The Issues - James Mendrick for Governor in 2026

Building Safe Communities

Restoring Law & Order – End reckless soft-on-crime policies, including no-cash bail, to keep criminals off the streets.
Protecting Families & Neighborhoods – Ensure every Illinois resident feels safe in their home, school, and community.
Rehabilitating Offenders – Expand successful programs that turn criminals into productive citizens, reducing recidivism.
Stopping Criminal Illegal Immigrants – Work with ICE to remove criminal migrants from jails before they are released.
Fighting the Drug Epidemic – Increase law enforcement efforts, strengthen penalties for drug dealers, and keep fentanyl out of our communities.

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Ending Costly Sanctuary Programs – Stop spending billions on illegal migrants and prioritize Illinois taxpayers.
Auditing Government Waste – Conduct a full review of state agencies to eliminate fraud and inefficiencies.
Cutting Red Tape for Businesses – Reduce excessive regulation and taxation to attract jobs and investment.
Investing in Workforce Development – Expand vocational training and apprenticeship programs to prepare Illinoisans for high-quality careers.

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Refocusing on Core Academics – Improve education standards in reading, writing, science, and math to ensure student success.
Protecting Parental Rights – Give parents a say in their children’s education and curriculum choices.
Keeping Boys & Girls Separate – Maintain gender-specific bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams to protect student privacy and integrity.
Supporting School Choice – Empower families to choose the best education options, whether public, private, charter, or homeschool.
Holding Schools Accountable – Implement performance standards to ensure students are receiving a quality education.

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