The so-called Dolton “Dictator” wants to stay in power.
Tiffany Henyard, the self-proclaimed “super mayor” of Dolton, Illinois announced her reelection bid Tuesday — despite facing countless controversies during her first term that have landed her under federal scrutiny.
“Attention, Attention, Attention, Attention,” she said on Facebook. “I am running for Reelection for Mayor of Dolton.”
But Henyard, who clinched her first term in office in 2021, hasn’t done much fundraising leading up to Tuesday’s announcement.
Her campaign, Friends of Tiffany Henyard, didn’t record any contributions or expenses between July and September, according to the most recent campaign disclosure report.
Henyard, who is facing accusations of misusing taxpayer funds in Dolton, is listed as the treasurer of her campaign. She loaned her campaign $20,000 in March and has nearly $64,000 in funds, according to campaign finance information.
The under-fire leader is set to face off against Dolton board colleague Jason House, who is part of a team of candidates called the Clean House slate. He is running with other incumbent trustees opposed to Henyard.
“We look forward to Election Day and hope the residents will vote for us to continue doing the work we have been doing,” House told the Chicago Tribune on Wednesday.
Division in the village has only grown in recent months with Henyard and some board members meeting at different times and places. She stormed into – and then out of – a meeting held by opposing village trustees last week to jeers and heckling.
Henyard has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to determine village hall as the primary site for municipal business and cancel any official acts taken by other trustees at the last couple meetings at another location, ABC 7 Chicago reported.
Dolton and the town of Thornton Township, which Henyard leads as supervisor, was hit with federal subpoenas earlier this year. Her political committee and charity, along with associates, were also subpoenaed, WGNTV reported at the time.
The pol has denied wrongdoing.
Trustee Kiana Belcher, who is running with House, called Henyard’s reelection run “ridiculous,” accusing the mayor of sowing chaos in the village.
“The community does not want to continue under her leadership,” Belcher said. “I’m not shocked because I know her, definitely not shocked.”
“Whatever happens, she’s not going out without a fight. That’s one thing I can say, she’s a true fighter so I’m not surprised,” Belcher continued, noting her the slate of candidates would restore decency and order.
Henyard insisted Dolton voters “will give me their overwhelming support and mandate.”
“They know the truth, and I am committed and determined to continue fighting for my village for the next four years,” she said through her lawyer to NBC 5 Chicago.
The Democratic primary would be next February, per the Tribune.