SE Illinois News

Ted Dabrowski, a candidate for governor in Illinois, has announced his campaign priorities, which include lowering taxes, repealing the SAFE-T Act, and reducing power bills in Southern Illinois. Dabrowski made these statements during an appearance at the Harrisburg Courthouse in Golconda.

"I am running for governor for the middle-income family in Harrisburg getting fleeced by the highest property taxes in the nation," said Dabrowski, Gubernatorial candidate. "I am running so Saline County law enforcement can be free of the SAFE-T Act and bring real safety back to the county. And I am running to bring the electricity bills in Southern Illinois down by fighting back against Gov. Pritzker's extreme green energy policies."

Harrisburg's courthouse square serves as a civic center for Saline County. The Saline County Courthouse is located at 10 E. Poplar St. in downtown Harrisburg, the county seat. Dabrowski's comments touched on law enforcement and public safety while he toured nearby southern Illinois communities.

According to the Tax Foundation, Illinois consistently ranks among the highest states for effective property tax rates on owner-occupied homes. Using 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) data, the Tax Foundation reports that Illinois is near the top nationally for effective rates as a share of home value, highlighting ongoing affordability concerns for homeowners.

Electric bills and rate volatility have become significant issues in Illinois as of 2025. Reports indicate summer increases for downstate customers and ongoing debates over reliability and affordability due to rising demand and shifts in energy generation. These pressures are particularly concerning in Southern Illinois.

Dabrowski brings over 30 years of experience in international finance and public policy to his gubernatorial bid. He spent 16 years in senior banking roles, including serving as Head of Corporate Banking at Citibank in Poland, where he advised the government on market liberalization and managed multi-billion-dollar Treasury portfolios in Poland and Mexico. Upon returning to the U.S., he served as Vice President of Policy at the Illinois Policy Institute and later as President of Wirepoints, a research nonprofit focused on Illinois’ economy and government. His work has been featured in national outlets such as The Wall Street Journal. Dabrowski holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago, an MBA from the Wharton School, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech.