DGA Statement on Gary Rabine’s Entrance to Illinois Governor’s Race

Yesterday, Trump donor Gary Rabine announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor of Illinois.

Democratic Governors Association Deputy Executive Director Wendi Wallace released the following statement:

“Gary Rabine’s dangerous comments about the election alone should disqualify him from running for governor. Rabine still refuses to say whether Joe Biden is our legitimately elected president, and he has not condemned Trump’s lies about election fraud either.

“Rabine is a far-right extremist and board member of Turning Point USA – a ‘coalition partner’ for the rally leading up to the January 6th insurrection  that spread hateful, racist language about the pandemic, calling it the ‘China virus.’

“Rabine’s failure to take the pandemic seriously could sabotage Illinois’ recovery just as the state is rounding a corner and getting shots in arms. Rabine has held maskless, in-person campaign events, putting lives at risk.

“Rabine’s entrance into the race ensures the GOP primary will be an all-out brawl to fight for the most conservative voters. Illinois voters are not looking for a return to the Trump administration, and they’ll reject Rabine and anyone who shares his values at the ballot box.”