The Tazewell County Republican Party is hosting a Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at Five Points Washington on Thursday, January 15th, 2026.  The event will begin promptly at 6:30 pm and will end at 8:00 pm.  The forum will be moderated by Tazewell County's own Dean Kaisner who has moderated numerous forums and debates in the past including the 2022 Gubernatorial Candidate Forum and the U.S. Senate Candidate Forum.

It is time for a drastic change in Illinois, and these candidates are vying for the Republican nomination during the March 17th, 2026, General Primary Election.  The Primary Election winner will advance to the November 2026 General Election to take on J.B. Pritzker for the Illinois Governor's seat.  We need your vote if we are going to turn Illinois RED so come listen and make an informed choice! 

Attendance for this event is FREE; however, donations will gladly be accepted.  Seating is limited to the auditorium capacity of 1000 so come early to ensure you have a seat.  Doors will close once the seats are filled.  If time permits and the candidates can stay, there may be a short Meet & Greet following the forum. 

1/13/2026 UPDATE:  Businessman and candidate for Illinois Governor Rick Heidner will participate in the Tazewell Co. Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Forum.  Mr. Heidner's campaign confirmed his participation just a few days prior to the event.  Candidates participating in this important event include Sen. Darren Bailey, Businessman Ted Dabrowski, Businessman Rick Heidner, and Sheriff James Mendrick.

Rick Heidner