North Cook News

Mark Albers, Committeeman for the Niles Township Republicans, has criticized DuPage County's decision to remove Henry Hyde's name from the courthouse. He described it as a "disgraceful act of political posturing" in a statement to North Cook News on February 25.

"It is an absolute disgrace that DuPage County erased Henry Hyde's name from the courthouse over a single partisan issue, ignoring his decades of dedicated public service," said Albers. "Hyde fought tirelessly for his community, championing bipartisan causes like infrastructure and public safety—yet none of that mattered to these petty politicians. This is a cowardly attempt to rewrite history and smear a man who gave his life to serving Illinois. Stripping Hyde's name from the courthouse is nothing more than political posturing; DuPage County Democrats should be ashamed of themselves."

According to ABC 7, DuPage County lawmakers voted to remove Hyde’s name due to his anti-abortion stance. Hyde, who served as a Republican congressman for over three decades, was known for his bipartisan work on issues such as gun control and family medical leave. He also sponsored the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal abortion funding. Some lawmakers argue that his views are outdated, while others see the decision as an attempt to erase history. The resolution passed with a 10-5 vote by the DuPage County Board Chair.

The Daily Herald reported on the February 11 hearing of the DuPage County Board concerning this issue. Democrats supported removing Hyde’s name because of his anti-abortion stance, whereas Republicans opposed it, labeling it politically motivated. According to the Herald, Hyde’s son defended his father's legacy by highlighting his contributions in areas like gun control and infrastructure. The vote has sparked discussions about bipartisanship within the County Board.

In a social media post on February 11, Democrat David Axelrod commented on the board's decision: "A county board in IL voted to strip Rep. Henry Hyde's name from courthouse because of '80 law he wrote limiting fed funds for abortion. I disagreed w[ith] Hyde but he was an honorable man; a WW II vet who devoted his life to service. Regrettable move."

The Cook County Republican Party announced Mark Albers as Niles Township Republican Committeeman in a July 8, 2024 post on its website. Albers is noted as a long-time resident of Morton Grove and an active community member.