Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski joined Chicago’s Morning Answer with Dan Proft to discuss Illinois’ sanctuary state policies, financial instability, and the mounting challenges facing taxpayers.
Dabrowski sharply criticized Governor JB Pritzker’s handling of immigration enforcement, arguing that by refusing to cooperate with federal authorities, the governor is effectively harboring violent criminals. He said that if Illinois simply transferred individuals directly from local jails to federal custody, it would reduce confrontations like the recent Broadview protests where ICE agents clashed with demonstrators. “Any blood spilled is on him,” Dabrowski said, placing responsibility squarely on Pritzker for what he described as preventable crimes and chaos.
The discussion also turned to Chicago’s fragile financial condition, with recent revelations that the city’s firefighter pension fund required emergency loans just to cover benefit payments. Dabrowski called the system “technically insolvent” and blamed Pritzker for worsening the crisis by signing legislation that expanded pension benefits despite warnings. He argued that the only way forward is to transition new public employees to 401(k)-style retirement plans, eliminate wasteful bureaucracy, and leave bankruptcy on the table as leverage to force structural reforms.
Beyond pensions, Dabrowski said the state’s crushing tax burden is driving businesses and residents out. He pointed to Chicago’s restaurant industry, already struggling with high vacancy rates and closures, as an example of how excessive taxation and regulation are eroding economic vitality. As governor, Dabrowski vowed to block any new tax hikes and work to roll back burdens like the state’s high gas taxes, while pushing for policies that encourage investment and job growth.
Dabrowski framed the 2026 race as a choice between continuing down a path of fiscal decline and population loss, or taking what he called “the exact opposite approach” to restore opportunity in Illinois.