Sangamon Sun

Don Tracy is taking over as chair for the Illinois Republican Party (ILGOP) after Tim Schneider resigned, becoming the first downstate chairman for the party in more than 30 years.

There hasn't been a downstate chair for ILGO since 1988.

Tracy has been involved in politics for many years, from first serving as a precinct committee person in Sangamon County to fundraising for and contributing to conservative candidates and causes both locally and nationally.

Tracy said he wants to bring Republicans together.

"As Chairman I want to lead to bring together every part of our Party across every part of our state,” Tracy said in a statement. “As we unite, we must bridge the gap between communities who do not typically vote Republican. Minority and youth outreach will be the reason Republicans in Illinois expand our base and are able to compete in areas we have traditionally not even considered fighting for.”

Tracy said it is his job to lead fundraising efforts to expand both staff and resources to equip successful grassroots efforts.

“As an experienced fundraiser, we will also raise the funds as a Party to compete against our billionaire Governor,” Tracy said. “Lastly, with expanded resources in staffing and money, we will fight for ensured ballot integrity and fair elections in our state. It is the ILGOP’s job to lead the charge to ensure all legal votes are not diminished by illegal votes.”

Tracy said he worked under the leadership of Rosemarie Long, the Sangamon County GOP chairwoman who passed away last week, and learned from her.

“Make no mistake, I understand how important you are to this party and this state’s future,” Tracy said. “I hope to work with each and every one of you to save Illinois.”

Tracy said with Schneider’s resignation, the opportunity to lead the party was too consequential to pass up.

“It is the obligation of Illinois Republicans to present to voters a different path for our state,” Schneider said. “A responsible path that, in time, will rescue Illinois from financial ruin, economic decline, and historic population losses.”

Tracy said Democrats have run Illinois into a ditch by catering to government insiders, lobbyists, unions and trial lawyers.

“While the political ruling class has been thriving, everyday Illinoisans have been struggling,” Tracy said. “I believe that strong families are the bedrock of a well-functioning society. But in Illinois, they are pummeled year after year by an incompetent state government more interested in indoctrinating their children with ‘progressive viewpoints’ than efficiently providing basic services. Illinois Republicans must stand with them and put forth ideas that tangibly improve their lives and save Illinois from further decline.”

Tracy said Republicans have a duty to unite the party and stand together for a new vision for Illinois.

“A fractured Illinois Republican Party focused on continuing past disputes means JB Pritzker wins a second term,” Tracy said. “A circular firing squad among Republicans means the Madigan Machine continues to stay in power. But most importantly, the failure of state Republicans means the working families of Illinois will continue to suffer under Democrat rule.”

Tracy is senior counsel at Brown, Hay & Stephens Law Firm in Springfield, where he has been a partner for the last 25 years. He is married to Wanda Tracy. He has 11 brothers and sisters, with whom he runs Dot Foods. Dot Foods is the largest foodservice redistribution company in the United States.