Amid Internal Tensions, GOP Denies Pulling Out of Sen. Darby Hills Race
Sen. Darby Hills (R-Barrington Hills) at the Statehouse in 2025. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
The Senate Republican campaign arm denied Thursday it has “pulled out” of the race to save appointed incumbent Sen. Darby Hills (R-Barrington Hills), who has struggled in her high profile battle with Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine) in the northwest suburban 26th District.
A top Senate Republican operative said rumors that have been circling GOP politicos in recent days that the caucus has abandoned Hills’ effort weren’t true and the caucus was still working on Hills’ program.
But, sources say, there has been serious dissention between Hills and the caucus. Neither the Senate Republican caucus or the Illinois Republican Party, which acts as the pass through for direct mail, has reported any spending for Hills in a week.
Hills is still running digital ads and on streaming service, but hasn’t run significant television ads throughout the campaign.
Sources say Hills and her inner circle have clashed with the Senate GOP over messaging and direction of their spending program, which has led to much of Hills’ remaining effort being brought “in house.” A top GOP consulting firm refunded around $30,000 of its fees to Hills this week.
Reached Thursday evening, Hills didn’t address any internal issues with the Senate GOP.
“I’m working tirelessly to win this race. I appreciate the help the Senate Republicans and others are providing, and we are going to keep fighting to win,” she said. “This district deserves a strong, independent leader. While Nabeela Syed sells out working families and caves to party bosses and special interests, I’m standing up for working families.”
Meanwhile, a committee formed and funded by a wealthy Hills supporter is running an ad some Democrats say is a “dog whistle” taking aim at Syed’s Muslim faith.
GOP donor Vince Foglia, who has already given $100,000 directly to Hills’ campaign with another $100,000 from his father, Vincent Foglia, deposited $500,000 into a new political action committee called the “Strong Independent Leadership Committee.”
The new PAC is taking direct aim at Syed in the new ad, leading with a clip of Syed saying in a speech “America supports fascism,” and attempts to compare her to far-left “Democratic Socialist” candidates.
Syed raised around $1.2 million in the third quarter and has received another $470,000 in support. She has been airing broadcast TV ads in recent weeks.
Hills raised around $450,000 in the third quarter and reported around $130,000 in large donations so far this month.
Kamala Harris won the district by around 10 points in 2024. Governor Pritzker won it by around 11 in 2022.
