Current DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced Thursday that he is running for Governor of Illinois.
In a Facebook post early Thursday morning, Mendrick explained his decision by focusing almost entirely on public safety.
“The legislation changes that have been imposed on Illinois from the Governor’s office are state laws that directly conflict with existing federal laws. The Safety Act stops us from rehabilitating people in our jails, and the sanctuary city laws force federal authorities into our neighborhoods because these state laws deny them access to these criminals while they are in custody within a correctional facility. This is not right.
“My family and I have decided that we want our State back.
“Our culture is being eliminated by senseless laws created by our current government that persecutes cops and empowers criminals. I’m here to stop the bleed.
“We need a secure future for our State and we will make Chicago and Illinois safe again.”
Mendrick has served in the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office for roughly 30 years, six of which as Sheriff.
The Illinois gubernatorial election will be held in November 2026. Mendrick is the first GOP candidate to announce.
