Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, chairman of Vernon Township Republicans, has criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker's decision to block pardoned January 6 defendants from obtaining jobs in Illinois. Swidler argues that this move disregards presidential authority by prioritizing a political agenda over the rule of law. He made his statement to the Lake County Gazette on February 5.

"Governor JB Pritzker is openly defying the President's authority by refusing to recognize the official pardons of Jan. 6 defendants," said Swidler. "Instead of respecting the rule of law, he is using his power to advance his own political agenda. Denying these individuals the chance to work in Illinois state government is nothing more than a calculated stunt to challenge Trump. Pritzker isn't upholding democracy—he's trampling on it."

In a letter dated January 30 and published by Politico, Governor Pritzker addressed the director of the Department of Central Management Services (CMS). "The State’s Personnel Code, administered by the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and by you as its Director, requires the rejection of candidates for State employment who have engaged in infamous or disgraceful conduct (20 ILCS 415/8b.4).... I hereby direct CMS to apply the State Personnel Code and consider any participation in the January 6 insurrection as infamous and disgraceful conduct that is antithetical to the mission of the State," Pritzker said.

According to Politico, Governor Pritzker has barred anyone involved in the events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, from state government jobs, countering pardons issued by President Trump. In an official letter, Pritzker directed Illinois' hiring agency to enforce this restriction. A spokesperson for Pritzker declined to comment on the letter. Politico also reported that Pritzker was considered as Kamala Harris’ running mate for 2024 and is a possible contender for the Democratic ticket in 2028.

Fox News reported that on January 20, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 defendants related to January 6 events, fulfilling his promise to act swiftly on pardons. Signing an executive order from the Oval Office, he directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to act immediately. Earlier that day, outgoing President Biden issued last-minute pardons, including retired General Mark Milley and individuals involved in the January 6 Select Committee investigation.

Swidler resides in Buffalo Grove and was first elected chairman of Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to their website, Swidler is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating party positions on issues relevant to Vernon Township voters.