Casey Chlebek, a Polish-born entrepreneur and longtime community leader, has officially qualified for the 2026 U.S. Senate Republican Primary—positioning himself as an outsider in what is shaping up to be one of Illinois’ most competitive Senate races in decades.
With Senator Dick Durbin retiring after 28 years, the open seat has created a rare opportunity for new contenders. For Chlebek, the moment represents a chance to advance what he calls a movement centered on protecting economic freedom.
“I came to this country with nothing but faith and determination,” Chlebek said. “This country gave me everything. Now I want to give back—to protect the American Dream from being taxed away.”
A Campaign Powered by Small Donors
Chlebek, who immigrated to the U.S. during the Cold War, is funding his campaign through small-dollar donations rather than party insiders or large establishment donors. He has pledged to refuse his Senate salary if elected, citing a desire to “serve people and help hardworking families.”
“I’m not running for a paycheck,” he said. “I’m running for a purpose to serve people and help hardworking families.”
Before entering politics, Chlebek founded C&J Realty Management Inc. and served in leadership roles throughout Illinois’ Polish-American community, including President of the Polish American Congress – Illinois Division and Commodore of the Illinois Yacht Club.
Property Tax Freedom as a Central Policy
At the core of his platform is the Property Tax Freedom Plan, which aims to bring immediate relief to vulnerable groups such as seniors, veterans, disabled Americans, and first-time homeowners. Chlebek’s proposal includes targeted federal tax credits and voluntary state partnerships to replace lost revenue as property taxes are reduced.
“Politicians have promised property-tax relief for decades,” Chlebek said. “I’m promising property-tax freedom for all Americans.”
He argues that Illinois' high property taxes are responsible for thousands of residents losing their homes, including many seniors. He points to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 Tyler v. Hennepin County ruling as evidence that current practices are unconstitutional.
“That’s legalized theft,” he said. “You can pay off your mortgage and still lose your home if you fall behind on taxes. I’m the only candidate with a clear, constitutional plan to end this immoral practice.”
Expanding Into a Broader Agenda
The Property Tax Freedom Plan is one part of Chlebek’s MAGNA Agenda—short for Making America the Greatest Nation Again. The initiative also includes eliminating federal taxes on Social Security and retirement income, offering a five-year tax holiday for new small businesses, providing free prescription drugs for seniors and vulnerable groups, and extending tax-free status to younger Americans.
“These aren’t tweaks around the edges. This is a revolution in how government serves families instead of burdening them,” Chlebek said.
A Story Rooted in Escape from Communism
Born in Czarny Dunajec, Poland, Chlebek came to the U.S. seeking freedoms he says were denied under communist rule. He now hopes to secure what he calls the “promise of ownership and opportunity” for future generations.
“I came to America because I believed in what this country stands for—freedom, opportunity, and the right to build something and actually own it,” he said. “I’m running for Senate to make sure that promise is still here for the next generation and generations to come.”
