Will County Republicans Condemn Democrat Leaders (Will County, IL) — The Will County Republican Central Committee strongly condemns the racist and divisive comments made on Facebook in a conversation that included Illinois State Representative Harry Benton (D-97) and Homer Township Democratic Chairwoman Jessica Barnes. The remarks, which were made in a public online forum, are not only offensive but reveal the hypocrisy of those who claim to stand for diversity and inclusion.
In a series of posts, Barnes and Benton, along with Vicky Polito, there was racially charged language to demean individuals based on their race, making deeply offensive and condescending remarks about Black and Brown conservatives. The conversation referred to minority Republicans as “tokens” and suggested that they were strategically positioned in photos to be “cropped out.” These comments are not only false but perpetuate dangerous stereotypes that dismiss the independent thought and agency of minority conservatives.
The Will County Republican Central Committee believes that racism in any form is unacceptable and should be condemned, regardless of political affiliation. We call on the Illinois Democratic Party, Representative Benton, and Chairwoman Barnes to issue a public apology and take accountability for engaging in the bigoted remarks. Furthermore, we urge community leaders and elected officials to stand against this kind of hateful rhetoric that only seeks to divide.
It is particularly concerning that Jessica Barnes, a Democratic leader, has also urged support for a Republican primary slate in Homer Glen—the “Homer Reset” slate—raising questions about her true intentions and political motivations.
The Will County Republican Party remains committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, regardless of race or background. We stand for genuine inclusivity, where individuals are judged by their character and ideas, not by the color of their skin.
Will County Republicans Condemn Democrat Leaders
