What's Next for GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Schimpf?
Former State Senator and GOP gubernatorial candidate Paul Schimpf has struggled to raise money and gain traction thus far in his campaign.
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Numerous Republican insiders around the state that would tell you former State Senator Paul Schimpf is the most “serious” current GOP candidate for Governor. He’s former military, served four years in the Senate, has run statewide, understands policy, and isn’t pandering on populist talking points.
But Schimpf’s campaign has failed to gain traction thus far, and some influential Republicans believe he should get out of the race for Governor and potentially explore a run for Attorney General. He was defeated by then-incumbent Lisa Madigan 60% to 38% in 2014.
Schimpf filed his quarterly campaign finance report last night, showing just $76,000 on hand and has continually trailed in fundraising since getting in the race this spring. Schimpf's campaign recently split with his campaign manager, Christina Myers. Myers confirmed the news in a text message last night.
A recent poll of Republican primary voters showed him clocking in at 3% of the vote, 30 points behind current favorite and fellow southern Illinoisan Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia).
In the meantime, we’re told Schimpf is “all in” on the race for Governor. An insider tells us he likely won’t evaluate his status in the race until Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) decides whether he will get in the race for Governor.
