Tiffany Henyard sues Dolton trustees, Thornton Township caucus over leadership nomination dispute

DOLTON, Ill. - Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, who also serves as Thornton Township supervisor, has filed a lawsuit against Dolton trustees and the township's Democratic caucus after losing her bid for renomination to her leadership role.

Henyard alleges that the caucus process was unfair and accuses State Sen. Napoleon Harris, the caucus leader, of voter suppression. She claims that during the Dec. 3 nomination meeting, Harris and other caucus organizers locked her supporters out of the venue, forcing them to stand outside in freezing temperatures.

Henyard also argues that the decision to hold a caucus rather than a primary election denied voters their full rights. Harris has denied the allegations, stating that the caucus followed long-standing state traditions.

In Dolton, Henyard’s lawsuit accuses village trustees of undermining her authority by restricting her ability to appoint key positions, such as police chief and village attorney.

Both trustees and caucus organizers have dismissed Henyard’s claims, calling the lawsuit a distraction from governance and leadership responsibilities.

Late Thursday night, Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts sent out the following press release to the media:

Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts says the addition of his name to a lawsuit Thorton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard has filed against State Sen. Napoleon Harris is the result of a misunderstanding.

"First and foremost, my understanding of the conversation I had with Supervisor Henyard was vastly different than her understanding," Roberts said. "I want to make it clear that I was not aware of any lawsuits filed on my behalf. I have not authorized or initiated any legal actions, nor was I consulted about any such filings. I appreciate the work Supervisor Henyard and Sen. Harris have done for Dixmoor. My focus is on the Village of Dixmoor and helping the residents here. I have no desire to be a part of this lawsuit."

Roberts is looking at all legal options to be removed from the lawsuit.

"The reality is that this lawsuit has nothing to do with the Village of Dixmoor, which is one of the reasons why I was taken by surprise to see my name added as one of the plaintiffs," Roberts said. "I intend to do everything I can to remove my name from this lawsuit."