CHICAGO – Republican State Rep. Tim Ozinga of Illinois has stepped down from his legislative role, also vacating his post as chair of the Will County Republican Party in a twin exit that has local GOP scrambling to find a successor. Ozinga, who represented the 37th district in the southwest suburbs for over three years, made his departure official as of 11:59 p.m. Monday, leaving without explanation for his sudden resignation.
"It has been a privilege to serve the constituents of the 37th District. As of today, my service in the Illinois House will end. However, I will continue to dedicate my time and efforts to make Illinois a better place. I remain committed to advocating for the people of my district and moving the State of Illinois in the right direction," Ozinga stated, with his office not immediately returning a message seeking comment Tuesday, according to The Chicago Tribune.
The process to find a replacement has been set in motion, with a committee currently accepting applications until noon on Friday, reported CBS Chicago. The appointed individual will fill the post abdicated by Ozinga, with the condition that the position must be filled within 30 days as dictated by party rules.
Ozinga, after taking over the Republican helm in Will County last July, was running unopposed for reelection in the recent Republican primary when he decided to resign. Now, having left his charges in the southwest suburbs of Frankfort, Homer Glen, Mokena, Orland Park, and Tinley Park, the Republican committeemen in Ozinga's district will pick his replacement, as they are required to do so within a month, officials said as reported by CBS News.
