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Illinois State Board of Elections Dismisses Campaign Finance Complaint Against Normal Mayor Candidate

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Illinois State News

State Board Rejects Burden of Proof on Lorenz Donation Claims

The Illinois State Board of Elections dismissed a campaign finance complaint against Normal Town Council member Kathleen Lorenz on Friday, ruling that the allegations did not meet the legal burden of proof.

Seven of eight board members voted to dismiss the claim filed by Ben Matthews. Member Jack Vrett abstained from the decision.

The complaint centered on whether Lorenz knowingly accepted campaign contributions that were allegedly funneled through the McLean County Republican Party.

Matthews worked on the campaign of Lorenz's opponent, incumbent Mayor Chris Koos, who won re-election in the 2025 race.

Elections board hearing officer Jordan Andrew recommended dismissal of the case. The board accepted this recommendation during a joint meeting in Chicago and Springfield on Friday morning.

Andrew's recommendation stated that Lorenz's public statements to the media and on Facebook did not constitute illegal action under campaign finance laws.

Andrew's recommendation said Lorenz's public statements to the media and on Facebook didn't equate to illegal action on her part

Matthews' argument focused almost entirely on social media statements and WGLT reporting after Lorenz admitted to accepting $28,000 from an anonymous donor passed through the McLean County GOP.

In an interview, Lorenz's attorney Ross Secler characterized his client's previous statements as a clumsy way of trying to distance herself from the MAGA movement. This characterization came after WGLT's report on campaign endorsements connected Lorenz to the Republican Party.

Koos' campaign released an advertisement depicting Lorenz surrounded by money bags and wearing a red MAGA hat following the endorsement report.

In the wake of that endorsement, Koos' campaign, for which Matthews assisted with graphic design, released an advertisement depicting Lorenz surrounded by money bags and wearing a red MAGA hat

Matthews told WGLT after the vote that he believed it was important to hold Lorenz accountable for what she said in public and expressed disappointment in the board's decision.

I thought it was important to call that out and to challenge that, and to hold them accountable for that, Matthews said. I think the fact that the board has decided, in this case, the way they have, kind of gives it an official stamp of approval

Matthews said the decision could allow other candidates to use the same methods as Lorenz to receive large donations from individuals who could not have given directly to their campaigns.

Matthews declined to appeal the decision because he had the opportunity for a public hearing.

I was able to bring to light the difference between what Ms. Lorenz said a year ago and what she's saying now, Matthews said. It's all now in front of the public, and they get to make up their own minds

Matthews said it will be up to voters to decide whether Lorenz should remain in public office if she decides to run for any public office in the future. She currently serves as an elected member of the Normal Town Council.

Lorenz attended Friday's hearing in Chicago with Secler. She declined to answer questions from WGLT reporters.

Secler said in hindsight, Lorenz would have probably thought more carefully about how she phrased public comments. But he characterized the complaint as the opposite of sour grapes given Koos' victory.

He won, and they're still trying to go after her for even trying to make an attempt at him, Secler said

Secler also said Lorenz made numerous attempts to settle the case, which Matthews rejected.

I don't know if it was just to punish her. Maybe, Secler said

The case highlights ongoing questions about campaign finance enforcement in Illinois state and local races.

Sources

  • NPR Illinois: State Board of Elections dismisses complaint alleging Kathleen Lorenz violated campaign finance laws: https://www.nprillinois.org/illinois/2026-04-17/state-board-of-elections-dismisses-complaint-alleging-kathleen-lorenz-violated-campaign-finance-laws

  • WGLT: State Board of Elections dismisses complaint alleging Kathleen Lorenz violated campaign finance laws: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-04-17/state-board-of-elections-dismisses-complaint-alleging-kathleen-lorenz-violated-campaign-finance-laws

Sources

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