Questions surround Senate District 33 candidate Breugelmans’ ties to Democrats: ‘this is the establishment insiders trying to prevent a real Republican from becoming the nominee’

The Republican primary for State Senate District 33 is heating up as party insiders and activists are questioning Jessica Breugelmans’ Republican credentials, citing her ongoing involvement assisting with Democrat campaigns.

Breugelmans faces Danielle Penman in the March 17 primary. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Michele Clark in the general election on Nov. 3. 

Critics have highlighted Breugelmans’ history of Democratic fundraising and leadership roles, including serving as chair of the campaign committee for Democrat Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain’s 2026 campaign and contributing $2,500 to his 2022 campaign, as well as $200 in May 2025.

Longtime GOP volunteer Shannon Sullivan, who serves as an precinct committee person, is questioning Breugelmans’ loyalty to the party compared to Penman.

“Breugelmans is the current chair of a Democratic campaign,” Sullivan told the Kane County Reporter. “She has donated thousands of dollars to Democrats and helped Democrat Amy Johnson launch her campaign. She has not voted in the last four Republican primaries, whereas Penman has voted in the last four GOP primaries and attended the 2024 RNC.” 

Sullivan says Breugelmans’ behavior is disqualifying. 

“In my opinion, this is the establishment insiders trying to prevent a real Republican from becoming the nominee,” Sullivan said. “They have endless money and have launched major false attack ads. It’s difficult to compete against endless funding. Now, here we are, 21 days to voting day, and voters don’t understand that when they vote for Breugelmans, they are voting for a Democrat and more of the same from Springfield. That’s why the establishment is against Danielle; they know she won’t be their puppet.”

State Senate District 33 is currently represented by State Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), who is not seeking re-election.

Tom DeVore, a Greenville-based attorney and former Republican candidate for Attorney General, criticized DeWitte for funding “an outright dishonest campaign” that portrays Breugelmans as a Republican.

According to DeVore, DeWitte has contributed nearly $50,000 to Breugelmans’ effort. 

Sullivan also highlighted the financial support Breugelmans has received. 

“They want more of the same in Springfield and know they can’t control Penman,” she said. “Breugelmans, by her own admission, was asked to run. She has said it many times—they sought her out. This is not someone who woke up one day wanting to make real change for the Republican Party. She supports Democratic campaigns, was campaign manager for Ron Hain, and is now helping with Amy Johnson’s campaign. That’s all factual; it’s verifiable.” 

She described the situation as an example of what she calls “nasty Illinois politics.”

“It’s my first time involved in this type of campaign, and it’s been difficult,” Sullivan said. “Republicans claim to be nice, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. Breugelmans walked into the Kane GOP, never attended a meeting in the 10 years I’ve been active, and now shows up two months later. We can’t endorse anyone until after the primary—it’s disheartening.”

Sullivan has been active in fundraising and grassroots efforts for Kane County Republicans for the past decade. 

“I’ve knocked on thousands of doors over the years,” she said. “This is my first time helping someone run for this type of seat, and it’s been an educational experience.”

Reflecting on the campaign, she compared current tactics to past Illinois political strategies. 

“It’s kind of like Mike Madigan—similar tactics,” Sullivan said.  

She emphasized Penman’s long-standing Republican credentials.

“Penman is a true Republican running for Illinois State Senate District 33, the only Republican running for this seat,” Sullivan said. “I’ve known Penman for 10 years, and she and I have been active in the Kane County GOP. I’ve knocked on thousands of doors with Penman over the years for different campaigns, whether it was school board or supporting Republican candidates running in Kane County.” 

Sullivan also described Penman’s personal background, pointing out that she is “a nurse, a mother, and has lived in St. Charles for 23 years with her husband of 28 years, Tim, where they raised their two children.” 

She added that Tim, a union organizer, places Penman in “a proud union home,” making her a distinctive Republican in a traditionally Democrat-leaning demographic.

“Unions typically lean Democrat,” Sullivan said. “The great part about Penman and that situation is that the unions are tired of being spoon-fed by Democrats without any real support, and 50% of their membership are Republicans. They’re looking for that support, so Penman is a good bridge to that. Penman is also a Second Amendment supporter and the only candidate endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police of Illinois. She’s a true conservative.”