Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau Announces Run For Congress

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau formally launched his campaign Monday for the GOP nomination in the new Illinois 6th Congressional District. The two-term Republican mayor said he would put fiscal responsibility first. The Illinois Gubernatorial primary will be held June 28, 2022.

Pekau made his announcement Monday at tree equipment supplier Alexander Equipment Co. in Lisle, and was joined by former state Rep. Jeanne Ives, who endorsed his run for the IL-06 GOP nomination. Ives cited Pekau's fight against mask and vaccine mandates in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said "extreme" Democratic policies were infringing on the freedom of Illinois residents.

"I want my freedom back," Ives said.

The redrawn congressional district maps will now put Orland Park at the center of the 6th District, no longer splitting up the village between two representatives.

"I will work to grow the economy and create good-paying, middle-class jobs," Pekau, 55, said.

The Democratic primary race will pit current 3rd District Rep. Marie Newman against Rep. Sean Casten, who will fight to keep his spot in the remapped 6th Congressional district, which split up much of Newman's current constituents.

Pekau and the Orland Park Village Board have made headlines for criticizing Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritkzer's pandemic restrictions. Four village trustees were present at Monday's announcement but did not speak publicly.

The Illinois Democratic Party told Patch that Pekau has a "record of mismanagement and bullying." They also called his lawsuit against the state's COVID precautions "frivolous" and a "waste of tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money."

Pekau accused Democrats, including Casten and Newman, of putting special interests over the interests of voters. He also said he would continue his job as mayor during his campaign, and did not go into specifics on his fundraising efforts or goals. He said his choice to seek the nomination was quickly made after learning of the redrawn maps.

The new 6th would also include all or parts of Alsip, Burr Ridge, Chicago Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Crestwood, Darien, Elmhurst, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Indian Head Park, Justice, LaGrange Highlands, Oakbrook Terrace, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Hills, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Western Springs, Willowbrook, Worth and extends north to Villa Park and west to Downers Grove. Areas near Midway Airport and a portion of Chicago’s Beverly community are also part of the new district.

Watch Pekau's announcement from Nov. 22