A billionaire has formally announced he is backing a Republican gubernatorial candidate in Illinois by donating $20 million to his campaign team.
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin has received a boost after Ken Griffin, the CEO of the Citadel investment firm, confirmed he will be endorsing him with a multi-million dollar injection.
Irvin is one of five GOP candidates seeking to win June's primary and unseat current Illinois governor, Democrat and fellow billionaire J.B. Pritzker, in November.
Griffin, who is worth nearly $27 billion and recognized by Forbes as the wealthiest person in Illinois, has financed challenges to Pritzker in the past.
In a statement, seen by local media, Griffin attacked Pritzker for failing to deal with the "crime that is tearing apart our state, cities and families," focusing on gun crime specifically.
"I firmly believe Richard Irvin has the character and leadership needed to again make Illinois a place where people can feel safe to live, raise a family and pursue their dreams," Griffin said.
"Richard Irvin is self-made, and his life story epitomizes the American dream. I have tremendous respect for all that he has accomplished.
"Richard Irvin will bring people together in Illinois and fight to turn our state around. It is time we reclaim our state from the damaging politics of Governor Pritzker and his corrupt cronies."
Irvin also thanked Griffin and "thousands of other donors" who have given money to his campaign in the first few weeks.
"I look forward to gaining the backing of even more Illinoisans throughout the state who want to be a part of this movement to stop out of control crime, skyrocketing taxes and wasteful spending, heavy handed government and corruption, and I will be a Governor who puts people first and tackles these issues head on."
ABC7 Chicago Political Analyst Laura Washington described how the $20 million contribution from Griffin is "just a down payment" on what is sure to be a very expensive gubernatorial race.
"This will push him way out in front in terms of other candidates," Washington said.
If the election ends up between Irving and Pritzker, it could become the most expensive gubernatorial race in the country. As reported by the Chicago Sun Times in January, Pritzker donated $90 million into his money into his campaign fund.
Better Government Association President David Greising added that Irving now must prove he can win convince people to vote for him without relying on being funded by Griffin.
"Irvin has to prove himself as a good campaigner all the money in the world won't help him if he is not a good campaigner," he told ABC 7.
Newsweek has contacted Pritzker for comment.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Ewan Palmer is a Newsweek News Reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on US politics, domestic policy ... Read more
