Harmon Avoids Campaign Finance Fine, Pledges Reform in 2026
Senate President Don Harmon speaks at a Senate committee October 30. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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The Illinois State Board of Elections remained deadlocked among party lines Tuesday on a recommended record fine for Senate President Don Harmon, allowing the Oak Park Democrat to escape without a nearly $10 million penalty, or any penalty at all.
The Board’s General Counsel and an independent hearing officer recommended the $9.8 million dollar fine, alleging Harmon broke the state’s campaign finance contribution limits in 2024 to the tune of more than $4 million.
Harmon put $100,001 in his campaign fund in January 2023 to break the contribution caps. He wasn’t up for election in the 2024 primary, so the SBE argued Harmon needed to break the caps again after the 2024 primary to raise money for the fall campaign. As Senate President, Harmon filters millions in contributions through his campaign account to the caucus campaign account and accounts of his Democratic members.
But last month, after the strenuous objection of Harmon’s attorney, Democratic campaign law expert Michael Kasper, the board deadlocked among its 4 Democrats and 4 Republicans. The issue was held over to Tuesday’s meeting, but the board remained deadlocked, essentially killing the effort to penalize Harmon.
“This case highlights how ambiguity in the law can sometimes lead to vastly different interpretations,” said Rick Terven, a Democratic member of the State Board of Elections. “But I have never encountered a situation on this board where a tie vote resulted in punitive damages. We must uphold the principle that a majority is required to convict someone.”
“As far as I’m concerned, this case is over,” said Marni Malowitz, the ISBE General Counsel.
A spokesman for Harmon’s political operation, Tom Bowen, said the President was happy to move past the issue.
“We’re pleased to have this matter finally behind us and to focus all of our energy on solving the real problems facing Illinoisans every day,” Bowen said in a statement.
Board members said lawmakers need to take action to reform the contribution cap rules.
“I think it’ll be incumbent on the legislature to either give us that, or the courts, or somewhere,” said Laura Kent Donahue, a former Republican State Senator and Chair of the State Board of Elections.
John Patterson, a spokesman for Harmon in his official capacity as Senate President, said Harmon is committed to advancing campaign finance reform in 2026.
When asked for details of what Harmon intends to pursue, we didn’t hear back.
