Grundy Reporter

Gov. J.B. Pritzker will appear in court after being ordered to explain his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

ABC 7 Chicago reported a legal challenge is accusing the governor of violating state law by extending a state emergency order over 30 days, which he doesn't have the authority to do. 

State Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) has the support of a downstate Clay County judge. If Pritzker doesn't show up for court, a warrant for his arrest will be issued. The governor has to appear in court to explain why he shouldn't be found in contempt. But Pritzker's office said this is a "political sideshow."

"On the same day that the governor asked the General Assembly to do more to keep Illinoisans safe, the House GOP is instead rejecting science and perpetuating a sideshow to this global pandemic," a statement released by the governor's office said. "This motion for contempt is legally baseless, frivolous and a distraction from the serious crisis facing our state. Not a single member of the GOP caucus in the General Assembly has yet to publicly express their rejection of or outrage at this legal maneuvering that creates unnecessary confusion around public health guidance."

The governor's office also said the insuance of the Order to Show Cause isn't proper. Pritzker wasn't allowed to respond to the motion for contempt before the lawsuit was filed, which they say violated the rights of fairness. 

"The state is grappling with its most serious challenge to the lives and health of its residents – a global pandemic – with an increasing number of counties at a warning level today due to outbreaks of cases, and all the while the GOP is playing politics," a the governor's office statement said. "The governor will continue to focus on protecting public health and not on the political sideshow in Clay County."