Dupage Policy Journal

Ted Dabrowski, candidate for governor of Illinois, emphasized the need for Illinois to regain its competitiveness to attract employers during the Fellowship of Christian Churches United in Service (FOCCUS) 30th Year Anniversary Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Elk Grove Village. He praised Filipino Americans and contrasted job growth under Gov. J.B. Pritzker with that of Texas.

"The Filipinos I met today are fantastic America-loving and faith-filled citizens that came to Illinois in search of opportunity – just as my own immigrant parents came to this country 65 years ago," said Dabrowski, Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate. "Unfortunately, the opportunity that existed in my parents' time is gone. Gov. Pritzker has created less than 20,000 new private-sector jobs since taking office. Texas has created over 1.6 million. As governor, I will work to restore this state's competitiveness so more companies call Illinois home."

FOCCUS commemorated its three decades of service with a community event focused on service, faith, and cooperation among churches. The organization describes itself as an apostolic network committed to unity in service, led by founder Bishop Lawrence Kirby and Presiding Bishop Victor S. Counzens Sr. The anniversary featured testimonies and photographs from guests and clergy, highlighting FOCCUS's role in faith-driven civic engagement.

According to analyses of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Illinois has seen minimal net job growth since Governor Pritzker took office in January 2019. A March 2025 review by Wirepoints found that Illinois had 1,900 fewer private-sector jobs than in 2019. An August 2025 follow-up noted approximately 15,500 net new jobs overall, ranking Illinois near the bottom nationally for job gains over a 12-month period.

In contrast, Texas has been leading in job creation over recent years. Official reports from the Governor’s Office and Texas Workforce Commission highlight consecutive record highs for total nonfarm employment and labor force, with about 195,600 jobs added year-over-year through August 2025.

Dabrowski is running as a Republican candidate for governor of Illinois and has previously served as vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. His campaign focuses on taxes, competitiveness, education, and public safety as priorities for statewide renewal.

FOCCUS operates as a network linking churches around shared commitments to worship and service. It highlights faithfulness and practical service through social media to coordinate activities across congregations.