Illinois (ECWd) –
Back on January 28, 2026, the campaign, Citizens for Higgins, through attorney Thomas Devore, filed a VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY JUDGMENT and INJUNCTIVE RELIEF in Henderson County against numerous republican organizations and people.
- ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY
- KATHLEEN SALVI, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Illinois Republican Party,
- JOHN FOGARTY, JR.
- MATTHEW JANES, HOUSE REPUBLICAN ORGANIZATION, AMY ELIK, in her capacity as Chairperson of the House Republican Organization
- CITIZENS FOR HAMMOND.
While we were provided these filings prior to the primary, in standing with our policy, we did not publish as it could have been perceived as an attempt to sway a political race. Now, with the primary over and the case dismissed, the public should see what was filed and start asking questions to get to the truth of the matter.
The allegation found in the complaint alleges that the Defendants have acted in concert to send political mail on behalf of State Representative Hammond in violation of USPS mail standards.
21. Between April 2025 and January 2026, Hammond transferred $32,780 of funds to the HRO.
22. In turn, on January 16, 2026, the HRO advanced $50,000 in funds to the ILGOP.
23. There is an agreement between the ILGOP and HRO, that the $50,000 in funds which the HRO transferred to the ILGOP is to be earmarked to pay for, or otherwise provide consideration, to the ILGOP for sending political mail on behalf of, inter alia, Hammond.
Basically, the above three points indicate an organized conspiracy; however, the case was dismissed without so much as a hearing on any of the matters. The Judici.com docket indicates that the case was dismissed with prejudice on 2/24/2026.
We have reached out to the Citizens for Higgins campaign and the Attorney who filed the case seeking answers to the following:
- Can you provide any documentation that supports the allegation an agreement between the IL GOP and House Republican Office that the $50K in funds which the HRO transferred to the IL GOP is to be earmarked to pay for, or otherwise provide consideration, to the IL GOP for sending political mail on behalf of inter alia, Hammond?
- Would you please provide copies of all subpoenas issued in the 2026MR3 filing?
- Did the Defendants admit to the allegations in the case?
- Is it true that the case was dismissed based on a non-disclosure agreement?
We will follow up on this case as we receive responses and other records we have requested from the Henderson County Circuit Clerk.
