Follow the Money:
Who Does Cabello Really Work For?
FREEPORT, IL – October 18, 2025
The Numbers Behind the Name
Illinois State Representative John M. Cabello, who represents parts of Freeport and the surrounding region in the Illinois House, filed his 3rd Quarter 2025 report — and the numbers raise a familiar question: who’s he really working for?
Like his Republican colleagues Tony McCombie and Andrew Chesney, Cabello’s campaign relies heavily on corporate PACs and industry money.
Between July 1 and September 30, his committee reported $35,240 in receipts — most of it from outside the district.
At the same time, he spent $28,416.79, largely on consultants, airfare, and political events far from Northwest Illinois, ending the quarter with $19,283.81 cash on hand and $2,136.90 in debt.
“When the people of Freeport aren’t funding their representative, someone else is — and that someone expects a return.”
— Fighting4Freeport Analysis
Out-of-District Influence
A review of Cabello’s top donors reveals a clear pattern: big-money interests, not hometown supporters.
Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois PAC – Springfield ($5,000)
Represents the state’s largest liquor wholesalers, lobbying to limit competition from small breweries. Their support helps keep Springfield’s rules tilted toward monopoly rather than Main Street.
Fraternal Order of Police – Chicago ($5,000)
Cabello’s long-time allies from his law-enforcement days. The FOP routinely backs legislators who oppose accountability reforms — ensuring their influence remains untouched.
DaVita Inc. – Federal Way, WA ($5,000)
A billion-dollar dialysis corporation repeatedly scrutinized for billing abuses.
DaVita has no direct footprint in the 90th District, yet its checkbook keeps showing up in Cabello’s campaign filings.
Sports Betting Alliance – Lubbock, TX ($5,000)
A national gambling lobby pushing for expanded sports betting across Illinois.
Family values and fiscal responsibility? Not when out-of-state gaming money is on the table.
Ameren Illinois – St. Louis, MO ($1,000)
The utility giant frequently criticized for rate hikes.
Their contributions consistently align with lawmakers who resist tougher consumer protections.
The PAC Pipeline
Cabello also drew $11,950 in transfers from powerful Springfield and Chicago-based political committees:
Manufacturers PAC – Springfield $1,500
Illinois State Medical Society PAC – Chicago $1,000
Illinois American Water – Belleville $1,000
Midwest Truckers Association – Springfield $1,000
Associated Beer Distributors PAC – Springfield $5,000
Each represents an industry that profits from access — not accountability.
How He Spends It
Cabello’s spending paints the portrait of a career politician on the move:
Joan M. Etten LLC (Park Ridge) – $6,000 for consulting
Delta Airlines & Omni Hotel (Atlanta / Ft. Worth) – over $2,000 for travel and lodging
Hayes Beer Distributing Co. (Alsip) – $2,068 listed as “donation”
Joe’s Seafood & Steaks (Washington D.C.) – $743 for meals
It’s a long way from Freeport to K Street — but Cabello’s expenses suggest that’s where he’s most comfortable operating.
Where’s the Local Support?
Only a handful of donors from Freeport, Roscoe, and Cherry Valley appear on his report — nearly all under $500.
More than 90 percent of his contributions came from outside the 90th District.
“Freeport families can’t afford Springfield lobbyists, and that’s exactly why they’re ignored.”
Across the Aisle
Cabello’s Democratic challenger John Ping has yet to meet the state’s filing threshold.
As the lone Democrat in the race, Ping faces no primary fight and is expected to mount his campaign mid 2026 — when labor unions and Democratic county organizations in Stephenson, Boone, and Winnebago are likely to step in with grassroots backing.
Money vs. Values
Cabello often brands himself as a Real Republican, but his finances tell another story.
Real Republican Values — faith, family, fairness, fiscal responsibility — don’t line up with corporate lobbies and gambling money.
When nearly every major donor has an agenda in Springfield or Chicago, it’s easy to see why small-town priorities fall by the wayside.
“They talk about red — but their politics are green.”
The Choice Ahead
Cabello enters 2026 as a well funded lawmaker.
But Fighting4Freeport will continue tracking every donor, dollar, and deal.
Because the question remains the same for every voter in Northwest Illinois:
Who does John Cabello really work for?
