Illinois’ stagnant job growth, rising taxes, and cultural divisions took center stage on Chicago’s Morning Answer, as Dan Proft welcomed Ted Dabrowski, president of Wirepoints, to discuss the state’s economic challenges—and his possible bid for governor.
The conversation began with a cultural flashpoint: a clip from Rep. Delia Ramirez at a Pan-American summit declaring, “I am a proud Guatemalan before I am an American.” Dabrowski, the son of immigrants from Ecuador and communist-era Poland, reflected on his parents’ emphasis on assimilation and American identity. “Becoming great Americans,” he said, was central to their dreams for their children, and that belief in the American ideal—built on opportunity, freedom, and unity—should remain a shared value.
Dabrowski warned against what he described as an “identitarian” movement in politics that encourages division over unity, adding that many immigrants, including legal Hispanic citizens, feel frustrated by the consequences of unchecked illegal immigration, particularly on wages and employment.
Turning to economic policy, Dabrowski painted a stark picture of Illinois’ performance under Governor J.B. Pritzker. Citing Wirepoints’ own analysis, he noted that Illinois has created just 15,000 net private-sector jobs in the last seven years—compared to hundreds of thousands in similarly sized states like North Carolina. He attributed this stagnation to high taxes, regulatory burdens, and a hostile climate for businesses and workers.
“We don’t create jobs in Illinois,” Dabrowski said. “It’s pathetic. It’s dismal.” He emphasized that this lack of opportunity is fueling population loss, with residents and businesses choosing to relocate to states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Dabrowski also took aim at both parties in Springfield, criticizing Republicans for failing to act as a meaningful opposition. He pointed to bipartisan support for recent legislation that increased Chicago pension benefits despite the city’s fiscal crisis. “There’s no real opposition,” he said. “We let them do this to us.”
This theme of frustration with Illinois’ political culture led naturally to speculation about Dabrowski’s political future. Asked directly whether he would run for governor, Dabrowski said he’s seriously considering it. With over a decade of experience researching and advocating for policy solutions at Wirepoints, he argued that Illinois needs bold, principled leadership willing to challenge entrenched interests—particularly the public sector unions that hold sway in Springfield.
Dabrowski highlighted his past work in Poland with Citibank, helping to transform a post-communist economy into a thriving market-based system. He believes Illinois has the same potential—if it embraces competition, reform, and disciplined governance.
He was candid in his critique of previous Republican governors, noting that figures like Jim Edgar and Jim Thompson helped entrench the pension crisis. He argued that a shift in mindset is needed to make Illinois competitive again: “We have to think about winning. Good, healthy competition is what makes us all better.”
While he hasn’t officially declared his candidacy, Dabrowski made it clear that he’s preparing to enter the political arena. Whether as an outside reformer or a Republican standard-bearer, he says his goal is to fight for “everyday Illinoisans who are just trying to make ends meet.”