Tiffany Henyard, the controversial Democratic mayor of Dolton, Illinois, has announced her intention to run for a second term, despite facing numerous controversies and a federal investigation.
Dubbed by some residents as “the worst mayor in America” and others as the “Dictator of Dolton,” Henyard made her announcement via Facebook, stating, “Attention Attention Attention Attention. I am running for Reelection for Mayor of Dolton.”
Henyard, who first took office in 2021 after winning more than 80% of the vote, has seen her tenure marred by allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of power.
A preliminary report from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration revealed that Dolton’s general fund balance plummeted from $5.61 million in 2022 to a $3.65 million deficit by May 2024.
The self-proclaimed “super mayor” has been accused of misusing taxpayer funds, with reports of extravagant spending on her village credit card.
One notable instance includes a $33,000 Amazon purchase on a single day in January 2023.
Henyard also allegedly threw lavish parties at taxpayer expense, including an $85,000 event featuring R&B singer Keke Wyatt and rapper J. Holiday.
Despite these controversies, Henyard’s campaign, “Friends of Tiffany Henyard,” reported nearly $64,000 in funds, including a $20,000 loan from Henyard herself. However, the campaign recorded no contributions or expenses between July and September 2024, according to the most recent disclosure report.
The mayor’s re-election bid comes as she faces a lawsuit against several village trustees, the Dolton Park District, the village clerk, and the village administrator.
The legal dispute stems from a controversial village board meeting that Henyard claims violated procedures.
Adding to the turmoil, Dolton and Thornton Township, where Henyard serves as supervisor, were hit with federal subpoenas earlier this year. The investigation also extends to Henyard’s political committee and charity.
Opposition to Henyard’s leadership is mounting within Dolton.
Jason House, a fellow board member, has announced his candidacy as part of the “Clean House slate,” along with other incumbent trustees opposed to Henyard. Trustee Kiana Belcher called Henyard’s re-election run “ridiculous,” accusing the mayor of sowing chaos in the village.
Despite the controversies, Henyard remains defiant. Through her lawyer, she told NBC 5 Chicago that Dolton voters “know the truth, and I am committed and determined to continue fighting for my village for the next four years.”