Orland Park Mayor, Congressional Candidate Scores Key Endorsement

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park mayor and Republican Congress hopeful Keith Pekau scored several important endorsements over the weekend, a representative from his campaign told Patch.

Pekau is running for a spot in the new 6th District, which encompasses all of Orland Park, not splitting the village for the first time in history. Former state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton was among Pekau's key endorsements.

Ives joined Pekau in announcing his campaign in November. In 2018, Ives nearly defeated Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in the primary.

"You might as well be represented by Nancy Pelosi if you choose to be represented by left-wing extremists like Sean Casten or Marie Newman," Ives said a statement. "(Pekau) is the best mayor in Illinois and during the pandemic acted responsibly, but with a light touch, letting businesses and people interact as they wish."

Pekau was also endorsed by Republican state Rep. Tim Ozinga and his GOP predecessor, Margo McDermed along with several other current and former south suburban mayors.

A local celebrity endorsement was made by Tim McCarthy, former Orland Park police chief and Secret Service agent. McCarthy is best known for defending President Ronald Reagan's life during an assassination attempt in 1981. McCarthy was shot in the process and later received multiple awards for his bravery.

"(Pekau) has proven his commitment to keeping Orland Park families safe by working proactively with our police department to reduce crime to its lowest level in 27 years," McCarthy said.

The 55-year-old mayor is challenged on the right by Burr Ridge's Gary Grosso and the left by Rep. Marie Newman and Sean Casten. Read a comparison of both Republican candidates here.