Kane County Reporter

Former Republican State Representative candidate Tonia Khouri says Aurora Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin's former law partner described herself as his "baby momma" before saying she "hates all Republicans."

Khouri said Brittany Michelle Pedersen, who is the mother of two out-of-wedlock children with Irvin and a current candidate for Kane County Judge, made the remarks at a Kane County restaurant on Monday night. She described the encounter in a Facebook post.

“I am very forgiving of people's behavior, but I can't let this one go," Khouri wrote. "I met Kane County judicial candidate, Brittany Michelle Pedersen tonight while having dinner. Without knowing who I was, she proceeded to tell me that she was Richard Irvin's baby momma (what?!), how she hates all Republicans, and many other derogatory comments."

Former State Representative candidate Tonia Khouri posted on Facebook about an encounter with gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin's "baby momma" Brittany Pedersen | Facebook

"After she shared way more than I asked for or wanted, she took and ATE FOOD OFF MY HUSBAND's PLATE!," Khouri wrote. “I've never been so offended, so embarrassed, and so disappointed in another human being – let alone someone running FOR JUDGE.”

“Where is the honorable demeanor? Where is the common decency? Where is the discretion?," she wrote.

Khouri, who runs a small home services business with her husband, called on Kane County voters to reject Pedersen's candidacy for judge.

“To all of my Kane County friends - please do not vote for this woman. Whether you're Republican or Democrat- she will embarrass and disappoint you if given the opportunity to sit on the bench and decide the fate of peoples' future," she wrote.

Pedersen is running in the Democrat primary to serve as judge in Illinois' 16th Circuit, which covers only Kane County.

She is a partner in a law firm Pedersen & Irvin, Ltd. with Irvin and is mother to twins fathered by Irvin.  

Irvin provided financial backing for Pederson’s unsuccessful 2020 campaign for Kane County Judge.

In that race, she was rated "not recommended" by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Kane County Bar Association. In particular, her fellow attorneys questioned her integrity, legal ability and whether she met the requirements for the office.

As reported by WTTW and reporters Paris Schutz and Nick Blumberg, Pedersen is connected principals involved in the multi-million dollar redevelopment of the Old Copley Hospital that is being funded by Aurora taxpayers and sent millions to those linked to Irvin. Irvin’s ex-wife, Crystal Irvin, also joined a group involved in that redevelopment.

Pederson was a fundraiser for former attorney general Lisa Madigan’s campaign in 2002 and later joined the AG’s office. That campaign was heavily financed by Madigan's father, former House Speaker Michael Madigan, who is currently under indictment for public corruption.

Khouri, a mother of three and a community leader, was named the president of In Defense of Christians in October 2021. The group advocates for Christians in the Middle East.

She is a former DuPage County Commissioner.. Khouri was also named Woman of the Year by the Phoenician Club of Chicago. She is previously ran for state representative in the 49th District.