DuPage Republicans back Kevin Coyne as party chairman

DuPage County Republicans have given Kevin Coyne another two years to head the local party organization.

Coyne, who was appointed at the end of 2024 to lead the county’s Republican organization, was unanimously elected by Republican precinct committeemen to a two-year term as chairman during the party’s convention on April 15.

Jeff Castle, a former Milton Township trustee, was reelected as secretary of the DuPage County Republicans.

Coyne was appointed at the end of 2024 to replace Jim Zay, a Carol Stream Republican and longtime DuPage County Board member.

Once a Republican stronghold, Democrats have dominated DuPage elections in recent years, first by flipping control of the county board and most recently taking control of township boards.

In the past year, Coyne said Republicans have focused on recruiting and marketing. In social media posts, Coyne has advocated for Republicans to register for vote by mail, noting that Democrats have used it to their advantage.

Coyne, a former Naperville city councilman, said the past year has brought an increase in the organization's social media presence and successful fundraisers.

“We’ve clearly gone through some rough cycles and are going through a rebuild,” he said. “We’re not giving up on Illinois and certainly not DuPage.”

Other members of the leadership include DuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry, who serves as treasurer of the county GOP organization. Becky Rudolph, chair of the Lisle Township Republican Organization, serves as vice chair of the DuPage County Republicans.