Saline County Sheriff J. Whipper Johnson Joins Gov Candidate Jesse Sullivan’s Safe Streets Leadership Council

Candidate for governor Jesse Sullivan | Jesse Sullivan/Facebook

By Press Release

Mar 16, 2022

Sullivan for Illinois has issued the following press release:

HARRISBURG, IL – Republican candidate for governor Jesse Sullivan today announced Saline County Sheriff J. Whipper Johnson as a member of his Safe Streets Leadership Council, a bipartisan group of over 20 Illinois leaders who support Sullivan’s plan to enforce the law, defend our heroes, and restore accountability in Illinois.

"I am honored to join Jesse Sullivan's Safe Streets Leadership Council," said Sheriff Johnson.

Saline County Sheriff J. Whipper Johnson | Provided by Sullivan for Illinois

"We have gotten away from common sense policies in this state -- I know that Jesse will fight for the pro-police, pro-public safety policies that can get us back on the right track. I look forward to working with him to advocate for those policies."

Including active and retired Illinois sheriffs, past presidents of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, and sitting state’s attorneys, the Leadership Council stands as the strongest coalition of active law enforcement of any candidate in the governor’s race.

“Traveling across the state I’ve heard the same message from Illinoisans in diners, churches, and veterans' halls: Our police are tired of being defunded and demonized. They’re sick of a system that prioritizes violent offenders over victims. And they’re demoralized by an administration that ignores them,” Jesse Sullivan said.

“In my administration, law enforcement will always have a seat at the table. I’m so fortunate to partner with leaders like Sheriff Johnson who believe in our campaign’s vision to bring safety and certainty back to our communities.”

Members of the Leadership Council serve as ambassadors for Sullivan’s Safe Streets plan, advocating for its principles and representing law enforcement in key discussions.

The co-chairs of the Leadership Council are McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout and Menard County Sheriff Mark Oller. Additional members of the council include:

Gary Farha, Adams County State’s Attorney

James Reed, Bureau County Sheriff

Devron Ohrn, Cass County Sheriff

Dave Bartoni, Franklin County Sheriff

Travis Duffy, Hancock County Sheriff

J.T. Fricker, Hardin County Sheriff

Mark Lumbeck, Henderson County Sheriff (retired)

Joe Cervantez, Jackson County State's Attorney

David Clague, Knox County Sheriff

Jack Harlan, Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy and candidate for sheriff

Mark Landers, Logan County Sheriff

Jon Sandage, McLean County Sheriff