Opinion: Kathy Salvi and Aaron Del Mar should resign from Illinois Republican Leadership

The Illinois Republican Party flounders as its leaders prioritize self-promotion, culminating in historic losses

Heading into the election, Illinois Republicans held just 3 of 17 congressional seats, while Democrats controlled veto-proof majorities in the State House and Senate. With economic and security concerns high, Republicans had a prime opportunity to gain ground.

Under Kathy Salvi’s leadership, however, the Illinois GOP failed to make any gains—State House, State Senate, or U.S. Congress.

Facebook/ Kathy Salvi pictured pretending to make calls for Republicans

Given Donald Trump’s strong 44.8% showing statewide, Salvi’s inability to secure additional seats raises questions of incompetence or even corruption.

Democrats are projected to retain a veto-proof super majority in the State House, 78 to 40, and dominate the State Senate, 40-19.

The outlook in Congress is worse: Illinois Republicans will hold just 3 of 17 seats—two uncontested—despite earning 44.8% of the vote, leaving them with a mere 17.6% representation.

Facebook/ Bill Webber

Many attribute these failures to Salvi’s inexperience. A slip-and-fall lawyer who entered politics with a failed 2022 U.S. Senate campaign, Salvi worsened her tenure as Illinois Republican Chair by appointing perennial losers Aaron Del Mar and Joan Lasonde as co-chairs

Del Mar used his position for blatant self-promotion, denying candidates valuable airtime, while Salvi appeared to channel the party’s seven-figure resources toward advancing her own profile.

Kathy Salvi at self serving Chicago Press Conference

Critics question whether Salvi and Del Mar served the party or themselves. Salvi touted a costly “bank the vote” strategy.

Leaked ILGOP presentation to Republican Candidates.

While the plan appeared promising on paper, the results fell drastically short. Democrats outperformed Republicans in mail-in voting statewide, a key factor in critical losses like Lance Bell’s defeat in the Kane County Chair race. This mismanagement raises serious questions about whether campaign funds were allocated effectively or wasted.

Corinne Pierog vs Lance Bell Election results

Salvi also diverted resources to unwinnable campaigns, such as Bob Fioretti for cook county states attorney.

Fioretti ran a poorly conceived campaign against Eileen Burke, a well-connected Democrat in a heavily Democratic district. As expected, Burke defeated him in a landslide, marking Fioretti's fifth consecutive loss by more than 20%.

Meanwhile, viable Republican candidates in competitive districts were neglected, crippling their campaigns.

Making matters worse, Salvi promoted candidates like Jim Carris for Congress and Mary Cole for States Attorney, who openly opposed key Republican positions on guns, abortion, and Trump. These candidates alienated the base and weakened the party’s platform, deepening divisions when unity was critical.

Salvi’s leadership squandered a rare opportunity and left the Illinois GOP fractured. She must step down.

Instagram / Aaron Del Mar

Co-Chair Aaron Del Mar shares significant blame. His tenure leading the Palatine GOP was defined by electoral failures and blatant self-interest. After a critical article exposed his questionable background, his organization allegedly retaliated by removing Mark Rice for Congress signs from precinct locations.

This pettiness reflects poorly on Del Mar, who placed personal grievances above party duties. To fulfill President Trump’s vision of winning, the Illinois GOP must send a clear message by overhauling its leadership—starting with Kathy Salvi and Aaron Del Mar.