Embattled Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard Loses Thornton Township Nomination Amid Scandal
Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard faced a significant political setback on Tuesday night as she lost the Democratic nomination for Thornton Township supervisor in a historic caucus. The Illinois mayor, often referred to as a “super mayor” due to her dual roles, will now see her political influence wane after the contentious event.
Loss of Nomination
Henyard, who currently serves as Thornton Township supervisor, failed to secure her spot on the ballot due to procedural issues. Her name was excluded because her slate lacked a certified assessor, a requirement for nomination. To qualify, nominees must present a slate of eight individuals, including positions for supervisor, highway director, clerk, assessor, and four trustees.
The Democratic nomination instead went overwhelmingly to Illinois State Senator and Thornton Township Democratic Committeeman Napoleon Harris. The caucus marked the first time in decades that the township’s Democratic Party used this nomination process instead of a primary election, a decision made by Harris himself.
A Contentious Caucus
The results of the caucus sparked anger from Henyard, who vocally challenged the legitimacy of the process. “You didn’t run none of this the right way,” she was heard saying after the event. “Illegal, Napoleon.”
Harris, however, defended the decision to hold a caucus, stating it was a valid and long-standing tradition in many other townships across Illinois. “People in Thornton Township may be new to caucuses because they haven’t had them in a while, but this has been the tradition for many other townships around the state,” Harris explained, rejecting accusations of unfairness.
Adding to Henyard’s frustration was a new rule announced during the caucus: candidates nominated for township supervisor are prohibited from running for other positions. This decision further limits Henyard’s options to regain her position through traditional means.
Path Forward for Henyard
Despite losing the nomination, Henyard still has options to remain on the ballot for the April election. She could run as a write-in or independent candidate, but as of now, she has not indicated plans to pursue either route. During the heated aftermath of the caucus, Henyard declared she would take legal action against those involved in the process, though no lawsuits have yet been filed.
The loss comes at a critical time for Henyard, who is also running for re-election as mayor of Dolton amid a series of scandals.
Scandals and Investigations
Henyard’s political career has been overshadowed by allegations of embezzlement and misuse of public funds. She has also been accused of targeting her political opponents. A recent investigation into Dolton’s finances, initiated by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, revealed significant financial mismanagement under Henyard’s leadership.
Lightfoot’s preliminary report showed that Dolton’s general fund balance had plummeted from $5.61 million in 2022 to a staggering deficit of $3.65 million by May 2024. The report further uncovered that Henyard had used the village’s credit card for questionable personal purchases. These included transactions at Amazon, Target, Walgreens, and Wayfair, among other retailers.
One particularly shocking revelation detailed a $33,000 expenditure on Amazon in a single day—January 5, 2023. The investigation painted a troubling picture of Dolton’s financial stability and raised serious questions about Henyard’s fiscal responsibility.
Political Fallout
Henyard’s mounting legal and political troubles have significantly eroded her support base. Her defeat in the caucus could signal a shift in Thornton Township’s political landscape, as residents and party members look for new leadership.
Meanwhile, Harris’s decisive victory positions him as a rising figure in the township. His ability to mobilize support during the caucus suggests strong backing within the Democratic Party, even as Henyard continues to challenge the process.
The Road Ahead
For Henyard, the loss of the Democratic nomination marks a critical turning point in her political career. With ongoing scandals and legal threats looming, her ability to maintain her position as Dolton mayor and regain her role as township supervisor remains uncertain.
As the April elections approach, the outcomes in Dolton and Thornton Township will likely have far-reaching implications, not just for Henyard’s future but for the broader political dynamics of the region.
