtained a rape kit on her own. Robin claims Joliet PD refuses to act on the kit, citing Coroner Laurie Summers’ designation of her death as an overdose, which prevents them from investigating.

​

2. Timothy Norris (Terrance Pierce’s brother)

​Terrence Pierce’s obituary

Joliet Police claim there is no video evidence of Terrance Pierce, who is 6 feet four, ever entering Joliet Housing Authority’s Heritage House, where like Raven, he was found collapsed in the second-floor hallway in a seemingly staged position. The second floor is notorious for lacking a camera, and there is no video evidence detailing the events surrounding Terrance’s death.

​

At first, Terrence’s death was considered a health episode, but his family commissioned a private toxicology report, forcing the county to change their official story.

Timothy believes his brother was murdered and is confident there is a cover-up. Like other witnesses the Illinois Record has spoken to, coroner Laurie Summers only let Timothy identify his brother through pictures sent by text message.

​

3. Minnie Walters-Heath (Anthony Dunn’s Mother)

Facebook/ Anthony with his amazing Mom Minnie.

Shaw Media/ Former Democrat Politician and current Joliet Police Chief tells several victims families that they are wrong about suspecting their loved ones were murdered.

​

Anthony Dunn was found in the Des Plaines River in 2021. His time of death remains undetermined by the Will County Coroner.

​

State Rep Candidate Jim Lanham claims to be the last to see Anthony, but even after four years, the coroner has yet to determine a time of death. For reasons unknown, Lanham has been seeking information on the case, seemingly obtaining more than Anthony’s family. Jim Lanham, a purported Republican, openly supports the Democrat county coroner and chief of police, and insists that Anthony and all other Joliet drowning deaths are exactly as coroner Summers describes.

Facebook/ One messages of Lanham either admitting to be one of the last people to see Anthony Dunn, admitting to knowing key details of his case, and or defending Coroner Laurie Summer's findings.

Facebook/ State Rep Candidate Jim Lanham

Coroner Summers’ office and Joliet PD have alternated between claiming Anthony’s death was a leap into the Des Plaines River, a drowning, or a drug overdose, with drowning not considered a cause of death.

Minnie accuses the Joliet PD of withholding, deleting, and fabricating key evidence. Mother, like many Des Plaines River victim family members, believes her son has been murdered.

One possible motive is that Anthony had over $69,000 across four bank accounts, all of which remained active after his 2021 death. One account was closed as recently as this year due to a suspected fraud alert.

​

​A fourth victim’s family member, of Quintin Bailey, was supposed to attend the interview but could not for technical reasons. The Illinois Record is rescheduling.

​

Obituary for Quintin Bass Bailey

Quintin Bailey was also found at the housing authority, and several witnesses claim he planned to blow the whistle.

​

​

In our opinion, the most horrifying aspect of the interview is that many more family members in the past have made similar accusations, and there may be more victims if nothing changes.

​

If you or a loved one knows of such a case, we encourage you to contact federal authorities, as Illinois does not currently trust the Joliet Police.

​

Viewers may understandably want more answers from the Joliet coroner and police.

​

We encourage all readers to submit open requests to the Joliet PD by emailing cityclerk@joliet.gov and to the Will County Coroner’s office at coronerrequests@willcounty.gov.

Also, to stay up to date on the ongoing Joliet Cover up please consider following Robin Anderson’s FB Page “Justice for Raven” and Minnie Walter- Heath’s Facebook page “Justice for Anthony Dunn”.

Facebook/ The Cook County GOP uses their official page to promote Del Mar’s fundraiser while the Cook county GOP only has $5,074.4 and Del Mar’s Palatine GOP only has $1,463.13 cash on hand.

Illinois Sunshine/ The Cook County GOP’s Bank Balance

Illinois Sunshine/ Palatine GOP, which Del Mar also chairs, total bank balance.

For $25,000, donors are invited to "blow the caps off with Aaron" at Andy John Kalkounos's Chicago Prime Steak House. This is a reminder that Del Mar may have the connections to raise money, just not for the party he ran to lead.

Andy John, a Del Mar ally, is one of eight officials behind the backroom Democrat-Republican deal in Palatine that helped dodge a local election—an arrangement widely criticized by residents.

Aaron Del Mar nets 24,000 dollar a year as Highway Commissioner and Kalkounos nets 25,000 dollars a year from the deal made with palatine Democrats. The taxpayer money nearly equals ten times the total amount in the Cook County GOP's bank account and nearly 49 times more than the Palatine GOP's bank account, where Andy John Kalkounas serves on the board and Aaron Del Mar serves as president.

Breakthrough Ideas/ Jeanne Ives article on the controversy

Palatine GOP’s website/ Aaron still serves as chair and Andy John is on their board

Kalkounas isn't just a Palatine GOP Board member, Township Supervisor and restaurateur; he also plays a role on Chicago Fire.

IMDb/ Andy John Kalkounos on Chicago Fire

But the real drama started when he launched a culinary scholarship and sponsored his brother Stelia’s band, Sacred—despite Stelia being a convicted child sex offender.

2022 Village of Schaumburg meeting praising Andy John and Stelio for their Culinary scholarship. Stelio had already been convicted child sex offender at this time.

YouTube/ Stelio’s band which is ironically called “sacred” Summerhouse performance was sponsored by Andy John

In 2024, Stelio was charged with sex trafficking and producing child pornography. Columnist Mark Belling later highlighted Stelio’s apparent political clout—despite being a known child sex offender even before his latest arrest.

Prosecutors charged Stelia again last year, this time for allegedly running a child porn production operation. The FBI in Milwaukee is still investigating. Anyone with tips should call 414-276-4684.

By raising money under Friends of Aaron Del Mar, he can decide his next political campaign—for governor, secretary of state, congress, state rep, or a county-wide seat.

Illinois Sunshine/ Friends of Aaron Del Mar has more than double the cash of Cook County GOP and recently recieved a one thousand Dollar Donation from Darby Hills, the State Senator Aaron helped appoint.

As Illinois Record has previously reported, at least one freelance journalist is sitting on material that could complicate Del Mar's ambitions. A second reporter, unconnected to the first, reportedly has information linked to one of Del Mar's LLCs or his nonprofit Fathers Helping Fathers. Sources suggest this information becomes relevant only if Del Mar pursues a higher office, as it is not salacious.

Del Mar is floating his name as a governor's option to left leaning political journalist friends like Politico's Shia Kapos, Center Square’s Catrina Barker and Standard's Tom Robb—not to run but to boost his market value.

The Center Square/ a puff piece article floating Del Mar as a Governor Candidate

journal and topics/ A puff piece that rebranded Del Mar stepping down as IL-GOP Co-Chair as an exploration for statewide office

With a platform in Cook County, Del Mar could approach GOP gubernatorial hopefuls like Richard Porter or James “Jussie” Mendrick and ask: What's it worth to keep me off the ballot? That question might resonate with the Northern Cook-based Porter, whose path to the nomination requires a strong showing from Cook County.

Republican candidates for governor spent $114 million in the 2022 primary. Compared to that, $25,000 for "Popping the Cap with Aaron" looks like a parking ticket.

Facebook/ Aaron Del Mar yells at event with potential LT Gov Candidate Kristina McCloy

Del Mar's threats to other candidates aren't hypothetical nor confined to the governor's race.

After our last article, he threatened the presumptive 8th District GOP nominee that he might run against him, claiming he could deliver "250,000 votes"—a bold boast considering the entire primary draws closer to 34,000. Unless he's campaigning in cemeteries, the math doesn't check out.

Ballotpedia/ The last contested Republican Primary in the 8th district had a total turnout of 34,598 Republicans.

Meanwhile, a lackey of Governor Candidate James “Jussie” Mendrick floated Del Mar's name for Secretary of State. It's a low-profile race unlikely to attract national scrutiny, and therefore unlikely to trigger any investigative interest in Del Mar's business dealings or nonprofit filings.

Facebook/ James “Jussie” Mendrick lackey Steve Miltello floats Aaron Del Mar as a Secretary of State Candidate on a popular Dupage County Facebook group.

The secretary of state race is also a safer space for a man who called January 6 attendees "treasonous," hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, and reportedly questioned a GOP committeeman for not being vaccinated.

Daily Herald/ Article about a fundraiser Del Mar hosted for Hillary Clinton, a person Del Mar says he “Respects”.

Journal & Topics/ Aaron Del Mar criticizes President Trump and calls J6 attendees terrorists to his left leaning journalist friend Tom Robb

That profile won't fly in a primary decided by mostly dedicated Republicans, but considering the high signature requirement to make the ballot, Del Mar could run unopposed, guaranteeing a primary win.

Running for Secretary of State would give Del Mar an extended platform, media coverage, and over a year of Ilgop pizza parties, without pressure to win.

Facebook/ Aaron Del Mar (right) at an ILGOP Pizza party during the last time he ran for statewide office.

In the meantime, Cook County GOP remains in freefall. After a brutal leadership race, backlash continues. A committeeman from Del Mar fired told Illinois Record they believe retribution and a clear ethics violation, not strategy, drove the decision. We've withheld their name—Cook County GOP has a reputation for retaliation. Read their heartbreaking message below:

“Dear Max,

I was doing my job in the (redacted ward or township) and had only been serving for a few months. Recruited my (spouse) as precinct captain. He sent out thousands of emails for a fundraiser. We organized and underwrote a fundraiser for a GOP candidate running for national office - (redacted). I was actively working on setting up meetings in the ward. Observed and reported on election fraud. Donated money to various GOP causes and attended and supported many events. I was very enthusiastic and was only personally involved to help Chicago and Illinois.

Again, had only been in the position for MONTHS.

No one at my table voted for Aaron. Since I’m new and unfamiliar with the candidates, I abstained. Of the many who didn’t vote for him, he singled a few of us out and punished us. Within 48 hours he took away my position. This is retribution and a clear ethics violation. It was explained to me that there are no ethical standards for Aaron’s position and he can abuse and discriminate against anyone he chooses.

To say that I’m no longer enthusiastic would be an understatement. If my ward committee position is not reinstated, it’s doubtful that I’ll be putting in the work or the effort that I have been. I will continue as a supporter because I have faith in the Northside GOP leadership.

I personally don’t think that insulting and humiliating a positive and cooperative GOP volunteer is really the way to go if you’re attempting to build a party, but that’s just me. At the present time I’ve lost my motivation.

If this is the Illinois GOP attempting to grow, succeed, gain momentum and support, then you’re definitely on the wrong track.

My (spouse) and I have both had distinguished careers and we could have been assets to the party.

Sincerely,

Redacted”

On May 8th, liberal “Republican” Steve Boulton—who Del Mar didn't fire—commandeered the stage at a Niles Republican Event, showing how GOP committeeman often weaponize their titles for their own vanity rather than serving the people’s interests.

Facebook/ Steve Boulton (left) looks uncomfortable during a rare moment of silence at the May 8 Niles GOP event. During the Q&A, he allegedly grabbed the mic and blocked other speakers from participating despite one driving several hours to attend the event and the other a potential candidate for Governor.

Boulton claimed he "retired" as Chicago GOP Chair because Toni Preckwinkle and the democrats were "afraid of his effectiveness." Contradicting his past assertion that the “far right” forced him into retirement.

Illinois Review/ Article about liberal Republican Chair and Aaron Del Mar Allie Steve Boulton blaming “the right” for his demise”

In truth, several Republicans, including allies, tossed Boulton off the ballot for failing to meet the lowest standards of the committeeman petition, namely, getting signatures from voters to appear on the ballot. Boulton launched a write-in campaign, but only pulled 24 votes—still not enough to beat his opponent, “Nobody.”

Illinois Review/ Illinois Review’s extremely condensed version of Boulton’s loss.

Boulton managed just to personally collect two sheets of signatures—proof of laziness, lack of commitment, or no real connection to the community. However, in the Cook County GOP, loyalty to the chair outweighs any flaw or lack of voter support. After voters tossed him off the ballot, Boulton was quietly reappointed in a different ward—27—so his speeches to cook county republican clubs could continue, sparing him the embarrassment of speaking to his political rival "Nobody," at Gibson’s Bar.

Illinois Review Exclusive/ Mark Vargas of Illinois Review claims that Boulton has been heard speaking to himself at the bar of an expensive Chicago Steakhouse.

When Republicans-in-name-only cry conspiracy without a shred of evidence, it's usually a smokescreen, meant to distract from a far more unsettling truth.

On a recent podcast, Del Mar claimed Illinois Record is "backed by Democrats."

We'll take the arrows. It means we're right on the bullseye.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly / Ennio Morricone

The Cook County Republican Chair election is about to take place.

The hallway is well-lit with fluorescent lights.

The Cook County Republican committeemen scatter across the island bar, the adjoining pizza buffet, and the dark private room, where they will eventually hold the election.

Many of the committeemen, dressed in mismatched clothing—jeans with suit jackets or a loose blue polo with khaki shorts and a dangling carabiner—seem to defy the traditional image of political insiders in the U.S.'s second-richest county.

Other elected Committee men are wearing misfitted business atire and look like they're taking their uncomfortably younger date to Carlucci's Steakhouse.

Some of the committeemen, seemingly plucked from the nearest bus stop, are wearing 5 XL light gray T-shirts with butter stains and chew marks and sweatpants.

Republican committeemen are supposed to be the highest-powered elected Republicans or wealthy donors in the region, but at this moment, the Cook County Committeemen looked like they were filming an episode of To Catch a Predator.

Illinois Record exclusive photos of the Cook county GOP Chair election

The private room is watched by a level five security guard, as is the entrance to the pizza buffet.

The presence of additional security personnel, possibly including a third military or police-trained professional, suggests shame and tension surrounding the election.

The Cook County GOP may have spent its entire bank account ($5,075.14) on security, room rental, and pizza, seemingly setting up the next chair for failure.

Illinois Sunshine/ Cook County Republican’s current finance

The past president, Sean Morrison, is apparently in the back of the private room, and Aaron Del Mar is in the hallway, sweating in a suit jacket, making small talk with attendees.

Illinois Record Exclusive

A local reporter asked Del Mar what he thought of his chances, and Del Mar rapidly flared his nostrils and spoke with extreme confidence while bumbling and making up new words. Del Mar said he expected a "Livacious night," was "consciously optimistic" about his chances of winning the election, and offered to buy the reporter a drink after the meeting.

Aaron's sweating and jitteriness may have had some other cause, as he was the odds-on favorite to replace his mentor and godfather to his kids, Sean Morrison, who infamously wrote a letter to a judge demanding leniency for a pedophile who molested a young girl at Morrison's pool party.

Several committeemen said they got aggressive campaign calls the weekend before Morrison stepped down. Del Mar pushed for a unanimous win to lock in his fourth political title.

Others said they were promised positions like secretary.

New Trier’s Julie Cho publicly accused Aaron of threatening four committeemen for their vote

Although Cho has not named names of the four committeemen claiming to be voters, fake Dr. Eric Wallace is a likely candidate.

Wallace, who is comically insistent on being called "doctor," got a doctorate in "Bible studies" at the progressive theology college, Union-PSCE, and eventually voted for Aaron.

Illinois Review/ fake Doctor Eric Wallace was supported by Todd Ricketts when he ran against Sean Morrison for cook county GOP chair.

Wallace's support does not make sense on face value, considering Wallace ran for Cook County chair last time as the opposition to Sean Morrison in the previous election. Wallace, who professes to be Christian, would not likely genuinely support someone who still operates poker games for a living and used to manage "Chicago tryst.com" and "soulraper.com.

Illinois Record/ Archived photos of Aaron Del Mar’s “soulraper” business.

When it was time to vote, security—and a committeeman in a district that votes 90% Democrat, along with a former township highway commissioner cosplaying as security—kicked out all the observers who had joined at tables on the first floor of Moretti's Pizzeria.

Notably, serial candidate Bob Fioretti made rounds at the table talking to other aspiring candidates and republican voters.

Illinois Record Exclusive picture of Bob Fioretti at the Cook county GOP chair election.

Fioretti is pleasant, but at this age, he looks like a petrified Barry Manilow—but instead of being forced to lip-sync "Copacabana" in Branson, Missouri, he lifelessly recycles bland neoconservative talking points.

Fioretti, a former Democrat alderman, reminds us of the ineffective but suspiciously profitable playbook of rebranding past-their-prime Illinois Democrats as Republican candidates against nationally unpopular Democrats such as Toni Preckwinkle or Kim Foxx. These races garner a lot of media attention that can fuel serious donations, but they often run on safe, vague, uninspiring messages and have no chance of winning in the first place.

Although the Illinois Record was not in the private room, we were on the first floor and had sources.

Foreshadowing the shamefulness of the vote, 22 committeemen did not show up (including Calumet, Chicago Wards 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 34—all of whom haven't bothered to have a Republican committeeman).

Of the 58 remaining, a majority voted absentee or sent in a representative, leaving plenty of pizza for the mostly unhealthy-looking Cook County Republican committeemen.

Aaron Del Mar, who routinely abuses political rules, sent his business partner and political ally, Cook County Young Republican Eric Angerer, as his representative despite being in the room himself.

Angerer ditched his signature Bluetooth earpiece for a polo and sneakers—standard uniform for a loyal foot soldier.

Facebook/ Eric Angerer with his trademark blue tooth headphone

Illinois Record exposed Angerer’s incel-tier and German nationalist social media posts, but Del Mar still hands him the keys to Palatine GOP’s online presence—and sends him out to represent the township in public.

Facebook/ One of several immature posts on Cook County Young Republican chair Eric Angerer’s facebook. Illinois record story here.

Wheeling Supervisor Kathy Penner sent Dan Patlak, a 15-year Cook County bureaucrat, as her representative.

Facebook/ Dan Patlak

Back in February, Illinois Record predicted Penner would face backlash from Wheeling Democrats if she failed to block Michelle Hunter from getting on the Arlington Heights trustee ballot—Arlington Heights lies within Wheeling Township.

Illinois Record Story HERE

As expected, Penner was challenged by a Democrat who easily beat her in a township with a 20% Democratic advantage.

Cook County Clerk, 2025 election results

This outcome underscores Illinois Record’s broader thesis: an insurgent Republican Party in Illinois propped up by taxpayer-funded township jobs and other financial, sexual, and drug-related perks. Meanwhile, Penner’s fellow Republicans in Wheeling, Joanna Guaza and Ken Jochum, faced no opposition and will keep collecting taxpayer dollars under the guise of "Republicanism."

Patlak, who famously wore an oversized plastic name tag at events during his time on the Cook County Board of Review, now works for the dark-money group Illinois Policy, tasked with recruiting new candidates.

Facebook/ Dan Patlak with his oversized plastic name tag.

It’s a strange role for Patlak, whose charm is about as inviting as a tow truck driver specializing in parking lots at a children’s hospital.

The candidates Patlak recruits also tend to lack charm, Republican beliefs, experience, and passion for running for office. Therefore, they tend not only to lose elections but also not to advance the message.

Tim Rueckert represented pro-Trump impeachment, Northfield GOP chair, TJ Brown.

Facebook/ TJ Brown

The outgoing Northfield highway commissioner, Rueckert, once told the author of this post that a political operative offered him to get all the votes from a nursing home in exchange for 2,500. Ruekert claims to have declined, but after seeing the excess pizza and private room with friends, we wonder if he regretted the decision.

The vote was as follows:

Illinois Record exclusively obtained leaked election results

Del Mar, perhaps watching too many gangster movies, made his first move as chair by cutting a cheesy, low-end promotional video, writing a press release disguised as an article, and firing at least six committeemen who did not support him.

Chicago City Wire Press release. The Illinois Record sees no evidence that Del Mar will cut the “bull*****”

Illinois Record exclusive/ Del Mar fires Mark Albers, a committeeman who voted against him.

Facebook/ Aaron Del Mar releases a promo video on first day of office, calling for more mail in voting.

Del Mar argues that he only fired "appointed committeemen," but his argument rings hollow when considering that Del Mar did not fire liberal Republican appointed Committeeman Steve Boulton. Boulton was kicked off the ballot at the last election after the Ivy League-educated lawyer submitted fraudulent petitioning papers.

Illinois Record/ Steve Boulton (left) holds glass of wine and capitulates

There is a rumor that Boulton talked to himself at Gibson's bar while drinking 25-dollar alcoholic drinks. Technically, anytime Boulton talks, it evolves into Boulton talking to himself, who possesses the lawyerly ability to stretch out sentences. The fact that Boulton is still a Republican committee member is another reminder that Del prefers loyalty over representing Republicans well or winning elections.

The New Trier Township Chair, Julie Cho, wrote a response alleging that Del Mar threatened at least four people to vote for him. Read Cho’s letter below:

The Illinois Record is aware that Del Mar offered deals in addition to alleged threats and yelling and started campaigning for the position the weekend before disgraced outgoing Chair Sean Morrison stepped down.

George Ballis deserves credit for running an honest, thoughtful campaign in the face of bullying from Del Mar and his conduits, suspended lawyer Tom DeVore.

Tom DeVore, who supports abortion and has criticized President Trump, accused staunch conservative Ballis of being a Democrat and unqualified for the position.

The Illinois Record’s story on bald shampoo salesman, bully and suspended lawyer Tom Devore

When in reality, the Cook County committeemen encouraged all of their members to vote in a Democrat primary to "support the weaker Democrat" that would face the strong Republican candidate who was running unopposed.

Ballis, disgusted by the process and his peers, resigned. The Illinois Record truly hopes this is not the end of Ballis. In a Republican Party void of courage and common sense, Ballis would be a great addition.

George Ballis writes a resignation letter below:

In the present, the Cook County GOP is at its weakest electoral point since before the creation of the original Illinois Record, an anti-racism, pro-freedom Republican newspaper published in 1897.

The first volume of the original Illinois record

Even if we do not adjust for inflation, the Cook County Republican Party has never had so little money.

When we last reported, the party had enough money for a Vespa. Now, we wonder if the Cook County GOP has enough cash for popcorn and a movie ticket.

The Illinois Record is optimistic that the blatant corruption and creepiness will inspire fed-up Cook County Republican residents to run for Committeeman. If you live in suburban Cook County and have basic decency and an interest in improving the Republican Party, do not hesitate to reach out.

In the meantime, the Illinois Record will continue to cover the Cook County committeemen most in need of resignation or replacement. Stay tuned.

The Illinois Record is biased toward a Republican resurgence — and we’ve reported repeatedly that the ILGOP’s so-called get-out-the-vote efforts aren’t about winning elections. They’re designed to funnel money to Republican in Name only and Democat consultants and possibly ILGOP officials themselves (under the table). As Dan Proft once put it: “Illinois politics isn’t rigged. It’s fixed.”

Illinois Record/ The Illinois Republican Party banks your money, not your vote full article

Illinois Record/ Our article breaking down ILGOP’s dubious statistical claims

An honest, aggressive, boots-on-the-ground GOTV operation would be cause for celebration.

Facebook / Dom Giordano awards Scott Pressler “Patriot of the year”

At first glance, someone like Scott Pressler should be exactly the kind of fighter we’d support—a man who claims to have dedicated his life to no-nonsense get-out-the-vote work, starting Early Vote Action and focusing on critical swing elections like the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race.

Realscottpressler.com / Photo announcing TPUSA’s 5 million dollar investment in Pressler

Facebook/ Scott Pressler poses with a young man he claimed to have registered to vote.

Facebook/ Scott Pressler posts article about his attempt to flip New Jersey Republican (something Illinois Record would love to see happen)

But after watching him closely, the warning signs were impossible to miss: grandiose, unprovable claims,

Facebook/ Scott Pressler makes an extraordinary claim that walking around with a clipboard registering voters lead to mass weight loss and near-death hospitalization and not something more believable like drugs or an unrelated health episode.

Twitter/ In Presslers Bio he Claims to have won President Trump the 2016 election, the 2020 election, and to have “delivered” Pennsylvania for President Trump in 2024.

RealScottPressler.com / Scott Pressler does not correct the the false claim that he registered “180,000 Amish first-time first-time voters.” In reality, Pennsylvania has 43,640 Amish residents over the age of 18.

a constant narrative of personal victimhood,

Facebook/ Scott Pressler Claims he was insulted for being gay and to be the victim of a violent hate crime. The video Pressler posted does not show anyone insulting him for being gay or committing an act of violence. The video in fact shows Pressler trying to incite three people into saying something homophobic.

and blatant contradictions.

Facebook/ Scott Pressler credits President Donald Trump for deciding to publicly announce that he is gay.

Facebook/ Scott Pressler credits Isis as the reason why he decided to come out of the closet. Contradicting his 2016 Facebook post.

This might seem like a small personal anecdote, but it cuts to the core of character. Pressler has given two completely different stories for why he chose to come out publicly as gay. When someone changes their story on something so personal, it’s fair to ask: what else aren’t they telling the truth about? It brought to mind Heath Ledger’s Joker — spinning different tales about his scars. Pressler even ropes in Isis and President Trump to burnish his personal mythology, which makes the contradictions even more unsettling.

Facebook/ Scott Pressler wears a shirt saying he is “on the naughty list”. We are starting to agree.

The Real Scott Pressler.com is challenging if you’re invested in seeing Republicans win again. But it’s necessary reading.

The Illinois Record is actively investigating Scott Pressler and Turning Point USA. As always, our standard is simple: Is the story accurate, and is it worth telling? There’s no guarantee we’ll publish on either subject, but we are following the facts.

We want to hear from you if you have information that could either exonerate or expose Scott Pressler or Turning Point USA.

Please see the RealScottPressler.com press release below.

Unmasking the Truth: RealScottPresler.com Exposes $118K in Rockefeller Donations, Department of Defense Social Media and Automation Techniques to Influence Political Outcomes, Scott Presler’s Techniques Linked to Republican Losses in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and Concerns Over Father’s Pentagon Role

April 23, 2025

RealScottPresler.com has launched as a critical resource exposing questionable financial ties, Department of Defense style social media and automation techniques to influence political outcomes, and expose false claims made about elections. Packed with meticulously documented evidence, the website calls out manipulative strategies allegedly employed by political operatives, drawing parallels to tactics used across the ideological spectrum, while raising alarming questions about activist Scott Presler’s techniques, influence and connections.

The site uncovers explosive financial ties, using FEC reporting to prove Scott Presler’s efforts were bolstered by $118,000 in donations from the Rockefeller family, a revelation that raises questions about the true motives behind his activities. It further highlights concerns Presler’s techniques—specifically his push for early voting, registering low-propensity voters which a large portion of were then voted for the democrat candidate, and dismissal of election fraud concerns—directly contributing to recent Republican losses in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. A November 2024 X post by @Woodshed2012, a Pennsylvania resident, is cited, accusing Presler of denying election fraud in a Lancaster County Senate race—a seat held by Republicans for 45 years until its recent loss. The post, amplified by figures like Liz Harrington of War Room, highlights irregularities in mail-in voting patterns that fueled suspicions of fraud, suggesting Presler’s strategies may have undermined conservative efforts.

RealScottPresler.com also raises concerns about Department of Defense social media and automation techniques, alleging these methods, potentially linked to Presler’s father—a Director of Information Operations at the Pentagon—are being used to shape political narratives and outcomes. The site questions whether this connection provides Presler with unique resources or influence, challenging the narrative that he is merely a “homeless dog walker who picks up trash.” Instead, it alleges his role is to “distract, bleed money from the movement, subvert fair elections by pushing schemes like early voting, and dismiss real manipulation while giving the illusion of helping.”

Drawing from its content, the site highlights Presler’s alleged use of “swarms of nano-influencers”—a tactic compared to liberal propaganda efforts, such as those reported by the Conservative Institute detailing the Harris campaign’s payments to young social media influencers for pro-Harris content.

The site amplifies reports from accounts like @CauseAmerica, @DerrickEvans4WV, and @RedWave_Press, alleging widespread voter registration issues, including registrations tied to incorrect addresses, 5,000 illegal registrations in Milwaukee, and over 2 million illegal immigrants with Social Security numbers; some of which are registered and voting. These claims, reportedly verified by figures like Elon Musk and Antonio Gracias, have been referred to Homeland Security for investigation, adding weight to the site’s call for transparency in electoral processes.

Why This Matters Now

As political polarization intensifies and Scott Presler announces a documentary being filmed on him and has efforts; RealScottPresler.com positions itself as a clarion call for accountability, urging voters to question narratives pushed by influencers and operatives alike. Its dynamic content, blending insider screenshots, data-driven accusations, and references to high-profile conservative voices, makes it a must-read for journalists covering election integrity, political strategy, and grassroots activism.

Media & Contact:

RealScottPresler.com
Email: info@realscottpresler.com
Website: https://realscottpresler.com

Please check out my interview with Shaun "from Elmwood Park" Thompson to learn why the Illinois Record Exists.

Click Here to listen to the Interview

Shawn’s interview might give context to all the unfair smears and lies from political actors or their allies. The Illinois Record's articles do shatter many preconceived notions about honest people's political heroes. We strive to share political knowledge, which often comes at the expense of comfort.

Many of our readers donate hard-earned money and volunteer precious time to politicians or activists who may turn out to be talented, “confidence men.”

King David writes in Psalm 143:3, "Do not trust in princes, in the son of man, who has no salvation. His spirit leaves, and he returns to his soil; on that day, his thoughts are lost."

Several ILGOP leaders have slandered the Illinois ecord likely as a way to absolve our criticism of corruption, creepiness, and electoral losses. I feel the need to address the latest smear from an ILGOP Leader, Will County Committeeman Christina Clausen, who has reason to discredit the Illinois Record due to her election losses in Will County, financial support of Tom Devore, and the Chicago Democrat Party.

Illinois Sunshine/ 2018 Donation from Christina’s Construction Company Clausen Structures inc. Democrats were calling President Trump a Russian agent and a Nazi in 2018, it doesn’t make sense that an alleged Trump supporter would give two thousand dollars to Chicago Democrats in December of 2018,

Twitter/ A post from @WillCountyClownCar that is unarguably accurate.

Illinois Sunshine/ Christina’s 5 thousand dollar Tom Devore Donation

Facebook/ evidence that evidence less slander from will County GOP chair “Chrissy” Clausen can damage reputation

To be clear, I am not a Democratic plant, of sound mind and I take offense to the charge of being a Democrat considering the Democrat Party's dark History in America, Illinois, and Chicago.

Although I understand Clausen's cognitive bias against us, Clausen owes the basic decency to at least present evidence when slandering someone. When Christina makes serious claims against me without evidence, it hurts her credibility as much as mine.

Facebook/ Clausen (right) at an Illinois Political event

Clausen's smears appear to stem from two ulterior motives.

One is the Illinois Record’s accurate article on Tom Devore.

Illinois Record Article on Christina Clausen friend Tom Devore

And the other is that the Illinois record follows a Twitter account critical of Clausen called "Will County Clown Car."

Twitter/ @willclowncar . The Illinois Records follow local Republican, Democrat, and independent Twitter news accounts to maximize the quality and depth of our articles.

I do not work with or know the identity of the Twitter account, and I likely DISAGREE with the person on most political issues. However, the Illinois Record agrees with Clown Cars' public criticism that Clausen constantly loses elections for Republicans and is melodramatic to the point of tragic paranoia or political comedy.

Clausen anointing the Illinois Record as Democrat plants only makes me more confident in my beliefs that she is sadly or comically paranoid, which leads to false accusations and gives ammunition to Democrats to take down republican credibility.

If I were a plant, let it be known that I would first keep Christina Clausen as Will County GOP. She famously lost an election to a whole slate of Democratic-backed candidates in a Republican primary. Not being able to win multiple republican races in a republican primary, with the backing of Ilgop and donors, is akin to the Chicago Cubs losing to the Iowa Cubs and should be enough of a reason for Clausen to step down

.

Illinois Record’s coverage of the cook and collar county republican annihilation on the April 1st elections

Local Media Headlines of Will Counties GOP disastrous election under Clausen as Chair

Clausen publicly says she was a huge day 1 Trump Supporter but had no idea about politics until Jack Lombardi ran for Congress in 2022.

However, if Clausen only has three years of political thought, we ask that she step down from ILGOP leadership and let someone who has experience or at least been thinking about politics for more than three years represent the party.

Yet, is there more to the story? Clausen's claim of political ignorance and full support for Trump might not be consistent with reality.

I could be biased as someone who went to local zoning meetings at age 8, but I find it hard to believe that someone never thought about politics until their 40s. I can imagine changing parties, but it's hard to imagine complete ignorance of making it a top priority.

The idea that she is there to help Trump does not align with that her construction company gave 5,000 dollars to the 34th Ward Democratic Organization in 2018, two years after Trump became president. President Trump would not support giving to Chicago Democrats who, in 2018, were protesting and baselessly accusing Trump of conspiracies.

Illinois Sunshine/ 2018 Donation from Christina’s Construction Company Clausen Structures inc. Who is the plant now?

LinkedIn/ Christina Clausen

Giving to a local Democratic organization in 2018 certainly dispels Clausen's claim that she was not involved in local politics until Jack Lombardi's 2022 congressional run.

Additionally, Clausen was a registered Democrat until 2016, voting in the 2008 Democratic primary. President Trump may have affected her beliefs, but it's hard to imagine that she had no real opinions about politics as an Illinois construction company owner until 2016 (the year she first registered as a Republican).

The fact that she called a critic a plant could be an example of self-projection; she may be the plant after all. But we make no accusation and give Clausen the benefit of the doubt that she is just in deep denial over her financial support over creepy bully (mostly of women) Tom Devore. The Illinois Record probably shares many of Clausen's beliefs on COVID-19 and constitutional rights (unless she is in fact a democrat plant).

But I also deny Clausen's ridiculous clause that the Illinois record bullies Republican women.

Let the record show that out of 54 and likely over 100 people receiving negative coverage on our blog, only 4 to 5 women have received negative coverage.

With a 5 to 95% ratio, perhaps the Illinois Record should attack more women in the name of equality—just kidding.

Ironically, the other reason for Clausen's ire appears to be our reporting on Tom Devore for bullying a young girl, single mother, and business owner.

Chicago Tribune/ The Bullying ended up resulting in a suspended Law License for Devore

Clausen emailed the Illinois record, "I don't care about some chick and her family." and then threatened my father who is a Republican Candidate for Congress to retaliate against him for the article he had nothing to do with.

Email/ I emailed GOP Committeeman my article about Tom Devore bullying a girl half his age and above was Christina’s vulgar response. Nore, Devore may again be the coverage another Illinois Record article about his continued bullying of women.

The Illinois record is out for no gender, person, or political party to document hypocrisy that will deter future attempts.

As a Republican with over 15 years of experience in local politics and have been thinking about politics for far longer, I am committed to exposing hypocrisy, whether within the Republican or Democratic parties. If you have any tips, please share them with us at Illinoisrecord@gmai.com. I happen to know more about the Republican party (because I am one).

The Bible is clear that we must be more challenging our own groups than strangers, even if they are pagan or democrat.

Exodus 32: 24-29

Just ask the Levi’s after the sin of the golden calf, Pinchas after the blasphemous orgy, or listen to King Solomon who was asked by his brother after he had just acended to the throne ‘"Let king Solomon swear to me today, that he shall not kill his servant with the sword." And Solomon said, ‘"If he will be a valiant man, even one hair of his shall not fall to the ground, but if wickedness will be found in him, he shall die.”’

Numbers 24:29

Chabad.com / Rabbi Yehuda Altein “The Story of Phinehas in the Bible”

You should expect an Amalekite government to behave evilly; your own political party should not.

Over the years, The Illinois Republican and Democrat Parties quickly swept wicked acts and ridiculous blunders under the rug.

Active List of Illinois the few Politicians who get caught for their crimes.

I created the Illinois Record to transfer my experiences onto the internet and create a public record. I want to make it harder for mistakes or corruption to go unchecked or unnoticed and change the political culture for the better. The backers of this site are you, the readers.

Your support is what keeps us going, and we value your role in our mission, but if you fake a hate crime, a five-dollar-a-month subscription fee will not buy protection for those who engage in such acts as abuse or faking a hate crime!

Although I will protect your privacy as much as possible, the Illinois record unflatteringly mentioned two of our paid subscribers. No person or subject is off limits except the Lord!

Facebook/ Clausen celebrating the wicked, pagan holiday of Halloween.The Illinois Record does not support Halloween, but trick-or-treating is something many Illinois GOP committeemen of all genders have experience with.

Aaron Del Mar (Palatine)

Aaron Del Mar—5th District GOP State Central Committeeman, Palatine GOP Chair, Palatine Highway Commissioner, and former owner of soulraper.com—has secured the first vote in the Cook County GOP chair race.

Facebook/ Northfield GOP Chair TJ Brown

Northfield Township Chair TJ Brown cast the ballot. In a letter to constituents, Brown acknowledged that Del Mar is likely eyeing a run for governor and admitted it’s a conflict—but said he backed him anyway, citing Del Mar’s fundraising and candidate recruitment experience.

Email from TJ Brown to Northfield Republicans

However, TJ Brown’s, reasons are not based in reality.

Del Mar was the Cook County GOP chair in the past. When he left in 2013, the organization had just $60 in the bank, enough for three meals at Chipotle, 

Illinois Sunshine/ Cook County GOP’s balance sheet at the end of Del Mar;s first term

and over $2,000 in debt. 

Today, his Palatine Township committee has $1,464 on hand, and his recruitment record includes recruiting proud Democrats into township positions with taxpayer salaries.

Illinois Sunshine/ Aaron Del Mar Palatine Republican Party current Cash on hand

BreakThrough Ideas on Aaron Del Mar’s recruitment of Democrats to secure $20k a year gig

Even among his allies, there's no real pretense that Del Mar is capable or interested in rebuilding the party. On his podcast, Del Mar's consultant Colin Corbett has told others the plan is simple: use the post to prop up a gubernatorial run focused on Cook County.

Colin Corbet of Core Filled Strategies Podcast “the smoke filled room” with guest Don Tracy

with over 5 million people, Cook is the largest county in Illinois.

Del Mar’s ally, Colin Corbett, agrees—the physical demands of a governor’s campaign would likely come at the expense of actually doing the job of Cook County GOP chair.
The position needs a full-time party chair, not a full-time governor's candidate who already has two other positions in the Illinois Republican party and dropped a third. 

The idea of a Cook County GOP chair running for governor in a crowded primary—where 80% of Republicans are likely to vote for someone else—is unserious and taints the image of Republicans down the ballot and across the county. So is the notion that someone supposedly fighting government overreach is still clinging to a patronage job like Highway Commissioner in a township with two pass-through highways.

None-the-less, Del Mar's campaign has picked up a second vote from Elk Grove Village's Ed Lapinski . To his credit, Lapinski has been upfront about the deal: he gets the Cook County GOP Secretary role if Del Mar wins. This gives LaPinski the ability to record any of the liberal moves the former head of soulraper.com, which has a chair, may make.

Lapinski may also face a revolt in 2026; many of his Elk Grove GOP members are castaways from Del Mar's Palatine GOP and likely will not take the news well. 

Although we don't agree on every theory, La Pinski shared the Illinois Record's skepticism of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines early on.

Facebook/ Dave “Mother Snuggler” Shestoukis and Ed Lapinski. We refer to Shestoukis as mother Snuggler for sleeping in the same bed as his mother well into adulthood.

Lapinski may soon find himself at odds with Del Mar, who criticized Pritzker not for not giving away enough free vaccines during the pandemic. 

Local article about Del Mar’ supporting free COVID vaccines

Del Mar, who blamed Trump for Jan 6th,  politics tend to track with those of his Democrat spouse.

Aaron Del Mar bashing up to the local press

Chicago Tribune Article, If Del Mar can not convince his wife to vot3e Republican, how can he convince other voters?

Del Mar's top lieutenant, Eric Angerer, has been propped up as Chair of the Cook County Young Republicans and expect him to join the misfit organization. He runs social media for the Palatine GOP, works with Del Mar in the private sector, and handles everything from campaign operations to pickleball tournaments and blackjack nights.

Facebook / Eric works for several of Del Mar’s companies

That would make him a public face of the GOP in one of the most diverse countries in America—where many areas are named after their distinct culture still tact (Little India, Chinatown, Ukrainian Village, and more)

Angerer's social media is a goldmine for democrats seeking to paint cook county Republicans as anti-Black,

Facebook/ Eric Angerer

Facebook/ Eric Angerer

Facebook/ Eric Angerer

Facebook/ Eric Angerer

anti-woman ,

Facebook/ Eric Angerer

Facebook/ Eric Angerer

anti-Indian,

Anti gay

Facebook/ Eric Angerer

anti Muslim

And an uncomfortable amount of pro German Nationalism content

Eric has expressed an uncomfortable fondness for  German nationalism for an American political party.

Facebook/ Eric Angerer also runs Del Mar’s palatine GOP Facebook page.

Eric's views are often contradictory. For example, he's also a fan of Muslim Andrew Tate.

With former ILGOP general counsel Doug Ibendahl already accusing Del Mar of racism for trying to purge Black, pro-Trump committeemen, Del Mar may force Eric to continue to work in the shadows.

Ibendahl on Politics blog covering Del Mar’s alleged racist move

Del Mar's path to victory seems real, and it's fortunate for Democrats, who will have a toy punching bag for one year. 

In Aaron's term, expect a lot of incel Memes,  governor campaign endorsements, and perhaps the  $4,000 in the Cook County GOP account to go toward a "Del Mar for Governor" Vespa.

The one silver lining is that a Del Mar win will inspire others to run for county chairs with petitions starting this August.

George Ballis (Norwood Park)

A former first responder who now works in risk management, Ballis is ironically the least risky pick in the race. He stepped into leadership in Norwood Park chair to great success.  As chair of Norwood Park Township, he’s already shown a path to success: recruiting strong candidates, running tight elections, and staying rooted in core Republican values.

Out of 83 Cook County zones, only four represent areas that voted for Trump—and George Ballis is one of them.g candidates, running tight elections and staying rooted in core Republican values.

Cook County Clerk 2024 election results

Ballis has also shown the political smarts to avoid the typical traps—steering clear of operations like Surus and the Northwest Side GOP’s openly anti-Republican playbook while not casting himself as a total outsider. He has built bridges across party factions without sacrificing principle and only making enemies with worthy “insurgent” Republicans. 

He’s earned a reputation for honesty and professionalism. Endorsed by Darren Bailey, Ballis is one of the few committeemen from the Chicagoland area who avoids the “RINO” label while also not handing Cook County Democrats easy talking points in a populous county overdosed on MSNBC.

The Illinois Record has obtained an email Ballis sent to fellow committeemen outlining his platform, priorities, and plan to get the party back on track. It’s clear-headed and grounded in common-sense conservatism.

And Ballis doesn’t hold back regarding Del Mar’s campaign pitch. He points out what should be evident to anyone paying attention: if Aaron Del Mar has spent nearly 15 years in Cook County GOP leadership overseeing across-the-board failure, why has Del Mar not made the necessary changes already? The last time Del Mar was chair, he left the party with just $60 in the bank.

Ballis asks the right questions— and, unlike Del Mar, has shown answers in Norwood Park. 

Ballis also rejects using the chairmanship as a springboard—an unmistakable jab at Del Mar, who aims to use the post to launch his 2026 gubernatorial bid.

Taking a page from George Washington, Ballis has pledged to serve only one year—enough to stabilize the party, rebuild donor trust, and lay a solid foundation for the future.

National Geegraphic Kids/ George Washington

If the Morrison coalition fractures, Ballis could quickly become the consensus pick. With someone this capable in the race, voting for Del Mar—or someone even weirder—is a fantastic opportunity to reveal which of Cook County GOP committeemen are worthy of replacement in 2026. 

Bradley Stephens (Leyden)

Son of Rosemont Mayor Donald Stephens. Brad Stephens isn’t just a title collector like Del Mar—he’s a title manufacturer. He’s the mayor of Rosemont, a sitting state representative, and the elected Republican committeeperson in Leyden Township. He also held elected office as a Rosemont village trustee and Leyden Township supervisor and served on both the Pace board and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority board. The man doesn’t just hold offices—he squats them.

Brad Stephens state rep website.

Stephens isn’t a conservative firebrand, and he’d draw pushback from MAGA, MAHA, and religious factions—especially after backing Richard Irvin in the last governor’s race. But that’s not necessarily disqualifying in a field where ideology is often an afterthought.

Politics won't matter much among the 83 primarily inactive or transactional committeemen. If Stephens offered each a Medium pizza and a $25 Ventra card-committeeman, he could lock down 40% of the vote. That’s how low the bar is—and how far ahead he already stands.

While there’s no evidence of personal wrongdoing, Stephens’ fingerprints on local, state, and party power centers don’t exactly help the GOP case when it comes to hammering Democrats over corruption. Still, the “good government” critique may be beside the point.

Stephens runs the most effective electioneering operation in Cook County. He wins, big and clean, every time. And as the heir to the Donald E Stevens Convention Center, just gifting 10 tickets to a Kesha concert could double the size of the Cook County GOP’s 4,000-dollar bank account.

If he gets in this race, he might be the only one with the leverage to make Morrison kiss his ring at Moretti’s—and then take the whole thing.

Would a Stephens chairmanship invite backroom deals and ideological drift? Probably. At least it would be organized.

Eric Wallace (Rich Township)

Facebook/ Erice Wallace (left), Tim Ozinga (right)

Eric Wallace, a nonprofit leader and former pastor, made waves last year when he challenged Sean Morrison for the Cook County GOP Chair position.

While he earned credit for his courage and willingness to challenge the status quo, Wallace’s campaign was ultimately hindered by his failure to reach out to other voting committeemen. Some say he reached out to none of the voters personally in a high-stakes race.

Illinois Record’s coverage of the past cook county GOP chair Sean Morrison

Morrison, who we have criticized for demanding leniency for a child sex offender and losing every race for Republicans in Cook County besides his own, managed to beat Wallace by over 85% last year.

Wallace, who holds a Ph.D. in Bible studies from a college with few notable alumni, often refers to himself as “Dr.” This title, while technically accurate, carries the risk of coming across as self-important and hypocritical to the critical bible value of humility and the republican complaint of people over-inflating their credentials.

Eric Wallace’s own bio

In a diverse country that demands relatability and authenticity, Wallace’s approach may not resonate with as many Republicans as needed.

However, Wallace does have a cub up his sleeve. He’s built a relationship with Cubs Owner Todd Ricketts, who endorsed Wallace in his race against Sean Morrison.

Bleacher Nation

Rickett’s has the cubs tickets and nacho vouchers to buy the votes needed for any of his chosen candidates to secure a win. A mega-donor like Todd Rickett’s is the wild card that could propel any candidate to victory.

Joe Folisi (Schaumburg)

Facebook/ Joe Folisi (second from the left)

President of the Illinois Young Republicans back in 1972, Joe Folisi is the definition of a political survivalist—adapting to the times with a talent for sidestepping the past. He’s friends with Karl Rove, served as a two-time delegate for Mitt Romney, helped bring Liz Cheney to Illinois, and later turned around and backed Donald Trump as a delegate.

Lincoln Day Dinner speakers with Folisi as chair

Daily Herald Article on 2010 Lincoln day dinner in which Liz Cheney dropped out

Openly gay, Folisi has never made social issues his battleground—except perhaps out of necessity like in the case of Kevin Ake. Ake claims his removal was retaliation for accusing party leadership of funneling Lincoln Day Dinner funds unfairly to Schaumburg. Folisi firmly denies the charge..

Joint statement by the Cook County GOP and Dem Chairs. The incident triggered a classic “Streisand effect,” drawing attention to Ake—who was likely headed for a quiet primary loss in a race no one was paying attention to.

A retired accountant, Folisi now chairs the Schaumburg PAC, which holds the largest war chest of any GOP club in the county—$61,000 in the bank. He’s got connections to both Surus and the Lincoln Day Dinner operation, two forces that together influence nearly half the committeemen votes.

Illinois Sunshine/ Schaumburg GOP’s funds

Folisi hasn’t publicly made a move, but don’t count him out. If there’s a Frank Underwood-style takeover in the works, Folisi’s the one to watch—just picture Martin Short in the lead role instead of Kevin Space, and a House of Cards made entirely of jokers.

Facebook / Joseph Severino

Sure enough, Lake Forrest’s Joe Severino broke the news on Shaun Thompson's legendary show on AM560 and later confirmed it on social media.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE

Facebook/ Joseph Severino for Governor

For the author of this piece, who is based in West Rogers Park, Severino's campaign touches a very personal nerve. My top issue in Chicago has always been the disgraceful sell-off of public assets—the parking meters and the Indiana Skyway.

Chicago politicians handed parking meter deals to foreign governments in transactions so drenched in corruption that 17 years later, you can still smell the cigar smoke, cheap perfume, and sludge.

2010 Atlantic Article on the chicago parking meter deal

2025 FOX 32 article on the financial burden of the foreign owned Chicago Parking Meters

The tolls and meters are billion-dollar burdens on Chicagoans, business owners, and tourists who do not receive the benefits.

Meanwhile, the benefits flow to governments many disagree with in Canada and Abu Dhabi. The Illinois Record hopes President Trump accounts for Canada’s ownership of the Illinois to Indiana Skyway during the trade battle. This toll continues to increase above national norms, hurting local Chicagoans and the national trucking industry. Canada charges American truckers between 25 and 65 dollars per truck.

ABC NEWS update on sky way prices

When Severino skipped the usual generic political distractions and discussed several strategies to ending the corrupt parking meter and tollway deals, it landed with force.

Facebook / Joseph Severino

Severino also wasted no time confronting the political reality of Illinois: any Republican governor would be working with a Democrat-supermajority legislature.

Many Republican Candidates have ignored the white elephant that Democrats have well beyond enough seats to prevent vetoes in both the House and Senate.

For a Republican gubernatorial hopeful, it’s politically convenient to pretend they’ll find common ground with a legislature that can easily steamroll them—while still claiming they'll deliver on core GOP promises like government reform, pro-life, and access to guns.

Severino’s solution?

Facebook / Joe Severino

He acknowledges the problem preemptively and tells Shawn Thompson, "I am not interested in reaching across the aisle; I am interested in reaching into the well, the inkwell….JB Pritzker has been ruling by executive order, so why should we do anything differently?

Indeed, HB Pritzker held Illinois in a state of emergency for more than two years—a precedent setting move that gave him sweeping control over the state's response to COVID and beyond.

Illinois Policy article written during Pritzker’s perpetual state of emergency

Even now, long after the emergency has ended, he continues issuing executive orders at a breakneck pace—faster than Joey Chestnut Downs hot dogs—totaling in the hundreds and shaping major areas of Illinois governance.

Twitter/ JB Pritzker signs a real estate related executive order in December 2024

The Illinois Record believes the “pen and ink” strategy has clear precedent—and any Republican running for governor on conservative promises has no excuse to ignore it.

Candidates who campaign and fundraise on the Republican platform can’t credibly claim they’ll “fight” for those values while dismissing the only realistic tool they’d have in office.

Severino said he was starting his executive wrath by dissolving the public teachers' unions, who he says are profiting on corrupting Illinois kids. Severino tells the Illinois the record that “The Teachers Unions is a business and is no longer pro-teacher or pro student”.

This move is likely to resonate with Republican primary voters frustrated by bloated public school budgets and the mounting liabilities driven by more than 20,000 retired state-paid “educators” (mostly administrators) collecting six-figure pensions each year—including many who live out of state or are controversial figures like former terrorist Bill Ayers.

2018 Forbes Article by Adam Andrzejewski (may his memory be a blessing) that has been proven right beyond his worst fiscal nightmare

In the interview, Severino also targeted rich retired Illinois administrators and politicians living out of state. His message: move back or lose the check.

Shaun Thompson suggested—and we wholeheartedly agree—that it's time to finally challenge the 1970s constitutional pension clause that bankrupted the state. Severino, a former boxer, seems more than ready for that fight.

Now, let's address the strange energy coming from the only other declared candidate, DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick. The campaign is likely less than thrilled, as Severino has already called on Mendrick to take a polygraph over his Jussie Smollett-style tale involving a politically motivated bullet

His supporters took to social media to respond passively aggressively to Severino's announcement- which has been gaining traction on social media.

One key Mendrick Supporter started spreading the message that the ILGOP needed a "constitutional sheriff" for governor—which could not possibly be about Sheriff Mendrick, whose department just cost taxpayers $11 million in a wrongful death settlement involving an innocent 50-year-old mother.

Chicago Tribune Coverage over the wrongful death of a 50 year old mother under James Mendrick’s watch

They also brag about his fundraising, but his first month only brought in $6,000, and his first "Big Tax Day" fundraiser appears to have brought in a meager $5,000, not accounting for expenses.

James Mendrick campaign donations reported on April 15th, the day of his first “big fundraiser”.

Flyer from the April 15th fundraiser

And now Mendrick's supporters are trying to brand Severino as "Batman." If that's an insult, we'll take it. In a state where political villains have run wild for generations, Illinois likely wants a Batman.

Facebook/ James Mendrick dressed as Thanos.

By law, the next chair must be an elected GOP committeeman—limiting the options to the goofy, the bad, and the ugly.

Facebook/ Leading Candidate Brian Kasal gives a speech at Moretti’s

The Cook County GOP controls one of the country's wealthiest, most populous counties. Yet, only $4,000 is available in their official account. How can the Cook County GOP expect to go far when they only have the funds to buy a single Vespa?

The Cook County Republican Party’s Current Cash on hand

A Vespa the next chair can buy provided taxes are included in the offering price.

The Cook County GOP's financial and electoral failures ought to be a major issue in the chair's election.

Chicago Tribune Article on the latest round of local GOP losses

Yet, Illinois sunshine.com can confirm that it is not an exaggeration to state that most committeemen haven't raised a dollar in years. The committeemen might prefer to just shut up about the issues, eat pizza, and select the preferred candidate of their silent patron's choice.

The typical Cook County GOP committeeman often does not electioneer in the slightest. He primarily exists to carry out the weighted vote for a patron—whether it be a special interest group, a union, a foreign country, another committeeman, an unpopular donor, a lover or more.

In exchange for showing up to vote in one election every two years, these often unknown committeemen will get to use a title they can use to puff up their resumes or dating profiles on GRINDR.

Newsweek Story about GRINDR Crashing during the Republican National Convention in nearby Milwaukee

Morrison, who's on his way out, still controls the most CINOs (Chairs in Name Only) and will play a significant role in shaping the outcome. But he's not the only one with puppets. Other benefactors as diverse as—Republican Mega donors, potential republican candidates for governor, and possibly even the SEIU—are also in the mix.

Candidates will announce their intentions on the day of the event. The public doesn't get a vote but can and should show up. If not, email your committeeman. Ask why they've raised no money. Ask who they work for. Contact info is public at cookcountygop.com.

Come join us on our Facebook event

How the vote works:

It's weighted. No committeeman holds more than 5%, and some have as little as 0.5%. If they don't attend Moretti's Pizzeria, their vote disappears and gets reallocated to those present.

There's also a serious split between city and suburban committeemen, with different factions, different interests, different patrons tugging at the strings.

In Part 1, we break down the top city candidates. Part 2 will cover the suburbs. We've talked to insiders, read the group chats, and followed the money. Here's who from Chicago is most likely to rise from the puddle and emerge chair of the cook county republican party:

Chicago Candidates

Brian Kasal (43rd Ward)

Owner of Four Star Wealth Advisors, Kasal is best known in the financial advisor world for spoofing an 88-year-old client’s email and taking over $1 million. Public trust is an issue; the public generally doesn’t like politicians who victimize old ladies, but public trust doesn’t vote; shady Republican committeemen do. Kasal is the most likely committeeman from Chicago to win the Cook County chair.

Investment World story on the issue

In the political world, Kasal got his start with the Bush family. First, he was a delegate for H.W. in ’88, then the Chicago coordinator for W. in 2000. Since then, as a PAC owner, committeeman, and ILGOP finance board member, Kasal has been quietly affecting the GOP behind the scenes, like if GRu from Despicable Me was played by Chicago acting legend Dennis Farina.

Over the years, Kasal has been quietly building a minion of misfit Chicago committeemen that will give Kasal the power to sway an election, if not win outright.

Kasal is a vocal supporter of the company Surus and a close ally to Surus worker and 7-time world champion marching coach Jeff Fiedler. That matters.

Surus Website/ Jeff Fiedler

Surus's business model relies on compliance from Cook County GOP committeemen and has long-term financial commitments from high-weight suburban committeemen like Joe Folisi (Schaumburg), Jim Stinson (Maine), and Northfield’s TJ Brown. Additionally, several committeemen share Kasal’s resentment towards Trump’s near complete purge of the Bush-era neo-cons that they looked up to and learned from in the early years of their political careers.

Facebook / Kasal and Kevin McCarthy

The alliance of committeemen influenced by Surus, who are bitter towards Trump and his misfit minions, could be enough of an alliance to secure a victory.

A Kasal chairmanship would mean pivoting left and backward into the grimy puddles of W. Bush's policy failure.

Ramona Bonilla-Bonaez(31st Ward)

Facebook / Ramona Bonilla-Bonaez poses with Chicago Teachers Unions favorite Mayor Brandon Johnson

“A Chief Union Steward, Chicago Public Schools” and “Three-Term Elected Executive Board Member, SEIU Local 73”. When Ramona Bonilla-Bonaez ran for 31st GOP Chair, she sought approval and funds from the famously democrat SEIU board, raising the possibility that she is an entire democrat plant.

Facebook/ Ramona Bonilla-Bonaez

However, that changed a few months ago. Ramona was just removed from her SEIU post over allegedly offensive social media posts.

Bomani-Anneal lawyered up and is hoping to regain her post in the said based on the First Amendment.

Press Conference with her Lawyer

The minion-minded in the Chicago GOP is rallying behind her as a long-shot attempt to damage the powerful SEIU.

Leaked email among the ne’er-d0-wells Chicago GOP committeeman

Ramona has a history of vulgar speech, and SEIU may end up looking good while the Chicago GOP looks foolish, fighting for one of their leaders to get their job back at a union they opposed. We obtained a voice message in which Bomani-Anneal uses strong sexual language and calls a fellow Republican activist a “nasty bitch”. Viewer discretion is advised.

Exclusive IR audio

A party that rails against DEI and union meddling should think twice before rallying behind Bonilla-Anaiel. But a lot of Chicago Republicans have an unhealthy obsession with race and gender that can cause logical blindspots.

Bonilla-Anaiel would be an embarrassing, hypocritical pick for Cook County chair, which in the Cook County GOP is no deterrent to success.

Steve Boulton (27th Ward)

Although Ivy League educated and practicing law for over three decades, Boulton has not risen above run-of-the-mill lawyer and is now working under former democrat cook county committeeman Tony Peraica's law firm.

To the public, Peraica's most notable moment was getting arrested for whacking his opponent's campaign sign. However, Tony Peraica showed Steve Boulton the playbook to employ past their prime Democrats to raise significant money by running as Republicans in Cook.

Peraica ended up running four elections as a Republican in Cook County, losing each election but raising money and having fun along the way.

Boulton would rise to the position of Chicago GOP chair and fully embrace Peraica's strategy of championing failed democrats to run as Republicans.

Former Democratic alderman Bob Fioretti, who looks like a nightclub character in a Beetlejuice movie, is a prime example of a candidate Boulton would prop up in repeated county-wide races. Fioretti was a founding member of the progressive alderman caucus but experienced a second political life running doomed campaigns for states Attorney and county commissioner.

Controversially, Boulton ignored the Chicago mayor's race, never running a Republican mayor during his term as Chicago GOP chair.

Thankfully, Boulton's chairship would end in irony and disgrace.

Boulton publicly boasted about his hard work; however, he failed to do the bare minimum to appear on the ballot.

facebook/ Stephen Boulton

A committeeman's fundamental responsibility is to collect signatures to appear on the ballot. Boulton felt the need to collect only less than 20 signatures and outsourced the other 280 to questionable figures who did not know the district or have a stake in collecting legitimate signatures.

In a sign of bad leadership, Boulton has blamed Democrats, Republicans, and random people, including the author of this post, for his removal. However, the truth is that Boulton's laziness, unfamiliarity with the community, and critical inability to do the job led to his removal.

Yet, like a gadfly in a Turkish bathhouse, Boulton re-emerged and was appointed 27th ward chair, highlighting his legitimate pull in the GOP cook committee community. There is chatter that Boulton seems to have a "triumphant" return by taking the chair on April 22nd.

However, he faces a genuine setback due to his unlikability. He often berates Cook Area Republicans online and in person. Also, Boulton's intent to force long, uninteresting speeches on all occasions is something that even his closest allies may dread.

However, Boulton holds a few queens in the Cook County GOP House of Cards and has a slippery path to victory.

Ammie Kessem (41st Ward)

A police officer and serial candidate for office. If Kessem were to win, she would be a puppet for Matt Podgorski and his Northwest Side GOP (NWSGOP). At one point, the Northwest Side GOP looked like a refreshing force, fielding strong candidates like Anthony Beckman and Jeff Muehlfelder in neighborhoods long abandoned by the Republican Party, leading them to near victory.

Anthony Beckman nearly won his election for state senator despite fighting cancer and working his job as a police officer.

The author of this piece was a member back then—and remembers the club feeling more like a matchmaking scheme than a political operation. Podgorski, married then, seemed to run the NWSGOP essentially to impress his also-married crush, Ammie Kessem. They’re married to each other now. The club has spent no small amount of energy boosting the Northwest Side’s political couples' multiple campaigns, including Kessem’s successful bid for 41st Ward committeeman.

Facebook/ Kathy Salvi (left), Matt Podgorski (center), Ammie Kessem (Right)

However, Podgorski may not have needed the club to score his bride; the real motivating factor for the NSWGOP club might’ve been to grease the wheels for Podgorski’s polling firms—first Ogden & Fry, then post-divorce M3 Strategies. M3 pulled in over $513,000 on Paul Vallas’s mayoral campaign alone.

Paul Vallas for Mayor Campaign Finances

To the benefit of the moderate democrat Chicago SChool president Paul Vallas, The NWSGOP didn’t advocate for a Republican to run for mayor in Chicago—and many Republicans are bitter about the lack of a challenge and question a financial motivation.

Under Podgorski and Kessem, the club has alienated local conservatives by playing footsie with Democrats and refusing to run GOP candidates for school board, alderman, or mayor. Their strategy seems clear: back “moderate” Democrats with business or political ties to M3.

Additionally, Kessem herself has a reputation problem—across the aisle. Republicans and Democrats alike have called her rude and divisive. She once barred Black conservative activist George Blakemore from a Tom Homan speaking event, causing such a stir that ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi and RNC Committeeman Dean White had to take Blakemore out for seafood as damage control.

Illinois Record Story that brings up the incident

Local Democrats have also accused her of racism, homophobia, and doxxing a teacher. Kessem, who also has complaints as a Chicago police sergeant, if elected, would be an easy target for Democrats.

Democrat Blogger using Kesem as a target to denigrate republicans and police officers.

Kessem has 17 allegations as a police sergeant report link here

The NWSGOP area committee only controls around 10% of the weighted vote. But if the Democrat party has plants, they may get behind Kessem to use her unpopularity as a way to deflect from the Democrat failed policies. It is an unfortunate fact that many of the 80 voting GOP committeemen can be considered "creepy," and that is the reality of the voting population that will decide the chair. We do not advocate that Kessem go for the chair. But If Kessem really was deadset on gaining the chair to obtain 6 to 7 figures of m3 strategy clientele, creepy old men are her best hope. Kessem’s path to victory is dark and slimy but obtainable.

Walter Adamczyk (29th Ward)

Known as "Chicago Wally," Adamczyk is a West Side community leader and one of the rare GOP committeemen who raised over $1,000 this year.

Adamczyk’s PAC

Adamczykis is an independent, Trump-supporting candidate with common-sense ideas that tackle significant issues. Specifically, Adamychyk wants the party to fight gerrymandering, citing a lack of Polish representation, and repeal the Pat Quin-created Cutback Amendment that has mathematically given Democrats an unfair advantage.

His deputy committeeman is Twitter sensation Lawyer Pericles Abassi. Although known for edgy, ironic memes on Twitter, Abassi has been praised by an election lawyer as the best election lawyer in Illinois. He routinely beats both Cook area Republicans and Democrats in court.

Twitter/ Pericles and Walt

Pericles has ties to the FOP, the Democrat party, and the Republican party but is a staunch supporter of President Trump.

Pericle’s could be a real asset in fighting Illinois law designed for Republicans to lose in Cook County.

Walt’s path to victory hinges on either Pericles uncovering a Perry Mason-style legal loophole or the sheer force of Chicago Wally. Many of the voting committeemen aren’t exactly known for their appetite for confrontation.

CJ Gallo (2nd Ward)

CJ Gallo Started his political journey with the Bruce Rauner for Governor Campaign. He now runs Surus operations in Illinois. CJ insists the GOP clubs are key to party success—and professionally, he needs them to be.

CJ Gallo Surus Website

Surus has often been criticized as a neocon middleman who has paid a key part of the Republican party's electoral disappearance from Cook and the collar counties. It's a business that sells influence.

Gallo, to his credit, has built genuine relationships with committeemen. His people skills are strong. Surus has multi-year contracts with high-weight committeemen in Schaumburg, Maine, Northfield, Chicago, and more. If they line up behind him, he's a top-tier contender.

From Surus' perspective, a Gallo win makes perfect sense. There are still seven figures in potential yearly revenue from Cook County organizations that haven't "played ball"—Elk Grove, Norwood Park, Evanston, New Trier, and More.

Facebook/ Surus Jeff fiedler wins the Ronald Reagan award from the Chicago Young Republicans

Gallo's best chance is in a crowded, chaotic race where enough flawed candidates dilute the field and give committeemen aligned with Surus room to back him while maintaining plausible deniability. That way, if Surus faces blowback for its role in the ILGOP's broader failures, those committeemen can deflect responsibility that "the alternatives were even worse."

The Illinois Record breaks down all other rumored Republican’s aiming to run for governor in 2026 .

Twitter/ President Trump calls on Republicans to run against Governor JB Pritzker to save Illinois.

Richard Porter

Appointed as a special assistant to President George H.W. Bush, attorney Richard Porter has spent decades as a behind-the-scenes player in Republican politics.

Portrayed by Christopher Wallinger in Impeachment: American Crime Story, Richard Porter was “the fixer” who spent six years probing and publicizing Bill Clinton’s sex scandals, ultimately leading to his impeachment.

American Crime Story/ Christopher Wallinger as Richard Porter (left)

More recently, Porter served as Illinois’ RNC Committeeman.

Porter has flirted with a gubernatorial run for years—but never pulled the trigger. That could change in 2026.

Facebook / Richard Porter supporting Richard Irvin for Governor alongside Lynn O’Brien. Porter’s support for liberal Richard Irvin could come back to bite him in a Republican Primary.

Porter has been appearing on local radio, tested the waters with potential allies, and published national op-eds on tariffs . All signs suggest he’s seriously considering jumping in. Still, Porter is famously cautious. Even with a viable path to a primary win, he may sit it out—especially with JB Pritzker’s advantages: Taxpayer money to buy state and local employee support, name recognition, eight-figure campaign funds, and an election-rated “Safe Democrat” from the Cook Political Report.

We’ve previously criticized Porter for cozying up to questionable ILGOP figures. But Porter’s philosophy is to fund everyone, and he doesn’t play favorites. His influence flows through steak dinners, front row Cubs seats, and checks ranging from $500 to $10,000.

Facebook/ Tom Devore brags about cubs tickets

In a state where a new washing machine costs more than most Republican organizations’ bank accounts, Porter’s largesse buys absolute loyalty that spans Republican ideology.

He might be the only guy in Illinois who could get soon-to-be-former attorney Tom DeVore and his nemesis, House GOP Leader Tony McCombie, to back him in a primary.

Facebook/ Richard Porter with State Rep Tony McCombie

Facebook/ Thomas Devore with Richard Porter

Porter says he’s uniting the party. We might say he’s enabling its losing, corrupt culture. Either way, his Chicago ties and polished presence (he’s a former partner at Kirkland & Ellis) make him a candidate who likely will not scare independent and Democrat voters who have haunted Republican state-wide elections hopes by creating a new stronghold in cook-and-the-collar suburban counties.

In The Illinois Record’s view, Porter’s biggest threat is a Republican primary where Southern Illinois has an outsized influence—and most of the candidates are from the north. For Porter to emerge from the Republican primary, he must either dominate his home turf or hope the field gets crowded with multiple candidates with strong ties to Southern Illinois.

Darren Bailey

Darren Bailey is a multigenerational Illinois farmer, former state senator, and founder of Full Armor Christian Academy (pre-K through 12). He is the 2022 Republican nominee for governor and a 2024 nominee for Congress against incumbent Mike Bost.

This week, Darren Bailey was in D.C. looking for financial backing after speaking at the McHenry County Lincoln Day Dinner and promoting his new book—classic signals he’s eyeing a comeback.

Facebook/ Darren Bailey poses with Tom Webber at Mchenry Counties April 5th Lincoln day dinner in which Bailey was the headline speaker.

Facebook/ April 6th Darren Bailey takes to DC to apparently seek big money supporters for a Gubernatorial race.

But he may need a new top donor. In 2022, Republican megadonor Dick Uihlein pumped more than $50 million into Bailey’s campaign effort—$10 million directly to Bailey, and $42 million to the Proft-run PAC People Who Play By the Rules. Uihlein demanded Dan Proft—not Bailey—control the spending, a setup that drew legal scrutiny and triggered a lawsuit over potential coordination. This time around, insiders say Uihlein may focus on safer bets like local races—or sit the cycle out entirely.

Capitol News Illinois / Andrew Adams and Hannah Meisel

Bailey still has real strengths: statewide name recognition from two major campaigns and likely support from pro-life organizations. But the vulnerabilities are just as real—voter fatigue, scorched-earth baggage from a bitter congressional primary with MAGA Rep. Mike Bost, and the risk that old controversies, like the quietly-settled labor dispute with his teenage “body man,” resurface at the worst possible time.

The Illinoize/ Patrick Pfingsten covers the potential scandal between Bailey and a teen boy that was eventually squashed, but could re-emerge.

Bailey also knows what a governor’s race costs—and what losing a third time could mean. Still, in a fractured primary field, Bailey has a path to win the primary. He’s one of the few with the conservative brand, the base, and the campaign experience to run a statewide campaign.

Aaron Del Mar

Del Mar made his statewide debut as Gary Rabine’s 2022 running mate, but in Cook County, he’s been a bureaucratic title collector for years. He’s served as a Rauner appointee to the State Highway Commission, Chair of the Palatine GOP, 5th District State Central Committeeman, on-again/off-again ILGOP Co-Chair, and the Cook County GOP chair.

Of course, there's the $20k-a-year paid position as Palatine Highway Commissioner, which this month he controversially managed to hold onto by cutting deals with Palatine Democrats to run a mixed slate, avoiding an election, and securing a taxpayer-funded job many believe shouldn't even exist.

Breakthrough Ideas/ Article on Del Mar’s deal with Democrats.

We’ve reported on Del Mar extensively, often highlighting his troubling connections to SoulRaper.com. What we haven’t revealed is that a national journalist tipped us off, and that same reporter has since compiled information that could seriously damage Del Mar’s political ambitions, both here and elsewhere. Del Mar’s campaign could easily become the perfect pinata for Illinois Democrats to swing at, offering them a chance to deflect from their own record while using Del Mar to paint Republicans as slimy hypocrites without values.

The smart move for Del Mar would be to write a book and slide into a comfy pundit gig next to his political mentor Pat Brady, Chicago media’s favorite “Republican in name only.” to opine on issues of the day.

Still, Del Mar has put in a lot of time—hundreds of hours at Lincoln Day events statewide— and likely would enjoy a year long party, fundraising, and self promotion tour that comes even with losing gubernatorial campaigns.

And there have been public hints that Del Mar may forego basic risk management and run for governor

Gary Rabine’s now deleted Facebook post announcing that Del Mar will be running with “Kristy” .

Gary Rabine recently let it slip online that Del Mar is indeed running for governor and with former Chicago Luv-a-Bull Kristina McCloy as Del Mar’s Lt Gov. Another clue came when Del Mar announced a “once-in-four-year” fundraiser at his Palatine United party running mate Andy John Kalkounas's steakhouse, a not-so-subtle hint toward a gubernatorial bid, given that the race is held every four years.

Facebook. Aaron Del mar announces a “once in every 4 year event!”

Facebook / Andy-John Kalkounas, Former Dennis Hastert worker Mark Vargas, and Del Mar. in 2022, Andy John- Kalkounas controversially launched a culinary scholarship with his brother, Stelia—who, at the time, was a convicted sex offender. In 2024, Stelia was indicted again—this time for child trafficking and producing child pornography as part of a apparent disturbingly sophisticated operation.

Del Mar faces an uphill battle with the MAGA base after blaming Trump for January 6th and striking a deal to run alongside far-left Palatine Democrats. He'll also draw fire from the MAHA crowd due to his strong support for COVID vaccines. Suburban Neocons may bypass him in favor of a more polished candidate like Richard Porter, especially if Del Mar picks a Chicago Bulls cheerleader as his running mate.

Facebook/ Del Mar (left) talks with his Palatine township running mate Andy-John Kalkounas

The pro-life lane—at least in theory—could be open to Del Mar, but it's still a long shot. He now claims to be pro-life, but most groups in that space are more likely to rally behind candidates with a stronger anti-abortion record, like Darren Bailey or Jeanne Ives. And religious organizations will likely hesitate to endorse someone who actively runs casino-style gambling events and once owned a site called SoulRaper.com with demonic imagery.

Jeanne Ives

Jeanne Ives was a highly active Republican state rep who remains a bona fide Illinois conservative celebrity, thanks to her 2018 challenge to the unpopular Governor Bruce Rauner—where she came shockingly close to winning.

Since her loss to Sean Casten in the 2020 congressional race, Ives claims to dedicate 50 hours a week to her nonprofit, Breakthrough Ideas, which has been profiting her six figures annually.

Facebook/ Jeanne Ives campaigning for Congress

The organization seems to shift from one hot-button issue to another—pornographic books in schools, fentanyl, the Mexican border, China—and now "Doge." Breakthrough Ideas raises around a million dollars annually, all while heavily promoting Ives' brand through a podcast and a sponsored spot on an AM radio.

AM 560’s website for Breakthrough Ideas show

We jokingly call her Jeanne “DEIves,” a nod to her acceptance into West Point right after they introduced affirmative action-like policies to admit women—while Ives’s since built a career criticizing DEI and other identity-driven agendas. She’s managed to pull in millions of donations from people who already agree with her, but hasn’t exactly expanded her appeal beyond that base.

Facebook/ Jeanne Ives West Point Graduation

A political science aficionado, Ives likely knows she won't win, but that's not necessarily the goal. Running for Governor could be an excuse to raise tens of millions of dollars—money she can not spend and later donate to her "nonprofit," Breakthrough Ideas. All while getting a years-long media tour that will be the equivalent of millions in earned media and will help keep her brand relevant.

If Darren Bailey drops out, Ives could quickly secure pro-life endorsements, often the clearest indicator of who will win a contested GOP primary.

And with obese billionaire JB Pritzker being a popular target of Republicans' angst, the primary winner could easily rake in over 100 million dollars from passionate donors, creating a sizeable financial ceiling for Ives to consider.

Joe Severino

Facebook / “Severino for Governor” has appeared as a seemingly official account.

Lake Forest businessman and family man Joe Severino may have tipped his hand with a subtle Facebook photo update. He was floated on the ILGOP consultant podcast Smoke-Filled Room, and even his critics—like consultant Philippe Mila—admitted that if Severino runes “he probably will not be insignificant."

Smoke Filled Room / Time Stamp 35 minutes 26 seconds

Severino would be the most Trump-like candidate in the field. Perhaps the GOP’s most effective political brawler, Severino combines raw facts with brutal, Trump-style haymakers.

Facebook/ Joseph Severino speaks at an event.

He doesn’t hold back: calling out a GOP official accused of groping teens (who resigned), exposing a committeeman for following porn bots, highlighting a congressional candidate’s ties to the CCP sale, and demanding Sheriff Mendrick take a lie detector test over his alleged hate crime hoax.

Facebook/ Severino calls for James Mendrick to take a polygraph test.

Severino’s attacks often go beyond what’s considered “normal politics,” but they land because he usually spotlights politically relevant, uncomfortable truths.

Facebook/ Severino calls out Democrat Congressman Brad Scneider over Deerfield police reports involving a sex worker.

As a Trump-supporting, religious, pro-life, MAGA, MAHA conservative living among rich neocons in the Northern Suburbs, Joe is well-positioned to connect with the diverse constituencies that shape a Republican primary. He could be a serious contender in a race that might not attract many serious candidates.

Insiders say Severino’s campaign promise is to “put the Illinois Republican Party on trial.” Given the party’s parade of ethical lapses, corruption, and outright weirdness, we’re not opposed to seeing that message spread across the state.

Todd Ricketts

Todd Ricketts is a board member at TD Ameritrade, former RNC Finance Chair under Trump, and most famously, a co-owner of the Cubs who played a key role in ending their World Series drought

Ricketts is a religious conservative, a wealthy businessman, and a Trump ally—everything you need to win a partisan primary. In a general election, Ricketts is one of the few who could credibly compete with Pritzker’s fundraising and name recognition.

However, Ricketts has been silent so far. A brighter path to a general election win would be running for untrustworthy republican Darin LaHood’s safe Republican seat in the 16th district. But if Ricketts jumps in the 2026 Gubernatorial race, he instantly becomes a frontrunner in the primary and a threat in the general.

John Cabello

A longtime Rockford police detective and multi-term Republican rep from Northern Illinois, Representative Cabello was the first Illinois elected official to endorse Donald Trump for president in 2016 and served on his victory committee.

In 2024, he came a few votes short of becoming the ILGOP Chair. If the vote had been public, Cabello likely would’ve beaten Kathy Salvi easily— who recently told a crowd that she wears the phrase “RINO” as a badge of honor.

But unfortunately, the ILGOP chair is decided by mostly corrupt or strange state central committeemen. And the 17 SCC members narrowly chose Salvi, who, despite frequent media appearances, still hasn’t delivered a coherent sentence—or an electoral win.

Running for governor would mean giving up his House seat, which might give Cabello pause. But don’t rule it out. Trump, who recently said the 2026 race is the “last hope” to save Illinois, could lobby one of the few elected republicans in Illinois to to fight Pritzker. Cabello—who is calling for the creation of an Illinois DOGE committee, has constituents in critical collar counties, has message discipline, and isn’t afraid to be a Maga republican—would be on the shortlist.

Kevin Warren

Kevin Warren is a devout Christian who often praises the Lord and credits faith as the foundation of every decision he makes.

Sportspectrum.com / article by Kevin Mercer

A former college basketball standout, Warren earned his law degree from Notre Dame and rose through the ranks in sports law to president of the Big Ten conference. He won praise from football fans for working with President Trump to save the 2021 college football season and helped lead the big ten conference’s last expansion.

Since 2023, Warren has been at the helm of the Chicago Bears, overseeing a fan-favorite rebuild and spearheading efforts to move the team from leasing Soldier Field to revitalizing the former Arlington race track into the Bear's new home stadium. While Pritzker has pushed back on Bear's request for 30% state funding, some speculate Warren may respond to Pritzker in a big way by running for governor.

There's talk of drafting him into the race, but Warren would have to step away from a promising 2025 Bears team. Though he's never publicly declared a party affiliation, his values and faith-first approach—recognized in 2023 with the Tony Dungy "Uncommon Award"—would likely resonate with GOP primary voters.

And of course, don’t be surprised if a local mayor, state senator, or outsider businessman jumps in. The Illinois Record is ready to host a debate—and we’ll offer this platform to anyone who seeks higher office.

Unless you fake a hate crime. Then we’d really have to think about it.

James Mendrick still has not answered to the holes and inconsistencies in his alleged hate crime hoax.

Warning shocking content. Orland Park Police released the text messages Anthony Martin sent to the teenager he molested at Sean Morrison’s house. Even after Martin’s arrest, Morrison insisted he “trusted Martin” — and continued to employ him and provide him with a cell phone.

Illinois Record previously reported on Sean Morrison’s letter to Cook County Judge Hynes, urging leniency for Anthony Martin — a man convicted of molesting a teenager at Morrison’s own home. The judge ultimately granted that leniency, even allowing Martin to travel on Morrison’s behalf. Unlike the non–child sex offenders Morrison routinely criticizes on Twitter, Martin quickly re-offended in Colorado.

Twitter/ Sean Morrison

Morrison’s nine years at the helm were defined by scandal, financial collapse, and political irrelevance. The high point of his tenure turned out to be the moment he walked away.

Morrison is seeking to extend his corrupt legacy by pushing his longtime crony and political ally, Aaron Del Mar, as his replacement. He’s not just backing Del Mar politically — he’s also the godfather to Del Mar’s child. That kind of personal tie says everything about how deep this alliance runs — and just how desperate they are to keep control.

Facebook / Aaron Del Mar holds hands with Sean Morrison

Facebook / Sean Morrison and Aaron Del Mar embrace

Facebook/ Aaron Del Mar and Morrison take a playful photo.

Del Mar, who has recently resigned twice as Illinois State Party Co-Chair, is best known on the Illinois Record as an adult entertainment entrepreneur operating both Chicago tryst and SoulRaper.com .

Illinois Record/ Early December 2024, Leaked email sent to ILGOP officials announcing Del Mar’s plans to resign.

Journal & Topics'/ Aaron Del Mar resigned twice from his role as ILGOP co-chair — first on December 6, 2024, and again on January 29, 2025. The position itself was recently created and holds no official power

Facebook/ Del Mar’s second resignation also served as a grandstanding moment. Reportedly, he was upset over not being appointed to a vacant state senate seat.

Illinois Record/ WHOIS data confirms Aaron Del Mar’s ownership of SoulRaper.com — a site that featured an image of what appears to be Satan alongside the question, “Got Soul?”. Albeit with different intentions, it’s the same question Illinois Record often asks of political figures.

Whoever is next named chair is set to inherit what’s left of the Cook County GOP, including its pathetic $4,410.49 bank account.

Illinois Sunshine/ Cook County GOP’s account

Illinois Record will continue tracking this race — naming every candidate who steps up, and every committeeman willing to sell their soul to soul to SoulRaper.com’s Aaron Del Mar. The public deserves transparency — not another decade of coverups, perversion, and embarrassment.

Photo of Illinois Republicans and US Presidents Honest Abe Lincoln and Ulysses “Unconditional Surrender” Grant .

One path forward might be for Cook County citizens to form an alternative organization to support Republican efforts — one actually rooted in principle. Ideally, that means biblical values, but frankly, any guiding principle would be an improvement over the party’s current perverse state. It’s not healthy for any community — liberal or conservative — to function under a one-party system. As it stands, the Cook County GOP seems built to drive people out, trading integrity for scraps of power, corruption, and insider deals.

One major red flag? When a Republican runs unopposed in a race where Democrats could have easily fielded a challenger.

Facebook / Aaron Del Mar’s watch party for his uncontested election at Chicago Prime Steakhouse

To his credit, Palatine GOP Chair and adult entertainment entrepreneur Aaron Del Mar (SoulRaper.com, ChicagoTryst.com) at least admitted to conspiring with Democrats to secure an uncontested win for a low-effort position that personally nets him around $20,000 a year. But the public hasn’t received similar explanations from officials in Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Wheeling, and Schaumburg—areas that vote Democrat yet mysteriously elected "Republicans" to paid township government positions without a single Democrat on the ballot.

Breakthrough Ideas / Jeanne DEIves articl on Del Mar’s deal with the Dems

Internet Archive of the single page of Aaron Del Mar’s Soul Raper.com

Elk Grove Village 2025 vs 2024 election results

Schaumburg 2025 vs Schaumburg 2024

Elgin 2024 vs 2025 election results

Even in technically nonpartisan mayoral races, suspicious patterns emerge. Casey Urlacher and Greg Hart—both marketed as Republicans—ran unopposed in liberal-leaning towns, Hinsdale and Metawa respectfully. These are high-profile, controversial figures that should have drawn Democratic challengers. Yet, they didn’t.

Facebook / Greg Hart Chaired the controversial ILGOP Bank the Vote Gala

In right-leaning areas like Bloomingdale, Illinois Record finds it questionable that no Democrat challenged Bloomingdale GOP Chair John Dabrowski for the assessor’s office—a six-figure position.

Over in Wheeling Township, Illinois Record previously reported that Chair Kathy Penner—who had run unopposed before—would face a challenger if she failed to block Republican Michelle Hunter from appearing on the trustee ballot. Sure enough, Penner had competition and lost her $38,000 township gig. But for some reason, Democrats had no issue letting her fellow "Republicans" Ken Joachum and Joanna Gauza slide through unopposed.

While Cook and the collar counties suffered the worst GOP losses, Republicans were decimated statewide. Trump secured 45% of the vote in Illinois in 2024, yet by 2025, Republicans had lost 70% of their races.

At this point, Illinois Record's thesis of corruption is almost kinder than the alternative—extreme negligence. Since local races typically see voter turnout between 5-20%, they are less about reflecting public sentiment and more about testing a party’s ability to organize and turn out voters. By that measure, the Illinois GOP’s election apparatus is an unmitigated disaster.

Even DuPage County GOP Chair Kevin Coyne admitted as much, publicly agreeing with our assessment. But rather than offer an apology or any self-reflection after overseeing an abysmal 0-41 record, Coyne was off enjoying a cruise while his party burned.

Facebook/ DuPage County Republicans

Facebook / Kevin Coyne the eve of election day

Facebook/ a DuPage Republican complains about the GOP’s lack of electioneering

Then there’s ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi, whose own “Nero fiddling while Rome burns” moment came as she appeared on Fox News on election day incoherently grandstanding while the party collapsed around her. Illinois Record has long documented concerns about Salvi’s inability to articulate a coherent message, and now that perception has extended beyond political insiders and into the general public.

Fox News/ April 1st which was also election day

Capitol Fax / Comments from a recent article asking readers to “rate Kathy Salvi’s interview”

Other Republican "leaders" who went down in flames include Barrington GOP Chair Peter Kopsaftis, two-time election loser and 2026 congressional hopeful James Marter, former gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin, and Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau—delivering a devastating blow to their political ambitions.

Christine Clausen, a self-proclaimed grassroots leader, couldn’t even secure a re-election win for Steve Balich—despite the fact that his opponents, the "Reset Slate," had open support from the Homer Glen Democratic Party. Worse yet, Balich only needed to win the Republican primary to stay in office.

Facebook / Steve Balich poses with Kevin Coyne (right). Coyne, Kathy Salvi, Christina Clausen,, and many other ILGOP leaders alleged to be helping Coyne fight off the Democrat Party’s plan to beat a Republican in a Republican Primary.

Marter, who is still being propped up as a GOP Candidate for 2026, didn’t just lose—he lost twice in one day, failing in both the Oswego Public Library and school board races.

As for Pekau and Irvin, after benefiting from tens of millions in GOP donor cash, their exit from the political scene might be the only silver lining in this Republican wipeout.

The failures don’t stop at the ballot box. GOP leadership in these counties has been plagued by ethical scandals. Read our reports on Cook County GOP Chair Sean Morrison’s written defense of a pedophile, Lake County GOP’s Keith Brin allegedly trying to “sell” a state Senate seat, and the Kane County GOP Chair’s repeated lies.

Yet, despite all this, rank-and-file Republicans have yet to censure a single one of these failed, compromised leaders. But after yesterday’s devastating losses, maybe—just maybe—true conservatives will finally wake up, reconnect with voters, and start holding their so-called leaders accountable. Because if GOP leaders are willing to play along, Democrats certainly won’t be the ones to stop them.

Facebook / Burt Minor. Left to right Chairman Dan Cronin, Burt Minor, James Mendrick, State Rep Patti Bellock and state rep David S. Olsen

However, campaign disclosures reveal that Mendrick is primarily funded by longtime “establishment” politician Dan Cronin—a former state representative, state senator, and DuPage County chairman—along with leftover funds from his controversial sheriff campaign fund.

ABC News/ Mendrick election story by Sarah Schulte

When Mendrick ran for DuPage County Sheriff, he was criticized for being funded by “a registered sex offender” and “vendors hired by the county”..

A closer look at Mendrick’s finances reveals backing from several auto body shops, sanitation and recycling companies, trucking and packaging businesses, and shipping companies—including those with an international focus—along with other industries often linked to money laundering or benefiting from a sheriff’s protection.

Although the Illinois Record makes no accusations against any of the companies that have donated to Sheriff Mendrick’s campaign, we acknowledge that the optics are troubling—especially for a sheriff tasked with maintaining law and order.

Facebook / The Profile picture of one of the business owners who backed Mendrick Campaign for Dupage County Sheriff. Face intentionally blurred.

Since announcing his candidacy, Mendrick has only raised $6,000—an amount woefully insufficient to sustain a statewide campaign for governor.

Illinois Sunshine/ James Mendrick only reported 2 donations in March despite announcing and later announcing a LT GOV Candidate

Republican insiders claim Mendrick is burning through cash, and his campaign may be at risk of failing to achieve the costly task of actually appearing on the ballot.

Chicago Sun Times/ Staff Report about Jesse Sullivans 11 million dollar first week as a GOP Governor Candidate

For comparison, Jesse Sullivan—who ranked third in spending among GOP candidates in the last gubernatorial race—raised $11 million in his first week and still struggled to get on the ballot, a notoriously costly and difficult process

Illinois Review reported that Dick Uihlein proxy Jeanne Ives was backing Mendrick—only for her to later deny the endorsement and call the Illinois Review a “gossip rag”.

Illinois Review’s initial report of an Ives endorsement of Mendrick for Governor

Facebook / Jeanne Ives

As J.B. Pritzker prepares to officially decide on running for re-election, serious candidates will enter the race, leaving Mendrick in the dust.

But we’ve heard a rumored theory: Mendrick’s campaign isn’t about winning—it’s about not running for re-election as DuPage County Sheriff. An election he would likely lose.

Mendrick’s tenure as sheriff has been riddled with controversy, including, most recently, agreeing to pay an $11 million settlement for the wrongful death of a 50 year old mother.

Chicago Tribune Coverage of Sheriff Mendrick settling for the wrongful death of a 50 year old mother

If Mendrick’s goal is to exit law enforcement without facing a humiliating loss in 2026, a doomed gubernatorial campaign might be his way out—while also enjoying free dinners across the state with political ally and alleged drinking buddy Val Ojeda.

The Illinois Records coverage of Val Ojeda.

The Illinois Record takes hate crime allegations seriously. That’s why we investigated Sheriff Mendrick’s claims with an open mind, following journalistic protocols—contacting Mendrick and his team, filing open records requests, and reviewing all available evidence.

Illinois Record FOIA Requests

Our conclusion was not our desired conclusion. The facts overwhelmingly suggest a hoax designed to drum up attention for a failing campaign.

In response to our article, Mendrick had a meltdown, posting a defamatory statement across three social media platforms. Once again, he painted himself as a brave victim with strong values, claiming he wouldn’t wish “horrible verbiage… on his worst enemy.” Then, in a blatant contradiction, he proceeded to call the author of this article “evil,” a “devoid of morality” and a “powder keg” that he called on his followers to “light up”—rhetoric that mirrors the very toxic political discourse he claims to condemn.

Sheriff Mendrick posted above to his campaign Facebook account, personal facebook account and Linkedin

Mendrick then made a baseless accusation that the author of this article is engaged in a conspiracy “led by” Terry Newsome—a local activist who has previously criticized Illinois Record for using a Southern Poverty Law hyperlink in an article.

The Illinois Record rebukes Mendrick’s ridiculous conspiracy theory and believe it is unbecoming behavior of a potential governor.

In fact, Terry Newsome is known for documenting Mendrick’s “bad verbiage” and bullying toward him on The Gateway Pundit.

The Gateway Pundit Story detailing Terry Newsome allegations of harrasment from Sheriff Mendricks

The most glaring hole in Mendrick’s response was his lack of denial of any of the specific claims raised—from serious issues, like Woodridge PD records contradicting his claim of an “open investigation,” to trivial ones, like his prolific Xbox gamertag being “tyme to die.”

Mendrick also mischaracterized legitimate scrutiny as an attack on his family. His wife appears to operate the official campaign phone line, she serves as its treasurer, and she is widely known to be the brains behind his campaigns.

Illinois Sunshine/ Officers of Mendrick’s Governor campaign Committee

Facebook / Jammes Mendrick

Personal text messages from Robert Renteria

Mendrick himself put his wife at the center of the alleged hate crime incident. And when a constituent reached out to her, it was out of concern—not bullying.

Mendrick’s wife confirming the presence of an operating security camera was critical evidence. Her statements about rain and a busy street preventing usable footage were important to report, as they further highlighted inconsistencies in Mendrick’s story. As online weather records for the area show 0% precipitation for both the day of and the day before the alleged hate crime.

Sheriff Mendrick’s wife/Campaign Treasurer/ Chief Campaign Strategist Cynthia Mendrick’s messaged to a concerned fan

weather reports show 0% precipitation the day of and the day before the alleged incident

James Mendrick’s campaign is built on contradictions, exaggerations, and outright fabrications.

For example, his campaign even refers to his running mate, Robert Renteria, as “Dr.,” despite his only credential being an honorary doctorate from a Mexican university—awarded while he was in Sacrimento—in a field the university does not appear to offer doctorates in at this time.

Facebook / James Mendrick referring to Robert Renteria as a “Dr”.

Robert Rentaria PRNEWSWIRE press release on receiving an honorary doctorate in Sacramento

Ibero University, Mexico City doctorate offerings. Renterio does openly claims to have only an honorary doctorate, but the Illinois Record condemns the use of “Dr.” out of the respect to those who spent years of study and an unfathomable amount of money to earn a doctorate degree.

Instead of clarifying his story, Mendrick smears his critics and dodges the facts. And while he threatens to “light the wick on this powder keg,” the only thing exploding is his credibility.

One of the names Sheriff Mendrick called out, Joe Severino—a likely primary opponent—has offered to sponsor a polygraph test. Illinois Record doesn’t fully endorse the idea, given polygraphs can be beaten, but it’s still a step in the right direction.

Political violence is a growing concern in a polarized America. Being targeted for expressing one's First Amendment rights is troubling at best and, at worst, threatens the foundation of our freedom.

Facebook/ Sheriff James Mendrick shows off his nun chuck while running for Illinois Governor

On Sunday, DuPage County Sheriff and Republican governor candidate James Mendrick posted three unclear photos of the same bullet on three social media accounts, racking up over 900 likes, claiming he was "not a soft target" and suggesting political opponents had tossed the unspent bullet onto his lawn as a threat.

Facebook/ James Mendrick

Facebook / James Mendrick Dupage County Sheriff page

LinkedIn / James Mendrick

Mendricks is currently the only Republican candidate to have declared for the 2026 Governor's race. His claims sparked concern, and the media reported on the story.

The Patch / Lisa Marie Farver

But on face value, the claim seemed questionable at best, and upon open record requests to both the Sheriff's office and Woodridge Police Department, there are now cannonball-sized holes in the Sheriff's story.

The first? Mendrick stated, "I have no weapons of that caliber that could receive that ammunition." However, the consensus is that the bullet appeared to be a 9mm Luger range round—one of the most common types in the world and the standard-issue ammunition for DuPage County sheriff's deputies. Mendrick not owning or having a family member or friend with a gun that accepted 9mm bullets is hard to believe.

Google search “dupage illinois county sheriff duty weapon”

The most logical explanation—that he or a guest accidentally dropped a range bullet—was dismissed oby Mendrick.

When asked by a Facebook follower to dust the bullet for fingerprints, Sheriff Mendrick blamed his wife.

Mendrick claimed that his wife—who also acts as his campaign's treasurer —mishandled the bullet before he took three separate photos, including one that appears intentionally blurry. His explanations then became even shakier.

Google Maps and his wife confirm they have security cameras. Mendrick's wife texted a concerned supporter, “We have cameras, but we live on a well-traveled road, and it was a garbage day and raining… no pictures.”

However, weather reports show 0% precipitation in Woodridge on both March 21st and March 22nd, both days having an average “dew point”.

Source https://www.wunderground.com/history/daily/us/il/woodridge/KMDW/date/2025-3-22

Additionally, Google Maps shows the Mendricks street to be quieter than described and the apparent existence of direct neighbors with “Ring” cameras.

While suggesting a violent threat, Sheriff Mendricks nonetheless showed little urgency in identifying a suspect.

Most damning to Mendrick’s story was Illinois Records' open record (FOIA) requests to the Woodridge Police Department and the Dupage County Sheriffs' Office, showing no records of a report whatsoever.

Without knowledge of our FOIA request, Mendrick's wife texted a concerned constituent that there was “an open investigation,” so they could not answer further questions.

And Mendrick’s LT Gover Candidate, author Robert Renteria, said that he had heard from Mendrick that he had filed a report and that the police were investigating the case.

When asked to get a response from Mendrick, Renteria texted, “He (Kendrick) called; he’s in the middle of a multiple homicides; his wife actually found the bullet. She’s very disturbed over everything. He doesn’t want her interviewing”.

Facebook / Illinois Governor James Mendrick (left), Lt Gov candidate Robert Renteria (right)

Yet on Tuesday, March 25th, the Illinois Record received a FOIA request back from the DuPage County sheriff’s office, and on Thursday, March 27th, the Illinois Record received a FOIA request back from the Woodridge police department.

Both the Sheriff's office and local police denied any record of the incident whatsoever after a "thorough search."

FOIA Request to Dupage County Sheriff

FOIA Request to Woodridge Police Department

The Woodridge PD and DuPage County Sheriff's response of no records of any kind directly contradicts the Mendrick family’s story of the allegedly harrowing incident.

Sources tell the Illinois Record that some within the Sheriff's department are puzzled and questioning the incident.

Why wouldn't Mendrick document the incident properly if a real political threat occurred? If a violent political terrorist is on the loose, all Republican candidates and political voices, and you think someone with nearly three decades in law enforcement would want to document the incident for the future?

Sheriff Mendrick’s alleged XBOX Live Profile “Tyme2Die” shows a relatively high 393,361 gamer score.

The Sheriff's use of social media instead of law enforcement shows a contradictory position—he portrays the incident as both serious and not serious. However, had Mendrick filed a police report, he would have opened up to legal liability, raising the suspicion of a Jussie Smollet-style political stunt.

ABC News coverage of Jussie Smollett’s police body cam footage

After all, the threat of political violence would garner more positive attention and sympathy for Mendrick's political campaign than even Jussie Smollet's wildest expectation of a political threat affecting his acting career.

Rolling Stone / Ernest Owens

Yet if Mendricks fabricated or exaggerated the event, he is undermining actual instances of political violence. As the party's only declared candidate, down-ballot Republicans would face heightened scrutiny and lose credibility in condemning staged political crimes—such as the case of Jussie Smollett.

Sheriff James Mendricks has a pattern of making public accusations without providing supporting evidence. In July 2022, he alleged that County Board Chairman candidate Pete DiCianni sent "undesirable" individuals to intimidate the families of Sheriff's deputies. However, when pressed for details or documentation through FOIA requests, the Sheriff's office and Mendricks provided no evidence.

The Patch / David Giuliani

Additionally, DuPage County activist Terry Newsome has accused Mendricks of weaponizing his office to threaten activists and private businesses. When pressed for comment, Mendricks disparaged Newsome and cited the criminal code for harassment.

The Gateway Pundit article on James Mendrick

The unwillingness to provide evidence and inconsistencies make it difficult to trust anything Sheriff Mendricks says, from his political affiliations—he switched from Democrat to Republican—to personal boasts like his nun chuck mastery or running six miles “every single day” for the last 17 years. A lack of trust in a Dupage County Sheriff's office harms the county's safety—arguably worse than losing faith in a political candidate.

Facebook / James Mendrick

Facebook / James Mendrick

The Illinois Record contacted the Mendricks campaign regarding the Xbox account and the alleged investigation. While representatives have responded, Mendricks himself has not.

The Illinois Record is a conservative publication, but an unfit Republican candidate challenging Governor Pritzker should concern everyone. A functioning democracy requires multiple credible candidates; we hope more contenders enter the race or Mendrick reconciles his trust with DuPage County citizens or resigns. Faking a political attack would be an egregious offense.

Aaron Del Mar, current Palatine GOP chair and former owner of soulraper.com, looked like his own soul came out of his body as Andro Lerario brutishly defended his decision to join Del Mar and Keith Brin in appointing non-Republican Darby Hills for the Republican state senate. Hills would replace Dan McConchie, one of the more reliable conservatives in the Illinois state senate.

Aaron Del Mar who politico hinted may be running for Governor owned Soulraper.com as recently as 2014

soulraper.com via the way back machine / GOP 5th district State Central Committtee and Palatine GOP Chair Aaron Del Mar’s former website

Showing poor judgment, Andro posted the embarrassing speech on the Kane GOP's official YouTube channel. The video, one of the few posted in months, features Lerario ranting and blaming Republicans for failing to research the senate candidates for him. One Illinois Republican described the speech as if “Shrek the cartoon character watched too many Chicago Mob movies”.

Facebook / Kane County GOP Andro ditches the Chicago Mob character for Cowboy attire

Andro claimed he “didn’t know any one of those people. I only met (state Representative) Marty (McLaughlin) at a picnic for barely a minute." and based his decision on unclear math as well as Darby Hill's ability to look him in the eye during a private interview. Lerario dismissed accusations of corruption or bias as "bullshit."

YouTube Screen shot/ Kane County GOP. Self Proclaimed prophet Lance Bell (left) and Kane County GOP chair Andro Lerario dressed up as a Trump supporter

Andro's public speech directly contradicts what he said just two weeks earlier. In a public Facebook post, attorney Tom Devore quoted Lerario:

Facebook / Kane County GOP Tom Devore (left), Andro Lerario (right)

"It was obvious the outcome was decided before I even walked in. I was the only one who suggested an alternative path: electing Marty and then talking to Darby about running for his House seat. No one else provided any creative solutions. I pushed Keith on this, and if Peter, Jeff, or Andy deny it, I'm sure John Fogarty will back me up."

Facebook / Tom Devore

Another contradiction: Lerario claimed he barely knew McLaughlin, yet seconds later, he called him a "great man."'

Lerario's vote looked more like cover for Lake County Chair Keith Brin, whose vote accounted for over 50% of the total.

Kane County GOP members are used to Andro's contradictions and outbursts.

Facebook / Kane County GOP Andro Lerario speaks in favor of self proclaimed Prophet Lance Bell

During the last election, one of the most important races under Lerario's watch was the Kane County Chair, responsible for overseeing a $450 million budget. Andro backed his friend Lance Bell without seeking other candidates until it was too late.

A disturbing now deleted youtube video from Lance Bell’s own channel / The Video was Bell forcing a young girl to eat a hot pepper for around 10 mins.

Bell, who calls himself a "prophet," has a questionable business history and lied about his background to local Kane GOP leaders. Many GOP members raised concerns about his apparent mental instability and or low IQ.

Quotes attributed to Kane GOP members from a non Deleted Blog on Enoch Essendrop’s substack

Kane County Democrat attack mailer on Lance Bell

To justify his decision, Lerario promoted installing a puppet leader on behalf of Bell, contradicting the principles of America's founders. He famously said, "Lance will not have to lift a finger," a line he repeated to reassure Republicans skeptical of Lance.