Salvi Jumps in Race for Illinois GOP Chair, Plummer Out

2022 GOP U.S. Senate nominee Kathy Salvi. Salvi entered the race for Illinois GOP Chair late Wednesday. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)

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Just ahead of Wednesday’s 5pm application deadline, 2022 GOP Senate candidate Kathy Salvi filed to run for Illinois Republican Party Chair. Another top candidate passed on the race late Wednesday, leading to a three-way fight for the chair position at a special meeting Friday.

Salvi, of Mundelein, lost to Sen. Tammy Duckworth 57%-42% in 2022. We’ve been playing phone tag with Salvi and have yet to discuss her decision to run on the record.

Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) and GOP State Central Committeeman Aaron Del Mar filed for the position, as expected.

Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville), long seen as a frontrunner for the spot, told The Illinoize just ahead of the application deadline that he would not file, but declined further comment.

A state central committee vote to replace outgoing Chairman Don Tracy is scheduled for Friday.

It is not open to the public or media.

NewsPatrick Pfingsten