Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will speak at a police event Monday in suburban Chicago – NBC Chicago

Even before Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ scheduled appearance in suburban Chicago on Monday, news of the Republican’s upcoming visit has sparked a backlash in the Chicago mayoral race and from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

DeSantis will speak at an event called “Law and Order Illinois” in Elmhurst, which is promoted by – but not organized by – Chicago Lodge 7 of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Speaking on Friday, Pritzker sent a clear message about his priorities as governor, while hurling criticism at DeSantis, who is seen as a possible candidate in the 2024 presidential election.

“I think every elected official and every candidate for office should call him out and speak out against what he stands for, and I’m sure he’ll say it again when he comes around,” Pritzker said.

FOP Lodge 7, which listed the event on its website, endorsed Paul Vallas in the race for mayor of Chicago. Vallas released a statement on Friday denouncing DeSantis.

“There just isn’t a place in Chicago for a right-wing extremist like Ron DeSantis, and I’m disappointed that FOP leaders invited him to speak to officers,” he said.

Philanthropist Willie Wilson, who is also vying to become Chicago’s next mayor, said in a statement that “The Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge 7) invites Governor DeSantis to address the group during the Month of black history is reckless and sends the wrong signal.”

Even the FOP has distanced itself from the Republican governor.

“We were just asked to help promote it…that’s all we do,” said John Catanzara, president of FOP Lodge 7. “It’s not the left side of the aisle at all, nor the right side of the aisle. I know people try to make that out of it.”

DeSantis’ visit is particularly noteworthy, as both he and Pritzker are rumored to be presidential candidates. Pritzker avoided questions about presidential aspirations and said Friday he was focused on his job as governor.

“First, we need to balance the budget,” he said. “That’s the most important thing to start with… Everything else flows from there.”