Challengers Emerge as Salvi Likely to Seek Re-Election as State GOP Chair
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi approaches a group of media tat the Republican National Convention in 2024. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
Despite stories last year that Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi planned to resign and, we’re told, changed her mind, Salvi is expected to seek a second term as GOP chair next week.
But, the Lake County attorney and former congressional and U.S. Senate candidate faces likely challengers in her bid for re-election, we’re told.
The deadline to file applications for GOP chair closes Sunday night, and sources say only one person has filed an application to seek the slot, former Kendall County Board Chairman and former congressional candidate Scott Gryder. Gryder sought the GOP chair position in 2021 when former chair Don Tracy was elected.
The State GOP wouldn’t confirm any applicants ahead of the weekend deadline.
Gryder did not return multiple messages seeking comment.
Sources say Salvi has told multiple state central committee members she plans to seek re-election to the post, which is scheduled for May 18. She did not return a message Thursday.
Some central committee members question Salvi’s chances to secure another term as the state party infrastructure faces significant internal turmoil, electoral challenges, and a new state central committee elected last month.
“If Kathy thinks she can win another term she’s crazy,” said one GOP insider. Everyone in every faction of the state party is mad at the path we’re on. Nobody wants more of the same.”
Multiple sources say former DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan, who was elected to the state central committee last month, has been making calls to gauge support for a run for party chair. He was involved in Ted Dabrowski’s failed gubernatorial run in March.
Some Republicans believe Darren Bailey’s gubernatorial campaign is attempting to insert conservative activist Kristina McCloy as chair, which was flatly denied by the Bailey campaign Thursday. A campaign source claimed “we’re staying out of it.”
McCloy did not return a message Thursday.
We’re also told some members of the state central committee are attempting to recruit a new chair. Names we’ve heard included former RNC national committeeman Richard Porter and outgoing Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison. Neither returned messages late Thursday.
While the field is far from settled, many central committee members believe the race for chair is “wide open,” with multiple members saying they don’t believe anyone has the votes to win the chair position yet.
