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Controversial Orland Park Mayor to Run for Congress

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau will run for congress in the new 6th district. Pekau came under fire for using tens of thousands in village funds for lawsuits against Governor JB Pritzker’s pandemic restrictions.

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Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, a vocal opponent of Governor JB Pritzker’s pandemic responses and restrictions, will run for congress in the new 6th district. Patch.com reported Pekau filed paperwork to run for the office with the Federal Election Commission this week.

Pekau, a Republican, was criticized for using over $70,000 in taxpayer money to continually fight Pritzker’s emergency orders in court, eventually dropping his efforts.

The new 6th district runs from roughly I-80 in Mokena and Tinley Park north to Elmhurst and surrounding areas of DuPage County.

Incumbent Congressman Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) and Congresswoman Marie Newman (D-La Grange) will face off in a Democratic primary. Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) is also said to be considering a run for the new seat.

Pekau is expected to announce his campaign Monday.

Patrick Pfingsten

@pfingsten1 patrick@theillinoize.com