Salvi Son Out for Senate Seat, McLaughlin Seen as Favorite
Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills)
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After allegations of nepotism and backroom deals to install Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi’s son, Joe, as the replacement in the Senate to the recently resigned Dan McConchie, Salvi did not apply for the appointment.
McConchie had endorsed Salvi to replace him.
Lake County GOP Chairman Keith Brin, who controls enough of the weighted vote to fill McConchie’s seat on his own, said four candidates had applied for the appointment.
They are Long Grove Village Board Member Chris Borawski, failed 2024 State Representative candidate Tosi Ufodike, Barrington Hills Village Board Member Darby Hills, and Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills).
Neither Salvi or Republican State Central Committee member Aaron Del Mar, who we reported is laying groundwork for a run for Governor, did not apply.
McLaughlin won re-election to the House in half of the Senate District by just 47 votes in November and would likely be a top target for Senate Democrats next year.
After word of McConchie’s preference for Salvi became public, McLaughlin put out a statement that he would challenge Salvi in a primary next year if he received the appointment.
“Republicans have rightly criticized Democrats for engaging in such practices. The 26th District deserves a candidate with a proven record, not one selected through insider politics,” McLaughlin said in a statement last week. “Republicans believe in merit-based selection. If the committee chooses to go down this path, I will actively campaign for the seat in the 2026 primary - and I will win”.
Brin said interviews will take place Friday and McConchie’s replacement will be selected Friday afternoon.
