IL-GOP on life support

The Illinois Republican Party (IL-GOP) faces a critical juncture with the upcoming departure of Chairwoman Kathy Salvi, marking the fourth leadership change since 2020. To reverse the party’s electoral struggles since the late 1990s and build a competitive coalition for the 2026 midterms, the next chairman must focus on three strategic priorities: unifying the party around President Trump’s populist legacy, rebuilding ties with private-sector unions, and advocating for the repeal of the TRUST Act to address immigration concerns. These efforts will galvanize the grassroots base, attract “Trump Democrats,” and secure the resources needed to challenge Illinois’ Democratic dominance.

1. Unifying the Party Around Trump’s Populist Agenda

The 2024 election demonstrated President Trump’s appeal in Illinois, narrowing the gap to 4 points on election night before losing by 9 points after vote-by-mail ballots were counted. To capitalize on this momentum, the IL-GOP should:

• Promote Blue-Collar Priorities: Emphasize Trump’s pro-worker agenda, including tax credits for domestic manufacturing, office development, and R&D spending. Highlight how these policies drive job creation and economic recovery in communities still reeling from COVID-era downturns, particularly in downtown Chicago.
• Reduce Internal Factionalism: Address the chronic infighting that has plagued the party since at least 2013, as noted by Republican strategist Doug O’Brien. Convene unity summits to align party factions around a shared economic populist vision, leveraging Trump’s appeal to bridge divides.
• Action Plan: Host town halls and media campaigns to educate voters on how Republican policies prioritize Illinois workers, using data showing job growth in manufacturing (e.g., 2024 BLS reports indicate a 3% increase in Midwest manufacturing jobs under GOP-aligned policies).

2. Rebuilding Ties with Private-Sector Unions

The IL-GOP must shift away from union-bashing and build partnerships with private-sector unions, which represent workers feeling squeezed by immigration-related budget pressures and economic stagnation. Key steps include:

• Engage Union Leadership: Follow the model of Teamsters President Tim O’Brien’s appearance at the 2024 RNC, signaling GOP support for workers. Meet with leaders from unions like the Teamsters and United Auto Workers to discuss shared interests in job security and wage growth.
• Highlight Economic Benefits: Educate union members on how Republican tax policies, such as full tax credits for domestic manufacturing, directly benefit their industries. Contrast this with public-sector unions’ alignment with progressive policies that divert resources from infrastructure.
• Action Plan: Launch a “Workers First” campaign targeting collar counties and industrial areas, featuring testimonials from union workers who support GOP economic plans. Partner with local chambers of commerce to host job fairs emphasizing GOP-backed industries.

3. Advocating for TRUST Act Repeal

The Illinois TRUST Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration agents, has sparked voter discontent, particularly in Chicago’s Southside and collar counties. Repealing the TRUST Act offers an opportunity to convert “Trump Democrats” and expand the party’s base:

• Mobilize Grassroots Support: Capitalize on town halls in predominantly Black Southside neighborhoods, which have gained national attention for opposing immigration policies that overburden local budgets. Frame the TRUST Act repeal as a solution to restore resources for schools, infrastructure, and community services.
• Engage Collar Counties: Address township budget strains caused by immigration spending, as seen in Springfield’s redirection of funds from local priorities. Use data (e.g., 2024 Illinois Policy Institute reports showing a 15% increase in municipal costs due to immigration policies) to underscore the fiscal impact.
• Action Plan: Organize a statewide “Secure Illinois” campaign, including rallies and voter education drives, to advocate for TRUST Act repeal. Partner with community leaders in affected neighborhoods to build coalitions of new Republicans, emphasizing shared economic and safety concerns.

The next IL-GOP chairman has a unique opportunity to transform the party into a competitive force by embracing Trump’s populist momentum, forging alliances with private-sector unions, and championing immigration reform through TRUST Act repeal. By executing this strategy, the chairman can energize the grassroots base, expand the party’s reach, and lay the foundation for electoral success in 2026 and beyond.