Dupage Policy Journal

Shannon Adcock, founder of Awake Illinois, expressed concerns over Governor J.B. Pritzker's rhetoric and Peter Kozak’s Nazi comparison, which she described as reflecting hostility toward conservatives. Her statement was made on the social media platform X.

"The DAY AFTER Pritzker said “Republicans cannot know a moment of peace” Peter Kozak likened me to an executed Nazi war criminal," said Shannon M Adcock. "What's the opposite of “peace”, Pritzker? You know what it is—it's chaos & war. That's what you want for people like me. Shameful, weak men like JB and Peter are no heroes."

According to NBC Chicago, on September 15, 2025, Illinois Republican Representative Adam Niemerg filed articles of impeachment against Governor Pritzker following a speech in April where the governor said that "Republicans cannot know a moment of peace." Niemerg accused Pritzker of engaging in "hateful rhetoric" and alleged that his comments equated Republicans with fascists. This accusation formed the basis for the impeachment resolution. NBC Chicago also reported that Pritzker later urged leaders, including former President Trump, to tone down hostile rhetoric amid rising political violence.

An analysis by ABC7 Chicago and Capitol News Illinois of the March 2024 primaries revealed that nearly nine out of ten state-level races offered voters no choice, marking the lowest level of competitiveness in at least two decades. Analysts argue this lack of contested primaries is indicative of entrenched partisanship, where districts are structured to reinforce partisan divides and reduce incentives for cross-party appeal. This situation leaves Illinois residents with fewer opportunities for moderation in governance.

Threats and violence associated with political rhetoric continue to be a significant issue across the United States. The U.S. Capitol Police reported that its Threat Assessment Section opened 9,474 cases in 2024 involving concerning statements and direct threats against Members of Congress—a historically high number compared to pre-2017 levels. Officials highlight that increases in partisan hostility and political extremism correlate with higher volumes of threats, underscoring the dangers posed by incendiary rhetoric such as those comments leading to impeachment proceedings against Governor Pritzker.

Shannon Adcock is a Naperville-based activist who founded Awake Illinois, a conservative advocacy group focused on parental rights and education issues. According to her official biography on Awake Illinois' website, Adcock launched the organization in May 2021 after years of involvement in local Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and community groups. She framed it as a response to concerns about curriculum, gender policies, and transparency in schools. Her leadership has positioned her as a prominent figure in Illinois politics, actively participating in media commentary and grassroots organizing around cultural and education policy debates.