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Orland Park’s upcoming election isn’t just about picking a mayor—it’s a showdown over the village’s future. Incumbent Keith Pekau and challenger Jim Dodge are leading rival slates, each backed by donors with competing visions.
Pekau’s People Over Politics team is heavily fueled by business interests and his own wallet, while Dodge’s Orland Park For All slate appears powered by labor unions and political action committees, according to campaign finance records.
With trustee and clerk seats also on the line, it’s a high-stakes fight for control of Village Hall.
Campaign finance records reveal the sources of financial backing for these campaigns between Jan. 1 and March 6.
Here’s a breakdown:
Mayoral challenger Jim Dodge’s campaign and affiliated committees have received significant funding from labor unions and political action committees (PACs).
Among the largest contributions:
- Chicago Land Operators Joint Labor-Management PAC: $5,000
- Sheet Metal Workers International Assoc Local 73: $1,675
- Chicago Federation of Labor and Industrial Union Council: $9,000 in-kind contribution
- All United Political Action Committee: $3,071.31 in-kind contribution
- Malik Ali (MPI Media Group): $5,000
Total reported contributions since Jan. 1: $49,989.60
Cash on hand: $98,396.81
Mayor Pekau’s broader political committee has secured substantial backing from both individual and business donors:
- Keith for Mayor (Self-Funded Transfers): $30,000 on Feb. 23, and $20,000 on March 6.
- Joe Rizza Ford (Car Dealership): $2,500
- Evan Manolis (Physician): $1,000
- HFC, LLC (Business Entity): $2,500
- Ramzi Hassan (Realty Investor): $1,000
Total reported contributions since Jan. 1: $77,900
Cash on hand: $176,860.29
Pekau’s campaign has received donations from real estate firms, local businesses, and individual contributors. Some of the biggest donors include:
- Rodzila Properties, LLC: $1,000
- Michael Pappas (Accell Entertainment): $2,500
- Mark Weglarz (Real Estate developer): $1,000
- Patrick McGushin (Midwest Utility vice president): $1,000
- Lexus of Orland (Car Dealership): $2,000
Total reported contributions since Jan. 1: $7,500
Cash on hand: $20,700
Dodge’s personal campaign fund has seen contributions from a mix of labor unions and individuals. Key donors include:
- Chicago Federation of Labor: $5,000
- AFSCME Illinois Council 31 PAC: $1,000
- Local 134 State & Municipal PAC: $5,000
- James Dodge (Self-Funded Loan): $10,000
- Daniel McLaughlin (Former Orland Park Mayor): $1,000
Total reported contributions since Jan. 1: $18,000
Cash on hand: $33,000
The election is on April 1. Early voting begins Monday, March 17.
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