Illinois Republicans select Don Tracy as new party chairman

Springfield businessman and lawyer becomes the first downstate chairman since 1988

After lengthy interviews with the three finalists, spirited discussion, and a weighted vote amongst the ILGOP State Central Committee, Don Tracy of Springfield was chosen Saturday (Feb. 6, 2021) as the next chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and has unanimous support from the committee.

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider immediately offered his resignation and Don Tracy accepted the role of chairman to fill the remaining two years of Schneider’s term. In December of 2020, Schneider announced a transition plan in which there would be an open and transparent process for the selection of a new chairman.

Don Tracy of Springfield was chosen Feb. 6, 2021 as the next chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. Photo courtesy of the Illinois GOP

Chairman Don Tracy has released the following statement in response to his selection:

“I am truly honored and excited to have been chosen by the State Central Committee to serve as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. I want to thank each member for the opportunity to serve. I promise to lead with honesty, integrity, and the vigor we need to turn Illinois around. I also want to thank the other two finalists – Mark Shaw and Scott Gryder – for their tireless work on behalf of the Republican Party. I look forward to working with them to elect more Republicans.

“I ran for this position because I love Illinois – it’s my home – and I believe the ILGOP can be a tremendous catalyst for change in this state. The upcoming election cycle can be monumental if we seize on the tremendous opportunities before us. We have a weakened Governor who can be defeated; we have a US Senate seat to win; we are well-positioned to win back Congressional seats; we can claw back seats in the state legislature if we recruit the right candidates; and lastly, we have an historic opportunity to elect a fourth Republican to the state Supreme Court for the first time ever.

“The only way we can capitalize on these opportunities in 2022 is if we unite the party. My number one priority is to give every Republican a seat at the table and give every Republican a voice. Regardless of our differences, Republicans are the only hope for turning Illinois around and keeping it from becoming a depopulated, over-taxed, and anti-police financial basket case. There’s too much at stake in 2022 to be anything less than a united band of brothers and sisters in the fight to save Illinois.

“So, whatever your political leanings, wherever you live – if you want to fight corruption, restore fiscal sanity, grow our economy, and stand for law and order – you’re on our team. It’s time to suit up, work together, and bring home some wins for the people of Illinois.”

Don Tracy is a successful businessman and lawyer from Springfield, Illinois. Born and raised in rural Mt. Sterling (Brown County, Illinois), he is the oldest of twelve children. Don and his eleven siblings own the thriving family business, Dot Foods, Inc., a national redistributor of food and related products, and other national businesses. Headquartered in Mt. Sterling (population: 2,025), Dot Foods, Inc. was founded in 1960 by Don’s father and currently employs 6,000 people across the United States and Canada.

Don is the first chairman of the Illinois Republican Party from outside Chicago and the collar counties since 1988.

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