Former GOP Senator Dillard Denies He's "Making Calls" on Governor's Race
Former State Senator and current Regional Transportation Authority Chairman Kirk Dillard denies he’s reaching out to Republicans seeking support for a 2022 run for Governor. Multiple Republican sources say Diillard has been gauging support in recent days.
NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.
After narrowly losing Republican primaries for Governor in 2010 and 2014, former State Senator Kirk Dillard could be planning a return to elective politics.
Multiple sources tell The Illinoize Dillard has been “making calls” and holding in person meetings in recent days gauging support for a third run for the Governor’s mansion. One source tells us Dillard is “still deciding” but leaning toward launching a campaign.
Dillard, 65, of suburban Hinsdale, served in the Senate from 1993-2014. He was Director of Legislative Affairs for former Governor Jim Thompson and later Chief of Staff to Governor Jim Edgar. Dillard lost the 2010 GOP primary for Governor by 193 votes to his Senate colleague Bill Brady. In 2014, he was defeated by Bruce Rauner by a 40%-37% margin.
Since 2014, he has served as Chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority, the funding mechanism for city and suburban public transit like Metra and the CTA.
Dillard is seen as a pragmatic, consensus building lawmaker who would be a quintisential GOP candidate for Governor. Though, many conservatives criticized him for being “friendly” with Democrats, especially for appearing in a TV ad for Barack Obama that ran in Iowa during the 2008 primary.
But one long time Republican lawmaker said Dillard’s potential entry into the race would be a “game changer.” The legislator says “Illinois could sure use a leader like him.”
Reached Thursday night, Dillard denied the rumors to The Illinoize and says some Republicans have been pursuing his entry into the race, but he isn’t interested.
“I am not making any calls on the Governor’s race at all,” Dillard said. “I have some people who have approached me that are encouraging me to run, but I am not making calls. I have a very nice life and also don’t harbor, like many, some burning desire to be in elected life. I’ve been there.”
Dillard’s political fundraising account is still active, though, as of April 1st, it only has $300 on hand.
