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Illinois GOP Governor Candidates Clash on Pensions as Heidner Apologizes for Democratic Donations

Candidates used a public forum to draw sharp contrasts before the March 17 primary.

Overview

  • Rick Heidner, who brands himself a "Trump Republican," apologized for donating to Kim Foxx and said a contribution to Mayor Brandon Johnson was intended to secure access.
  • Ted Dabrowski called for moving new state hires into portable 401(k)-style defined-contribution plans.
  • Brandon Bailey reversed his prior stance supporting 401(k)s for government retirees and urged current pension beneficiaries to negotiate concessions.
  • Heidner argued against altering benefits for current workers and signaled longer service or reduced defined benefits for future hires.
  • Candidate Mendrick asserted steep costs from sanctuary policies and estimated 700,000 undocumented residents, figures disputed by a Pew estimate of about 550,000.