Del Mar

Days before Illinois Republicans head to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, they are expected to name a new state chairman after current chairman Don Tracy recently resigned. One name being considered is Palatine Township Republican Committeeman Aaron Del Mar.

Illinois State Central Committee members are scheduled to meet via Zoom on Friday, July 12, to appoint their new state chair.

Del Mar is one of three candidates who have filed bids for the top political post within the party. The other two vying for the GOP's top state-level post are Rep. John M. Cabello (R-90th) of Rockford, the House assistant minority leader, and Kathy Slavi, the wife of former Rep. Al Salvi. Kathy Salvi ran unsuccessfully against U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in 2022.

Del Mar has served in several important roles within the Illinois Republican Party. In addition to serving as Palatine Township Republican Committeeman, Del Mar is currently the 5th Congressional District Committeeman, served as Cook County Republican Party Chairman from 2012 to 2016, was an Illinois delegate in the 2012 Electoral College, a delegate to the 2016 and 2020 Republican Conventions, and is expected to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this month.

Del Mar began his career in elected office in 2009 as a candidate for Palatine Town Council. In the 2022 Republican primary, he ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor with gubernatorial candidate Gary Rabine.

Del Mar had kind words for Salvi and Cabello, saying, “Each candidate brings unique perspectives and strengths.” He said he hoped to win “after a lively debate.”

He said that whoever is appointed chairman, that person must work closely with the other two who were not elected.

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