Richard Irvin in 2022 IL Governor's race
On Abortion:
Pro-choice only for rape, incest, health and life of mother
While never giving a coherent answer on a national abortion ban, Irvin called Pritzker's repeal last December of the state's parental notification law for minors seeking abortions "abhorrent" and said he's hearing from voters that the law needs to be
reinstated. Irvin did not articulate whether, as governor, he would spearhead a push to reinstate the parental notification law. He did say he supports abortion rights in cases of "rape, incest and health and life of the mother."
Source: WBEZ on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 9, 2022
On Budget & Economy:
Rein in government spending; cut taxes; balance the budget
As the twice-elected Mayor of Aurora, Richard eliminated wasteful spending and balanced the city budget every year. He worked to give people a property tax rebate and sparked economic growth. He fought for property tax relief for city residents, and
he embraced opportunity zones to lower taxes and create jobs. As Governor, Richard will rein in government spending, cut taxes, balance the budget, and fight for property tax relief.
Source: 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial campaign website IrvinBourne.com
Jun 2, 2022
On Civil Rights:
All lives matter; black lives are included in all lives
Asked if they supported Black Lives Matter, Solomon said no, Schimpf said no but clarified that he believes in the statement but
not the organization behind it, and Irvin responded that "all lives matter," and "Black lives have to be included in all lives."
Source: Capitol News on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 9, 2022
On Civil Rights:
May not understand "Adam and Steve" but recognizes rights
Irvin's former employee opined [in an email exchange with Irvin] that former President Obama had acted too quickly to support marriage equality. "We have to be fair to everyone," Irvin responds. "As I've told others, if you don't like the idea of a
parade, don't come see it. I don't like musicals, so I don't go see them. As simple as that. And as far as listening to your constituents, I am. The majority say it's fair. And there are many LGBT in the constituency."Later in the thread, the former
employee says, "My worldview is based on my upbringing and the word of God and not what's popular in the world today. In my world, it's Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve."
Irvin responds: "I tend to agree with you personally. However, when a world view
is challenged by a fundamental right of fairness and equity, the latter must win. There was a world view once that human servitude was acceptable. Although I may not understand Adam and Steve, I have to recognize their fundamental right to exist."
Source: WTTW on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 13, 2022
On Crime:
As mayor he defeated the local 'Defund the Police' movement
As Mayor of the second-largest city in Illinois, he defeated the local 'Defund the Police' movement by standing proudly with law enforcement and hiring more cops to keep our communities safe. During the summer of 2020, when Chicago did nothing to stop
looting, Irvin called in the National Guard, shut down roads, and arrested lawbreakers. While crime has skyrocketed around Illinois, Richard held crime down in Aurora. As Governor, he'll continue to be tough on crime and criminals.
Source: 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial campaign website IrvinBourne.com
Jun 2, 2022
On Crime:
Would repeal criminal justice reforms; restore cash bail
Irvin blamed Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats for the sweeping criminal justice reform act passed last year, saying things have to change to make people feel safe. "That means keeping cash bail for violent criminals,
banning anonymous complaints against police offices to ruin their careers, restoring felony murder to hold killers accountable," Irvin said.
Source: WLS-TV ABC-7 on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
Jun 2, 2022
On Education:
State funding of public education is key to success
I support state funding of public education -- it's the key to success for everyone in our state. I'm the product of our public school system. As governor, I'm committed to listening to parents to hear their views on education and the state's support to
public education. The Constitution calls for the state to be the primary funder of education. If that were the case, there would be less pressure on local property taxes.
Source: Daily Herald on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 28, 2022
On Energy & Oil:
Opposes radical total phase-out of fossil fuel power plants
[On alternative energy sources]: "J. B. Pritzker pushed a radical total phase-out of fossil fuel power plants with massive spending and facility closures to begin over the next few years," said Irvin. "Now, residents in central and southern
Illinois are going to pay the price for Pritzker's misplaced priorities with the possibility of no power at all this summer."
Source: City Journal on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 25, 2022
On Government Reform:
For term limits, against gerrymandering
While other Republicans are regularly steamrolled by Mike Madigan and Springfield insiders, Irvin fought Madigan and won. When Irvin ran for Mayor, he defeated Madigan's hand-picked candidate so he could take on the system. Irvin is a political outsider
who supports term limits to get rid of career politicians and is a strong supporter of fair maps so every voice in every community is represented and heard across Illinois. Irvin will clean up Springfield corruption.
Source: 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial campaign website IrvinBourne.com
Jun 2, 2022
On Gun Control:
Supports background checks; fix Firearm Owners ID system
Irvin was in office in February 2019 when a gunman killed five people and himself at a manufacturing plant in Aurora. He cited this experience as an influence on his views on gun control. Irvin suggested that the FOID system in Illinois needs reform in
order to function. "The system is broken and it definitely needs fixed," said Irvin. "But we need background checks to ensure that guns don't get in the hands of criminals and folks with mental illnesses."
Source: State Journal-Register on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 25, 2022
On Immigration:
If elected, Illinois will not be a sanctuary state
And despite Irvin in 2019 voicing support for Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's fight against planned raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Irvin said Illinois would not be a sanctuary state if
he is elected. "If our borders were secured, we wouldn't be dealing with these issues," Irvin said." But I can tell you as mayor of Aurora, Aurora is not a sanctuary city, and as governor, Illinois will not be a sanctuary state."
Source: State Journal-Register on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 25, 2022
On Principles & Values:
Objects to Pride Parade not allowing police in uniform
Irvin says he will not participate in Aurora's Pride Parade this year after Aurora Pride announced police officers were not allowed to participate in uniform. Organizers have asked that officers who wish to participate do so without showing up in
uniform. When Irvin voiced frustration with Aurora Pride's decision, they offered what they are calling the option to wear a "soft uniform" like a polo with a logo. However, the mayor said that is not enough.
Source: WGN-TV on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
Jun 1, 2022
On Social Security:
Modernize state pension system, reduce pension liabilities
One quarter of the Illinois state budget now goes to pay government pensions. That's billions of dollars annually to pay off old debt instead of hiring more teachers in the classroom or more police on the streets. First and foremost, we need to stop
digging the hole. That will take leadership to find bipartisan ways to modernize our pension system, making it fair to workers and taxpayers alike. I will lead by finding common ground to pass reforms that reduce our pension liabilities.
Source: Daily Herald on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 28, 2022
On Tax Reform:
Will fight to cut taxes, get property tax relief
As Mayor of Aurora, Richard eliminated wasteful spending and balanced the city budget every year. He stopped tax hikes, delivered tax relief and sparked economic growth, while bringing new businesses, jobs, and more opportunities to Aurora.
As Governor, Richard will turn around Illinois' economy by reining in government spending, fighting to cut taxes, balancing the budget, and fighting for property tax relief.
Source: 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial campaign website IrvinBourne.com
Jun 2, 2022
On Tax Reform:
I hate what Trump stands for, but delivered tax cuts
Text messages written by Irvin in 2018 during the middle of the Trump presidency, and obtained by WTTW News, appear to show Irvin has very strong feelings about Trump, and they are not positive. The messages offer some insight into aspects of Irvin's
political beliefs his campaign has been reticent to address."And I hate Trump too!" Irvin wrote. "He's an idiot!!!" Shortly after, Irvin added, "and a bigoted racist." Irvin then clarifies his position on Trump once again: "And although I don't hate
Trump the man, I do hate what he stands for."
In a statement to WTTW News Irvin said, "I don't recall sending those texts, and while there are areas where I disagreed, the Trump Administration delivered positive results for Americans like tax cuts,
opportunity zones, and a focus on public safety--all of which we utilized to great effect in Aurora and are now a focus of our campaign to take back Illinois from the disastrous Pritzker regime."
Source: WTTW on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
May 13, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 14, 2023