CTE Anthony Manuel

A federal judge ruled Monday that Cook County is liable to pay back potentially millions of dollars to people who lost their homes in the county’s annual property tax sales, three years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the system unconstitutional.

Good morning Lake County,

Elections come and go, but purpose endures.

I want to thank the 13,250 voters across Lake County who believed in this campaign, this vision, and this movement for accountability, financial empowerment, and transformational leadership. Your support was never just about politics — it was about believing that our communities deserve transparency, opportunity, and a government that works for working families.

While this election did not end the way we hoped, I still believe deeply in the future of Lake County. Progress is not defined by one night or one race. Real change happens when ordinary people decide they will no longer sit on the sidelines and instead choose to lead, serve, and build.

I congratulate Treasurer Petalas on his victory and wish him wisdom and success in serving the people of Lake County.

To every volunteer, donor, supporter, church member, student, neighbor, senior citizen, and first-time voter who stood with this campaign — thank you. You reminded me that leadership is not about titles. Leadership is about service. It is about lifting people up, creating hope where there was frustration, and inspiring others to believe again.

This campaign spoke about financial dignity, accountability, and breaking cycles that have held our communities back for far too long. That conversation does not end tonight. In many ways, it is only beginning.

I remain committed to Lake County. I remain committed to service. And I remain committed to the belief that when we empower people economically, educationally, and spiritually, we change entire communities for generations.

The work continues.

With gratitude and hope,

Anthony J. Manuel