State Rep. Ron Sandack Withdraws from GOP Chairman Race

State Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) has formally pulled out of the race for the next chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.

"After much contemplation and discussion with several Republican activists, I am withdrawing my name from consideration," Sandack said in a statement Wednesday morning. "Being nominated by my peers is a great honor and I will continue to work hard in representing the Republican Party in the 81st House District."

The Chicago Sun-Times reported May 9 that Sandack was one of nine chairman finalists being considered by the Republican State Central Committee; of the nine, Sandack won the paper's informal reader poll with nearly 44 percent of the vote.

Sandack would have likely been a controversial choice given his support of same-sex marriage, the issue that many believe led to former GOP chairman Pat Brady's resignation earlier this month.

On Wednesday, Sandack told WBEZ that he did not feel pressure to withdraw his name, but added that a number of Republicans have raised concerns about his support of same-sex marriage legislation, which he recently reaffirmed during a large protest/counter-protest outside his office.

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"The issue is controversial,” Sandack said. “And I don’t wanna be a fight, and that issue to be a fight, when we really oughta be talking about who’s best suited to be the next party chairman.”

The remaining eight finalists for GOP chairman are Jack Dorgan, Angel Garcia, Jim Nalepa, Tim Schneider, Mark Law, Don Tracy, Joe Walsh and Lori Yokoyama.

"I look forward to working with the new Chairman and together focusing on rebuilding a Republican brand," Sandack said. "As I have stated several times, we must be more inclusive to revive and revitalize our party."

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