Illinois Politician Releases Video After Alleged Blackmail Attempt

Elyse Hoffenberg, the Lyons Township Clerk and a Democratic candidate for Cook County Commissioner, released surveillance footage of herself kissing Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek. This action follows allegations that political opponents threatened to leak the video unless she withdrew from the race. The footage, published by the Chicago Tribune, shows Hoffenberg and Landek in the Lyons Township clerk’s office on July 13, shortly before 6:45 p.m. Hoffenberg described the kiss as a 'lighthearted, friendly and non-romantic moment among colleagues' and stated that she told Landek it was 'inappropriate and unprofessional' immediately afterward. Hoffenberg accused her political rivals, particularly Republican Liz Gorman, of attempting to extort her regarding the video. Gorman denied these allegations, stating she never contacted Hoffenberg or demanded anything in exchange for withholding the video. Hoffenberg expressed confidence that the video would not impact her campaign and emphasized her commitment to providing strong leadership in the community. Both Hoffenberg and Landek did not respond to requests for comment.