* Republican press release with emphasis added by me…
JOHN GOODMAN ANNOUNCES HIS CANDIDACY FOR US SENATE SERVING ILLINOIS
JOHN MAKES IT CLEAR, DICK DURBIN HAS GOT TO GO.
Des Plaines, IL – John Goodman, a father, a veteran, and a proud lifelong Illinoisan, announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, serving Illinois. This is not a step John takes lightly, and he is proud to be running for office in a state that has always been there for him. This step is to ensure the government is there for the good people of Illinois. Having faced the challenges of PTSD himself, John understands the critical importance of mental health support in communities across modern America and is committed to advocating for those in need.
“Twenty-seven years ago, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to serve my country. Like many I felt a duty to the nation that had provided for me—to provide for it in return. I fought valiantly alongside fellow Americans who always have each other’s backs.
Today, I see the opposite. I see Americans attacking each other. I see the very values I fought so hard to protect in the Middle East at risk of being lost forever. Our rights are under attack. Our schools are failing to teach our kids the necessary components to be successful and lead America into the future. Our cities are no longer safe. Our right to free speech is under fire, and our American identity is being eroded. My own son was taken from me by the woke left. He confided in me, acknowledging his struggles with mental health. We sought help, but instead of receiving the support he truly needed, he was encouraged—without any consideration for how it would affect his life—to transition. Desperate and vulnerable, he left to live in a homeless shelter simply because they offered free transition services. This madness has to end.
That’s why today, I am announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate. I can no longer sit idly by and let the next generation inherit the America of today. I want to lead them toward the America of tomorrow—toward the Golden Age of America. With your help and support, we can win this race—for Illinois and for America.”
John will release more statements in the coming days to address key policy positions. He looks forward to engaging with voters across the state, listening to their concerns, and sharing his vision for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Illinois. His campaign is built on service, leadership, and a deep commitment to the people he hopes to represent in Washington.
* I followed up with a question about the highlighted text above. Response…
John’s son moved to Minnesota after being told that the state of Minnesota would pay for his transition if he lived in a homeless shelter for 2 years.
Um, OK.
I could not find any evidence to back that up, so I asked what shelter his kid lives in. I didn’t hear anything back.
* I asked Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) for a response…
The fact that his son chose a homeless shelter over his father is not really something I’d expect to see as a campaign talking point.
Once again, the Republican Party’s obsession with genitalia exhibits their lack of regard for truth or facts and instead relies on far-fetched fantasies about homeless shelters offering free transitions.
Sadly, this just means that trans people will have to listen to his lies and hate speech for at least the next year, which will cause even more mental health crises.
* And today, Goodman began fundraising off the story…
I am John Goodman and I’m running to be your next US Senator.
You may be asking - who is John Goodman? I am a U.S. Air Force veteran and a proud Illinoisan, but most of all, I am a father.
The next question you may have is - why is John Goodman running for the U.S. Senate? The biggest reason…
I lost my son to the woke left.
Roughly 2 years ago, my son was struggling with his mental health, and he turned to the professionals for help. Instead of getting the care he needed and wanted, he was pushed into making a life-changing decision.
The system lured my son into a homeless shelter, promising FREE transition services.
And just like that, my son was gone…
But you know as a parent, that doesn’t make me stop loving my son.
It makes me want to fight so you don’t lose YOUR sons and daughters.
Will you help me put a stop to our leaders promoting government-funded “gender-affirming” transitions?
Donate $25 today!
Donate $100 today!
Donate $250 today!
Donate $2,500 today!
- NIU Grad - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 12:49 pm:
Looks like ILGOP just found their front-runner for the nomination…
- Rick - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 12:50 pm:
Maybe call your daughter and be a better father.
- OneMan - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 12:51 pm:
== But you know as a parent, that doesn’t make me stop loving my son.==
It seems to make you willing to use them and your impression of their life to use them to raise money, however.
If it takes 2 years in a shelter for free transition, the “woke left” sure does take its time.
- Minnesotan - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 12:55 pm:
===The free sex changes and tampons in the all boys bathrooms sure was a winner for the Democratic ticket last Fall===
Don’t talk about things you don’t understand.
- That Guy - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:06 pm:
==The free sex changes and tampons in the all boys bathrooms sure was a winner for the Democratic ticket last Fall==
Too bad that’s not a thing! IL is better than the nation at pushing back on the fake narratives and fear mongering the right likes to spin.
That won’t play here.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:06 pm:
People, don’t respond to anonymous commenters. They’re doomed for deletion.
- That Guy - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:07 pm:
==People, don’t respond to anonymous commenters. They’re doomed for deletion.==
I apologize for taking the bait, please forgive us
- fs - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:09 pm:
Was his son a minor? If not, his argument then is transitioning itself should be banned?
Starting your campaign off by wholly and freely putting out there that you’re apparently a bad father is a bold strategy.
- Neef Jr. - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:13 pm:
As a father of 5 and an elected official I would like to offer some parental wisdom. Maybe don’t spend the next year away from home campaigning on your perceived disappointment in your child. Maybe spend the next 12 months trying to be apart of their life and being the father you so clearly don’t currently have the courage or empathy to be.
- DS - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:22 pm:
I’m with Rep. Cassidy. This is a remarkable own goal.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:24 pm:
From his campaign website:
“As a veteran with 12 years in law enforcement, experience raising a family in Illinois, and a personal journey helping his spouse secure a legal immigration pathway, John understands the challenges Illinoisans face and knows how to get results. John prioritizes practical solutions over ideology. He has taught his children gun safety and advocated for better mental health care after living with PTSD. His campaign reaches out to all—Jewish communities seeking to have a community ally, liberal Catholics disillusioned with Democrats, veterans needing dependable support, small business owners ready to rebuild, helping with child care costs, and ensuring the safety net of Social Security is supported well into the future.”
Does this guy know who is leading his party in Washington? Does he follow the news much? Does he realize how out of step this statement is with the goals of the Trump administration? Will he speak out against the cuts to Veterans, education, the anti-immigrant, nativist rhetoric coming from his party?
Talk about a disconnect. At least he’s in sync in bullying trans kids, which hearing from Republicans, you’d think was the single greatest threat to democracy ever conceived by the woke Left. Despite words on his web page, this guy is just another vote for Trump in the Senate. Not gonna happen.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:25 pm:
What a strange thing to do.
- Norseman - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:25 pm:
I cannot express my full feelings about this … because Rich would ban me.
I will say that this thing is not a parent or someone who should ever attain elected office. You didn’t lose your son to the woke left. You lost your son because you’ve embraced the hatred that is encouraged and emboldened by MAGA.
I almost lost my child out of a fear that her staunchly Republican parents would reject her. This mental anxiety brought her to the point of suicide many times. Thank God there was a friend or her brother who saved her at the last moment.
She finally found a counselor who convinced her to talk to me. Fearing the worst, she did so with tears in her eyes. While I was shocked at a message I never dreamed I’d hear and internally thought about things that may have lead to this road, she was surprised when I told her that I’d rather have a live daughter than a dead son.
There was no woke boogeyman that “took” her. There was no indoctrination at her school. She didn’t want to play female sports. Those are lies spread by bigots to trap others into their sick world of hate, cruelty and indecency.
The transition was a struggle and we were hoping to get to a place where she and us could just live our lives in peace. Instead, she is now a target of a hate movement no less sinister than we’ve seen throughout history.
Do your thing Illinois and reject this …
- H-W (Cardinals fan) - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:30 pm:
The candidate lost me with this sentence; “Our schools are failing to teach our kids the necessary components to be successful and lead America into the future.”
This is just flat wrong, and those that repeat it ought to be ashamed.
“Our schools” work hard everyday, and the teachers do more than any naysayer can even imagine. Enough beating on the public system. Our children are getting the best education we have to offer. Stop beating up on us, and stop denying our, as in “OUR” children, access to educational materials. The more they know, the better we become.
- It's Just a Pill - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:32 pm:
“I see Americans attacking each other…Also the woke left turned my son trans”
- Kelly Cassidy - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:36 pm:
@norseman Thank you for understanding and living the meaning of unconditional love.
- JoanP - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:37 pm:
@ Norseman - I am so glad your daughter found the courage to talk to you. She is lucky to have a parent like you; so many kids don’t.
- Kelly Cassidy - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:38 pm:
@Rick Thank you for the catch. Correction: The fact that his daughter chose a homeless shelter over her dad…
- Homebody - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:45 pm:
There are legitimate policy points of discussion that can and should be had between major national parties. Instead, one party has decided to be the “pro corruption, and hate your own neighbors and family members if they are different than you” party.
There is no reason to even pretend those people are acting in good faith when having policy discussions.
They should be taken seriously as a threat to America, not seriously as honest negotiators.
- Annonin' - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:49 pm:
So if the guy is spinnin’ jive on the son we should check on the AF claim. fact checkin’
BTW the gender talk reminds us of Karl Rove’s hate speech on gay marriage in 2004 to help George Bush.
- JS Mill - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:50 pm:
@Norsemen-thank you for shari g your story. I am glad your daughter has found the strength to talk to you and the strength of your unconditional love has brought you together.
- H-W (Cardinals fan) - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:53 pm:
Post of the day: Rick. You are so correct.
- Just Me 2 - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 1:56 pm:
I want to make sure I got this right: he is running for in Illinois for an U.S. Senate office on a platform based on a Minnesota state law?
- Torco Sign - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:02 pm:
“Dick Durbin was over the line!” -Candidate John Goodman
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:03 pm:
This is a terrible story, but it also seems to be the story he thinks puts him in the best light.
What actually happened is probably going to make him look much worse.
It’s eventually going to come out. He’s not running for local dog catcher here.
- Frida's Boss - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:03 pm:
What a terrible way to kick off a campaign.
- Gruntled University Employee - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:05 pm:
Wow, the far right has now moved from “immigrants are eating our pets” to “the woke left turned my son trans”. Unfortunately I think this is going to get even worse before it gets any better.
- Lincoln Lad - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:11 pm:
Norseman - I was convinced I’d never vote for another Republican, but if you choose to run, I likely will. You sir, are a good man.
- Duck Duck Goose - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:13 pm:
Wow! Fundraising off your disappointment in your child…that’s…something…
- Morty - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:14 pm:
What a charmer. Why couldn’t we have gotten the other, better, John Goodman?
- Candy Dogood - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:25 pm:
This is from Mr. Goodman’s website.
===Drawing from his diverse experiences, John is committed to bridging divides and fostering unity across Illinois.===
I don’t really see how running as a bigot and a intolerant and hateful parent matches the rhetoric of his campaign website.
Continued…
===His hands-on approach to problem-solving stems from years of service, where he learned that real progress comes from collaboration, not division. John’s vision is to create a state where opportunity isn’t just a promise, but a reality for all.===
For everyone except for his daughter.
This is one of those guys who complains on Facebook about never being taught how to file taxes in school while ignoring that in school he learned how to do math and how to read and shouldn’t blame teachers for never bothering to read instructions.
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:31 pm:
=== Instead, she is now a target of a hate movement no less sinister than we’ve seen throughout history.
I’m sorry, but hang in there and keep supporting her.
- Dotnonymous x - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:31 pm:
John Goodman sounds like another Republican good story teller.
- Annonin' - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:32 pm:
And some of us thought GovJunk was bad for ILGOPies….new level of mopery
- Leslie K - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 2:35 pm:
I can’t even with this Goodman person.
But Norseman–thank you for sharing your story. And I am so glad it turns out to be a good one, with your daughter surviving and knowing unconditional love. Wishing your family the best going forward.
- Huh? - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 3:08 pm:
What Rick said x2.
- walker - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 3:13 pm:
Norseman knows what counts in life. Thank you.
- Perrid - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 3:13 pm:
Besides questioning his version of events, and questioning what kind of parent bad mouths his child for personal gain… he wants federal office in IL so that he can stop Minnesota from doing something?
Federalism something something…
- curtis - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 3:14 pm:
Norseman, thank you. One of the more thoughtful and personal comments I’ve read in a while. Love is love.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 3:49 pm:
Norseman, I appreciate your courage in sharing your own experiences in order to help others.
I am going to offer perhaps not a popular view that Mr. Goodman here is a victim in some ways, because he to me is being transparently used by folks with their own axe to grind against the entire transgender community and Democrats.
No one believes that John Goodman will win the primary. But someone is going to make money off of his candidacy, and advance their own political resume as some sort of kingmaker or atleast Player.
I would not be surprised to find the Moms for Liberty folks involved somewhere.
Mr Goodman left his law enforcement career after only 12 years, he is clear he has a mental health disability, and its not unreasonable to see how that disability has affected his relationship with his presumably estranged daughter. Its a tragedy that will only be made worse by playing it out in public.
I can only hope that there is someone in Mr. Goodman’s inner circle with the compassion to help him understand that as long as his daughter is still alive, there is still hope for him to try to repair his relationship with her, which ought to be his priority. Not this Quixotic campaign for the US Senate that continues to deny his child’s agency.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 4:09 pm:
=== The candidate lost me with this sentence; “Our schools are failing to teach our kids the necessary components to be successful and lead America into the future.” ===
Again, I offer my own best guess that Mr. Goodman is a puppet candidate with no prior experience, and some Proft wannabe contrived this stuff and told him it was good to say.
- Arsenal - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 4:59 pm:
He may call himself John Goodman, but his politics are more Roseanne.
- Vote Quimby - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 5:51 pm:
This comment section gives me hope there are still people willing to debate topics without hatred. If we only had more candidates who have that trait.
- flea - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 6:12 pm:
I will simply pray for Mr. Goodman and his daughter.
ugh….
- Macon Deliberations - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 7:17 pm:
NIUGrad could not agree more, plus he’s from Des Plaines seemingly. Remember how Bailey’s final rally before the primary was in Des Plaines? That’s how important voters there are in a GOP primary.
- Little pond - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 8:22 pm:
Thank you Norseman,for sharing the story of you & your daughter. Your opening up to us all will save lives, I have no doubt
- Da big bad wolf - Thursday, Mar 13, 25 @ 10:36 pm:
=== And just like that, my son was gone…===
Gone?
If she’s an adult its normal to leave the nest. Does John talk to her? Invite her over for holidays?
- Another Millennial - Friday, Mar 14, 25 @ 8:57 am:
@Norseman, I’m happy your child is still here. Just want to acknowledge her bravery and yours in moving into the unknown in your relationship. It’s a good thing, and I pray blessings for you and your family.
Thanks for sharing your story and reminding me what’s most important.
—
The moment I read “woke” in Goodman’s statement I knew to turn my brain off. Just stick to the rivers, lakes, and dog whistles that you’re used to.