Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy announced his resignation on Wednesday, less than a month before the Republican National Convention takes place in neighboring Wisconsin, citing internal party strife.
According to reports by the Chicago Tribune and local ABC affiliate, Tracy stated in his resignation letter that he spent "too much time dealing with power struggles and internal party hostilities."
In his statement, he said, "In the good old days, Illinois Republicans would unite after intra-party elections, but now, as President Reagan noted, agreeing 80% of the time is not enough for some people; they would rather fight each other than the Democrats."
Tracy, who has held the position since February 2021, said his resignation would be effective upon the election of a new chairman, "preferably no later than" July 19.
The Republicans are set to hold their National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 15 to 18. Former President Donald Trump is expected to be nominated as the Republican candidate for the November 5 general election during the convention.