Illinois Officials Sign Nonviolence Pledge Rejecting Extremist-linked Campaign Money (Chicago, IL) – More than 50 Illinois elected officials and political candidates have pledged to reject campaign contributions tied to extremist and anti-democratic organizations, organizers announced Thursday during a press conference in Chicago.
The commitment, known as the SACRED Acts Nonviolence Pledge, was launched by SACRED Acts (South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy Acts) in partnership with Hindus for Human Rights Action and the Muslim Civic Coalition. The initiative calls on officeholders and candidates to publicly reject political violence and refuse donations connected to extremist movements, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated organizations.
The event featured human rights activist and author Tushar Arun Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, along with Illinois lawmakers and community leaders. Speakers framed the pledge as a proactive effort to protect democratic institutions amid growing concerns about political extremism and intimidation.
Under the pledge, signatories agree to three core principles: rejecting political violence and intimidation, refusing campaign contributions linked to anti-democratic groups such as the RSS, and returning or redirecting any extremist-linked donations to pro-democracy organizations.
Organizers said the pledge comes in response to what they describe as a sustained effort by extremist networks to influence U.S. politics, including in Illinois. According to SACRED Acts, more than $2.5 million has been funneled into Illinois political campaigns over the past decade from donors tied to movements that promote religious supremacy, caste discrimination and authoritarian governance.
New research from Sciences Po, a university in Paris, has documented the presence of several RSS-linked groups operating in the United States, including in Illinois. Among those cited is the Republican Hindu Coalition, which in 2019 named former Trump adviser Steve Bannon as a co-chair.
“Today we announce a multifaith and multiracial coalition of over 50 elected officials and candidates who stand with us to say that our democracy will not be bought by billionaires and their extremist agendas,” said Pushkar Sharma, executive director of SACRED Acts.
Several Illinois lawmakers who signed the pledge said rejecting extremist-linked funding is critical to maintaining public trust and protecting vulnerable communities.
State Sen. Ram Villivalam, the first Indian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly, said he has witnessed an increase in hate and extremist rhetoric affecting communities across the state.
“This pledge is a necessary defense against the normalization of extremism,” Villivalam said. “When communities stand together, we are stronger and safer.”
State Sen. Graciela Guzmán said Illinois has a responsibility to lead in rejecting extremism and standing with immigrant communities.
“From the U.S. to India to Europe, supremacist movements are coordinating across borders,” Guzmán said. “Illinois has a responsibility to stand for a democratic future rooted in nonviolence and accountability.”
State Sen. Robert Peters echoed those sentiments, saying the rise of nationalism requires collective action from leaders committed to equal rights and democratic values.
Bushra Amiwala, a member of the Skokie District 73.5 Board of Education, said the pledge reflects a basic expectation of public service.
“It asks that we not accept money from anti-democratic movements or groups that encourage violence,” Amiwala said. “For anyone vying to represent the people of Illinois, that should be a given.”
In closing remarks, Tushar Gandhi warned that democratic principles are under threat globally and urged collective resistance to extremist ideologies.
Organizers emphasized that the pledge is nonpartisan and rooted in a multi-faith approach to strengthening democracy. SACRED Acts said it will continue encouraging elected officials across Illinois, the Midwest and the nation to sign the pledge and publicly commit to rejecting contributions tied to extremist South Asian organizations and their affiliates.
Illinois Officials Sign Nonviolence Pledge Rejecting Extremist-linked Campaign Money
