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Writer's pictureDaniel Luna-Fuller
Jun 33 min read

A Grassroots Victory

Recap of the Illinois Republican State Convention:

A Grassroots Victory


The Illinois Republican State Convention was a whirlwind of emotions and events over the last two days, filled with both disappointment and triumph. Initially, there was frustration when Vince Kolber was voted in as a candidate despite not being eligible. This stirred the crowd and set a contentious tone.


Dean White, a true grassroots champion, took the stage to call out the committee's apparent disregard for transparency and fairness. His speech highlighted the issues he saw, especially the committee's dismissive attitude. Members openly showed disdain, making it clear they had pre-determined their votes, ignoring his message and the grassroots supporters he represented.


The setting of the meeting further amplified our frustrations. The room was small, poorly lit, and lacked audio equipment, making it seem like an attempt to exclude delegates. It felt like the meeting was designed to be behind closed doors, away from the scrutiny of the delegates.


When the votes were counted, the results were disheartening: Mark Shaw received 10 votes, Dean White 4, and Vince Kolber 3, despite Kolber's ineligibility. This underscored the divide between grassroots Republicans and the establishment.


However, we didn't let this deter us. We bonded over our shared dissatisfaction and resolved to be part of the change. The sense of unity was palpable as we networked, exchanged contacts, and strategized on how to support our candidate at the Republican National Convention.


Day 2 began with renewed determination. We, the grassroots, made our presence and opposition known. Despite the committee initially declaring the Ayes had it, we forced a physical count, revealing 300 Nay votes to 182 Ayes. This pushed the committee back into their small room, with only 50 allowed to witness the proceedings.


The first vote resulted in:

Mark Shaw: CD2, CD7, CD10, CD11, CD12, CD13, CD14, CD16

Dean White: CD1, CD2, CD5, CD6, CD8, CD9, CD15, CD17

Vince Kolber: CD4


A motion was set to remove Kolber, narrowing the field to Shaw and White. The committee knew they needed to align with the delegates' will, leading to a second vote:

Mark Shaw: CD1, CD2, CD7, CD10, CD11, CD12, CD13, CD14, CD16

Dean White: CD3, CD4, CD5, CD6, CD8, CD9, CD15, CD17


Again, the delegates rejected the committee's vote. 50 of us wait to once again be admitted into the room. As I walk in, I walked over to Dean and gave him a fist bump, showing my support and sharing a moment of joy and solidarity. We both knew that the voices of the delegates, We The People, were being heard and that we were making a significant impact for the grassroots movement.


In the third vote, the committee finally recognized the delegates' stance:

Mark Shaw: CD7, CD10, CD11, CD12, CD13, CD14, CD16

Dean White: CD1, CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD6, CD8, CD9, CD15, CD17


Victory was ours! Mark Shaw conceded, and the room erupted in a thunderous YAY as the committee's vote was approved. This was a historic moment for Grassroots Republicans, showcasing our determination and power to effect change within the party.


This was my first State Convention since entering the political scene back in September 2023. I had no idea what to expect, but I had a feeling things were going to get stirred up, and I was determined to be part of that change. Over the past two days, I learned a valuable lesson. While I already knew where I stood within the party lines, this experience reaffirmed the importance of my beliefs and the very reasons I decided to enter politics. This is why I am starting my political career by running for county board – to ensure our voices are heard and our values represented.


I am committed to continuing this momentum when I am voted into office and as I progress in my political career. Together, we can keep pushing for a party that truly reflects the grassroots.








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