Republican withdraws from state house race to 'unify conservative vote'

House 66th District Republican candidate Paul Serwatka confirmed Tuesday he is withdrawing from the race and endorsing candidate Allen Skillicorn for state representative.

Serwatka's name still will appear on the March 15 Republican primary ballot along with Skillicorn and the other two contenders, Carolyn Schofield and Dan Wilbrandt.

"My hope is that they will not vote for me and they will just all get behind Allen Skillicorn," said Serwatka, 47, a Lakewood village trustee. "We cannot elect Carolyn Schofield. That's the only reason for dropping out - unifying the conservative vote."

Schofield, 43, is a former Crystal Lake council member and current McHenry County Board member. Wilbrandt is a West Dundee village trustee. Skillicorn, 41, is an East Dundee village trustee.

The candidates are vying for the 2-year seat being vacated by incumbent Republican Mike Tryon. The primary winner will face Democrat Nancy Zettler of Algonquin in November.

The district includes portions of McHenry and Kane counties, including Algonquin, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, East Dundee, Elgin, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood, Sleepy Hollow and West Dundee.