Carbondale Reporter

Ted Dabrowski, a gubernatorial candidate for Illinois, has announced his focus on Southern Illinois and reducing costs while criticizing Governor J.B. Pritzker's record on jobs, energy, and gas taxes. This statement was made during a meet-and-greet event at Williamson County Little Nashville.

"The residents of Marion work hard every day to improve their lives and their community," said Dabrowski. "Unfortunately, Gov. Pritzker's failed policies have made living here harder than ever. He's created less than 20,000 new private-sector jobs since taking office. As governor, I will give Southern Illinois the attention it deserves and work hard to reduce residents' cost of living."

Dabrowski delivered his remarks at Little Nashville, a cafe and lounge located in Marion, Illinois. The venue is situated on the historic Tower Square and frequently hosts community gatherings and live music events. His appearance on November 5, 2025, placed him in the heart of Southern Illinois, engaging voters in a setting that aligns with regional political outreach traditions.

According to the Tax Foundation, Illinois has one of the highest state gasoline taxes in the nation. For 2025, it is reported that Illinois' tax stands at 66.4 cents per gallon—second only to California's 70.9 cents—keeping the state among the top fuel-taxed jurisdictions. Annual statutory adjustments and related fees add to the costs for drivers statewide. This context is part of ongoing debates about transportation funding and inflation impacts on commuters.

Dabrowski is the founder and former president of Wirepoints, an organization focused on policy research in Illinois known for its data-driven analysis on taxes and economic competitiveness. He previously served as spokesman and vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute after a 15-year international career with Citibank in Mexico and Poland. His campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility, growth-oriented reforms, safer communities, and expanding opportunities across all regions of the state.