On July 12, Kathy Salvi was elected as Chair of the Illinois Republican Party after outgoing Chair Don Tracy announced his intent to step down following the Republican National Convention back in June. State Rep. John Cabello and former Cook Country GOP chair Aaron Del Mar ran against Salvi for Illinois GOP Chair.
Salvi was raised in Waukegan and graduated from Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. She received her B.A. in communications from Loyola University Chicago and later received her J.D. from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Salvi previously served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Justice Harry D. Stourse of the Second Appellate District of Illinois and later was an Assistant Public Defender in the Lake Country Public Defender’s Office. She now practices personal injury law at the firm Salvi & Maher LLP. Salvi served on the Board of the Midtown Educational Foundation from 1993 to 2013 and participated in the United Nations Conference on Woman in 1995. She is married to former State Rep. Al Salvi.
In the 2006 midterms, Kathy Salvi ran for the Republican nomination in Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, ultimately placing second in the primary. 16 years later in 2022, she was the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. Tammy Duckworth, ultimately receiving 41.5% of the vote. Her Senate platform centered around making the U.S. energy independent, combatting inflation, increasing border security, and supporting U.S. allies abroad.
Since being elected party Chair, Salvi has advocated for unity and supporting all Republican candidates and viewpoints across Illinois. Specifically referring to Republicans perpetuating party infighting, Salvi addressed supporters saying, “I think all of us here need to start calling those people out,” to avoid disagreements affecting overall party goals. Speaking to her vision of the future, Salvi cited her main goal as making the party competitive again by picking up seats in both the General Assembly and Congress in November. She hopes by showing that Illinois Republicans can be successful again, she can attract a new donor base, which has been lacking since former Gov. Bruce Rauner and billionaire Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin left the state.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
November 12-14 – Veto Session Week 1
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
In the News
State GOP leaders pass the torch as national convention wraps up – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 18, 2024
Illinois Republicans marked a changing of the guard Thursday morning as delegates met for breakfast ahead of the final day of the GOP national convention.
Don Tracy’s final day leading Illinois Republicans – The Daily Line, July 19, 2024
When the balloons dropped at the end of the Republican National Committee in Milwaukee on Thursday night, Don Tracy’s three-and-a-half-years as chair of the Illinois Republican Party also came to an end.
Rod Blagojevich drops into Milwaukee to tout Trump. Illinois GOP left unenthused. – Chicago Tribune, July 18, 2024
After speaking at a Serbs for Trump rally at a downtown bar, disgraced ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich acknowledged his conversion from a leading Illinois Democrat to a self-described “Trumpocrat” has been as much personal as political.
Rep. Sean Casten: It’s time for Joe Biden to pass the torch – Chicago Tribune, July 19, 2024
On the one hand, we have Joe Biden. A man who passed the biggest climate and infrastructure bills in our nation’s history; expanded NATO; has overseen record-breaking economic growth and job growth; and has protected union members’ pensions, veterans’ benefits and seniors’ access to affordable drugs. And, it should be noted, is a fundamentally kind, empathetic and decent human being.
Illinois has already experienced over 100 tornadoes this year, double the annual average – Chicago Tribune, July 19, 2024
On Monday, the National Weather Service in Chicago issued 16 tornado warnings — the most they’ve sent out on a single day since 2004. The office confirmed that at least 28 tornadoes swept across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana on Sunday and Monday night as peak wind gusts reached more than 100 mph.
Greg Hinz: Springfield ponders whether to fix or just throw money at reeling transit system – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 18, 2024
Few things are more important to Chicago’s economy than having a safe, reliable, comprehensive and affordable public transit system. What we have today isn’t any of that. “What we’re doing now isn’t working,” says state Rep. Kam Buckner, a Chicago Democrat who has focused on transit issues in his career. That’s why all of us — train riders and automobile users, workers and employers — would be well advised to pay close attention to Springfield and what lawmakers are preparing to do. And not do.
At RNC, Illinois GOP starts looking to 2026 election – Chicago Tribune, July 17, 2024
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida was taunting an old Capitol Hill nemesis on the crowded floor of the Republican National Convention when an Illinois Republican Party official with a low profile outside of state GOP circles stepped in.
Pritzker looks to build up ‘blue wall’ with stops in Indiana, Ohio – The State Journal-Register, July 17, 2024
Pushing through concerns of age and a shaky debate performance, Gov. JB Pritzker has been adamant that President Joe Biden is the man to defeat former President Donald Trump come November while shooting down claims that he himself could enter the race.
MIRA? New Illinois GOP chair Kathy Salvi vows to end ‘blue funk’: ‘We’re gonna make Illinois red again’ – Chicago Sun Times, July 17, 2024
Salvi, who officially becomes the face of the state party on Friday, called on Illinois Republicans to set aside differences “to usher in a new era of Republican victories here in Illinois.”
US Rep. Mary Miller, who at RNC says media has ‘demonized Trump,’ symbolizes rightward shift of Illinois GOP – Chicago Tribune, July 17, 2024
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who is leading the Illinois’ 64-member delegation at the GOP’s national presidential nominating convention, on Tuesday blamed former President Donald Trump’s low standing in Illinois on the news media and said that if gun owners in the solidly blue state showed up to vote Republicans could “flip the state red.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Bears boss meet privately for first time amid stadium push – Chicago Tribune, July 16, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker met privately for the first time Tuesday with Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren as the team continues to push for upward of $2 billion in public support for its proposed new domed stadium on a reimagined lakefront.
Latecomer GOP state legislative candidates have raised little cash, records show – Chicago Tribune, July 16, 2024
Republican Illinois legislative candidates whose place on the November ballot is at issue in an ongoing court case have raised very little money for their campaigns, finance reports released this week show.
Illinois Republicans urged to look beyond traditional base as national party courts unions – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 16, 2024
A former Republican congressman from New York told Illinois Republicans Tuesday that to win more elections in their deeply blue state, they need to reach beyond the traditional conservative voting base.
News in brief: Illinois GOP likes Vance pick; Fioretti attends RNC – The Daily Line, July 17, 2024
Illinois Republicans tell The Daily Line they are happy with former President Donald Trump’s running mate selection. And Cook County state’s attorney candidate Bob Fioretti is in Milwaukee to attend the Republican National Convention.
Madigan lawyers seek dismissal of 14 counts against ex-House speaker, citing Supreme Court ruling – Chicago Sun Times, July 16, 2024
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a key statute at play in Michael Madigan’s case criminalizes bribery among state and local officials, but not after-the-fact rewards known as “gratuities.”
Lee Zeldin’s advice to make Illinois Republicans more competitive – The Daily Line, July 17, 2024
Illinois Republicans haven’t made a gubernatorial race close since former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner won in 2014. On Tuesday they took some advice from a different candidate in another dark blue state who made headlines by narrowing the gap against an incumbent Republican governor.
Illinois Sen. Pres. Don Harmon remains steadfast in Biden’s candidacy – Forest Park Review, July 16, 2024
The president of the Illinois Senate said he’s backing the nation’s leader as the beleaguered Joe Biden continues his bid for his second term in office.
‘Time to remember what it is to be an American’: Aurora mayor hosts Black delegates at RNC – Daily Herald, July 16, 2024
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin stood with other Black Republican political leaders in Milwaukee Tuesday to celebrate what they call a growing segment of the party and a group key to former President Donald Trump’s hopes of success in November.
Unity theme of day 1 at the RNC for Illinois Republicans, including political rivals putting differences aside –The Daily Line, July 16, 2024
Illinois Republicans have faced several story lines about division inside the party in recent years. They’ve squabbled about party chairs, embracing former President Donald Trump and some fought bitter elections against each other.
State Sen. Napoleon Harris’ campaign spent $6,600 at high-end department stores, at least partly on clothes – Chicago Sun-Times, July 16, 2024
Those payments to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue by the Flossmoor Democrat and former NFL player’s campaign fund might not be legal if the items purchased were for personal use.
Energetic Illinois Republicans celebrate VP candidate Vance, thank ‘an angel’ for Trump’s survival – Chicago Sun-Times, July 15, 2024
Illinois Republicans heartily welcomed Donald Trump’s selection of Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate Monday, capping the first day of the Republican National Convention that featured prayers and chants from a state delegation that says it’s finding unity behind the momentum of the former president’s campaign.
State pre-pays $422 million in pension payments – Capitol Fax, July 15, 2024
Today, the Illinois Office of Comptroller (IOC) made the first pension pre-payments as allowed under new language included in the fiscal year 2025 budget implementation bill.
Comptroller Mendoza sought the statutory change earlier this year. July payments to the state pension systems issued today total $1.284 billion, which includes $422 million in pre-payments, or 50% more than the usual monthly amount.
Kathy Salvi named next Illinois Republican Party chair – The Daily Line, July 15, 2024
The Illinois Republican State Central Committee has named Kathy Salvi to be the party’s next chair as the GOP shakes up their leadership in the middle of the election cycle.
New chairman tries to unite fractured Illinois GOP heading into Milwaukee convention – Chicago Tribune, July 13, 2024
Illinois Republicans head to Milwaukee for the party’s national convention on Monday amid the political upheaval of electing a new state chairman whose chief task will be be trying to quell growing ideological and geographic divisions fueled by the hard-line partisanship of presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Illinois politicians condemn political violence after shooting at Trump rally – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 13, 2024
Illinois and national politicians from both parties condemned the shooting at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump today in Pennsylvania that left one attendee and the alleged shooter dead and saw Trump rushed off stage by the Secret Service with blood coming from his ear.
Kids in the workforce: Child labor laws differ in Iowa and Illinois – WVIK, July 12, 2024
Economic Policy Institute Director of State Worker Power Project Jennifer Sherer says Iowa’s child labor law is one of the most extreme in the nation.
Your turn: Rise of Illinois gas tax is already paying dividends – The State Journal-Register, July 12, 2024
A strong economy and a high quality of life depend upon obligations that every taxpayer shares. Good examples include police and fire services, parks, and public schools.
Madigan doesn’t want professor to testify about Chicago’s political machine – The Center Square, July 12, 2024
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan doesn’t want a professor to testify about Chicago’s political machine at his upcoming corruption trial.
From the Uihleins to Prominent Business Owners, Who Are Illinois’ Biggest Republican Donors?
– WTTW, July 15, 2024
Illinois might be a solidly blue state when it comes to presidential elections, and its donors tend to put their money where their votes are. In the 2020 election, federal data shows the Biden campaign took in $25.6 million in cash from Illinoisans — compared to the $14.3 million that went to the Trump campaign.
Chicago’s water-bill delinquents include City Council members – Chicago Sun-Times, July 19, 2024
Two homeowners with past-due water bills are Chicago City Council members, a Sun-Times investigation found. Two more of their colleagues paid up only after Sun-Times reporters asked about their overdue bills. One water bill deadbeat is the brother of Alfonzo “Randy” Conner, who heads the city Department of Water Management.
Chicago’s chief procurement officer out as City Council passes severance agreement – Chicago Tribune, July 18, 2024
Chicago’s chief procurement officer is out after the City Council approved a package facilitating her departure, but Mayor Brandon Johnson won’t say how much in taxpayer money the city is paying for her to leave.
Pritzker Joins Pace To Celebrate Agency’s Latest Investment In The South Suburbs – Times Weekly, July 18, 2024
Pace welcomed Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Representative William Q. Davis, Illinois State Representative Robert Rita, Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Ozman, and Mayor Roger Agpawa of Markham, along with state and community leaders to celebrate the completion of its new facility in Markham.
City Council approves $11.25 million settlement to female paramedic candidates – Chicago Sun Times, July 17, 2024
The settlement involves 12 women who were hired as paramedics, then flunked out of the fire academy by a “discriminatory,” post-hiring test so demanding and unrelated to the skills needed as a paramedic that four of the plaintiffs suffered “career-ending” hip and back injuries during the testing.
City Council approves severance package for former chief procurement officer – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 17, 2024
Chicago’s City Council approved a severance package with the city’s former chief procurement officer today without disclosing the financial settlement used to grease her exit with 14 months left in her term.
Council delays vote on new zoning chair, lobbyist campaign finance restrictions, as hate flyering ordinance and Zoning Board of Appeals appointments pass – The Daily Line, July 18, 2024
The City Council on Wednesday approved a measure to penalize groups that distribute hateful literature and similar materials, appointments to fill the vacancies on the Zoning Board of Appeals and an ordinance that could make it more difficult for the proposed Chicago River swim to be permitted.
Johnson withdraws plan to install progressive ally as zoning chair – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 17, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson backed off a plan today to ask the City Council to appoint his combative progressive ally Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, as chair of the Zoning Committee.
Democrats plan virtual presidential nomination before DNC in Chicago as Rep. Adam Schiff calls on Biden to withdraw – Chicago Tribune, July 17, 2024
Democrats are moving forward with plans to nominate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for a second term through a virtual roll call next month before the party convenes Aug. 19 in Chicago for its four-day national convention.
Chicago’s top watchdog pushed to add ex-Police Supt. David Brown to city’s do-not-hire list – Chicago Sun Times, July 17, 2024
Inspector General Deborah Witzburg wanted to bar David Brown from being rehired after he refused to cooperate with an investigation linked to a drug bust involving a police chief’s car. Police officials rebuffed the request.
Johnson plan to remove George Washington statue from outside his City Hall office now up in the air – Chicago Tribune, July 16, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration had planned to remove the George Washington statue from outside the mayor’s office, his spokesman confirmed Tuesday while hinting at instead honoring a Black Chicagoan with a City Hall display.
Dems to fill vacant board seat left by the late Dennis Deer – Chicago Tribune, July 16, 2024
A group of West Side and Near South Side Democrats are meeting later this month to choose a successor to the late county Commissioner Dennis Deer.
Council could consider delayed lobbyist campaign finance ordinance, give final approval to hate flyering measure – The Daily Line, July 17, 2024
The City Council will vote Wednesday on an ordinance to crack down on the mass distribution of hateful flyers and similar materials, an ordinance allowing the city to prohibit athletic events deemed unsafe and an ordinance to extend the window for a pilot program for automatic enforcement of parking violations.
Zoning committee approves appointments to Zoning Board of Appeals, upzoning on Western Avenue – The Daily Line, July 17, 2024
A vote on a measure to repeal the city’s longstanding ban on additional dwelling units (ADUs) was delayed at Tuesday’s zoning committee meeting, but the committee approved two appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and a measure to upzone portions of Western Avenue.
From Immigration to Public Safety, What a Trump Victory Could Mean for Chicago – WTTW, July 16, 2024
To hear Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson tell it, the prospect of former President Donald Trump returning to the White House represents an existential threat to Chicago and its residents.
City’s top watchdog should move quickly to probe police oversight agency – Chicago Sun Times, July 16, 2024
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is right to ask Inspector General Deborah Witzburg to look into the Civilian Office of Police Accountability after receiving troubling evidence about COPA investigations. Accountability and justice for both victims and officers is at stake.
Vote Delayed To Allow New Coach Houses, Basement Apartments Across Chicago – Block Club Chicago, July 16, 2024
Alderpeople and city officials are still negotiating how to expand a pilot for additional dwelling units, or ADUs. The City Council’s zoning committee did approve several proposals Tuesday, including new housing and landmarking for a South Side church.
Johnson whipping votes to install progressive ally as head of Zoning Committee – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 15, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson is calling members of the City Council in an effort to shore up the support needed to install a combative progressive ally to lead the influential Zoning Committee.
Police and Fire Committee delay confirmation vote on stalled CCPSA nominee for the second time – The Daily Line, July 16, 2024
The City Council Committee on Police and Fire on Monday held for the second time the remaining mayoral appointment to the civilian police oversight commission over perceived conflict of interest concerns after the item stalled in committee two months ago.
Zoning committee could vote to allow ADUs citywide, also consider zoning board appointments, Hyde Park church landmark status – The Daily Line, July 16, 2024
The City Council zoning committee will consider a measure Tuesday that would repeal the citywide ban on additional dwelling units (ADUs) following a pilot program that saw mixed success. The zoning committee will also consider two mayoral appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals, a landmark designation for a church and an ordinance regulating indoor event venues.
Lawyers for ex-Speaker Madigan ask judge to gut indictment in light of SCOTUS ruling – Chicago Tribune, July 15, 2024
Armed with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that scaled back a key federal bribery statute, lawyers for ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan argued in a new filing Monday that 14 counts of the indictment are “fatally infirm” and should be dismissed, in part because there is no proof that the once-powerful Democratic leader agreed to use his official position for personal gain.
Mayor’s grooming bill grows: Johnson’s campaign spends another $8,200 on makeup artist – Chicago Sun-Times, July 15, 2024
That brings the total payments to the cosmetics artist to more than $36,000 this year and in 2023. The mayor’s campaign still won’t identify the other “individuals” who’ve had their hair or cosmetics paid for.
After 10 Tornadoes Reported In Chicago Area, Residents Face Power Outages, Downed Trees – Block Club Chicago, July 16, 2024
More than 200,000 Chicago-area residents were without power Tuesday following strong storms that brought as many as 10 tornadoes to the region.
Chicago police boss still confident in convention security plan here after Trump shooting – Chicago Tribune, July 15, 2024
Days after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Chicago Police Department leadership once again stressed the city’s preparedness for next month’s Democratic National Convention
Chicago’s top watchdog pushed to probe police oversight agency’s investigations, allegations of retaliation – Chicago Sun-Times, July 15, 2024
Anthony Driver, president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, said the referral to Inspector General Deborah Witzburg was based on ‘information from multiple knowledgeable sources that raised serious concerns’ about the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
Two decades after Millennium Park opened, where is Chicago’s next big idea? – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 16, 2024
Mario Guallpa, a New York middle schooler, was so fascinated by the Bean that he made a replica of the sculpture for a class project, then begged his father to take him to see it in person. Last month, they flew from Long Island to Chicago and counted themselves among the 20 million people who likely will visit Millennium Park this year.
Pro-Palestinian DNC protesters win route within ‘sight and sound’ of convention, but still want tweaks – The Chicago Tribune, July 12, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has offered protesters at the Democratic National Convention a route near the United Center to potentially settle a federal lawsuit which contends the city of Chicago is violating protesters’ First Amendment rights by blocking their plans to march within “sight and sound” of the convention hall.
Mayor Johnson to name former progressive North Side Ald. Helen Shiller to zoning board – The Chicago Tribune, July 12, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to appoint former 46th Ward Ald. Helen Shiller to the Zoning Board of Appeals, his biggest bid yet to shift the makeup of the influential board with a longtime progressive who wielded an outsized reputation in Uptown.
Opinion: With commitment and dialogue, a safer Chicago is possible – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 15, 2024
Chicago’s otherwise joyful summer season packed with events that showcase the absolute best of the city’s sights, sounds and culture has been tempered by the scourge of violent crime. The tragedy of more than 100 shootings and 21 fatalities over the July 4th weekend has prompted an urgent and needed response from law enforcement and elected officials at every level.
Hate flyering ordinance, measure prohibiting leaving food unattended for animals approved by health and human relations committee – The Daily Line, July 15, 2024
The City Council’s health and human relations committee on Friday approved an ordinance that imposes fines for those who print and distribute hateful and bigoted literature and other materials on private and personal property, sending the measure to the full City Council this week.
Finance committee to consider legal settlements in vacated murder conviction, paramedic exam lawsuit, deadly 2019 police pursuit – The Daily Line, July 15, 2024
The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday will vote on several allocations of tax increment financing (TIF) dollars, changes to the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund program and several legal settlements. The finance committee will meet at 10 a.m. in council chambers.
Heat waves are hotter and cooling costs are rising in cities such as Chicago, studies show – Chicago Tribune, July 14, 2024
As the sun beat down on the Humboldt Park apartment building Thursday, Juanita Taylor and her five young children found no relief indoors. Her oldest boy, 12, played a video game while the younger children slept and watched TV. With no air conditioning, the public housing apartment felt hot and stuffy.
Show them the money: Transit agencies want infusions of cash without reforms
– Chicago Sun Times, July 12, 2024
“The governance model is not the problem here,” CTA President Dorval Carter defiantly told an Illinois Senate committee. The problem, he said, is funding.
