Downers Grove, IL — Earlier this year, Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau accepted an award from the far-right group Awake Illinois for his disregard of public health measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“Not only did Keith Pekau jeopardize the lives of his constituents throughout the pandemic, but he accepted an award from far-right extremists thanking him for ignoring public health officials,” said Casten for Congress Spokesman Jacob Vurpillat. “That tells you everything you need to know about his style of leadership.”

Awake Illinois has recently been in the news for its connection to the targeting of UpRising Bakery in Lake in the Hills. Members of Awake IL promoted a protest of the drag brunch with a local Proud Boys’ chapter, another far-right extremist group with ties to the January 6th insurrection and anti-LGBTQ+ protests across the country.

“Hate has no home in Illinois,” Vurpillat continued. “If Keith Pekau agrees with that sentiment, he’ll disavow Awake Illinois and their history of homophobia and racism.”

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