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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — REAL News Michiana has confirmed St. Joseph County GOP Chair Tyler Gillean is stepping down as the leader of the county’s Republican Party. RNM obtained a leaked copy of his resignation letter that is rumored to be getting released later today.
Gillean is arguably the most successful GOP Chair in the county’s history. Under his leadership St. Joseph County turned the Clerk, County Council and County Assessor from Democrat to Republican. Republicans now hold all of the following for the first time in the history of the GOP: Assessor’s Office, Clerk’s Office and BOTH County Council and Commissioners.
In less than two years, Gillean has helped raise nearly $750,000 for the party and set back to back record breaking Lincoln Day Dinner events. This year, 575 people attended; an all time record.
Gillean is also responsible for uniting the Mishawaka GOP with the rest of the county Republican party — something that had not been done in 90 years.
Like all Chairs, Gillean was under intense scrutiny from the most extreme members of the party. Despite his devotion to conservative causes, fundraising and sacrificing his personal and professional life to ensure conservatives were elected, fringe members attacked him relentlessly with rumors and false allegations.
RNM has also learned another two members of the party’s executive team plan to submit their resignations in the coming days as well.
Details on the process to caucus in Gillean’s replacement will be coming in the next couple of weeks. Below is a copy of his resignation letter which is scheduled to be released later today.
Almost two years ago in my first speech as chair, I promised you two things: That we would flip St. Joseph County red and that I would give you everything I had.
Together we accomplished both.
My time as chairman of the St. Joseph County Republican Party is drawing to a close and I will be resigning before the end of the month.
Leading this organization through the aftermath of the tragic loss of Zach Potts, Congresswoman Walorski and Emma Thompson has been one of the most profound honors of my life. That fateful day is forever seared into our memory – all of our lives were changed forever. I know mine has changed drastically since that day. Together, we have navigated the times with resilience and determination.
Our collective efforts have led to remarkable accomplishments that were thought impossible just a few short years ago. In 2022, for the first time in the almost 170 years of our party’s history, we took the majority on the county council, scored victories in the County Assessor and County Clerk races. These milestones are a testament to the shared vision for a brighter, stronger and vibrant St. Joseph County.
Furthermore, we shattered fundraising and membership records, showcasing the strength and dedication of our members. We hosted the two largest Lincoln Day Dinners in the county party history, with blockbuster headliners Kellyanne Conway and Kari Lake, highlighting our ability to inspire and mobilize our community.
Moreover, our community has witnessed massive economic development announcements, with major investments from General Motors, Amazon, and Microsoft with more to come. These projects will create thousands of high paying jobs that will allow families to stay together. It will no longer be that a college graduate will have to move to a big city or across the country for work… separating families and friends. Most of these jobs will be high-paying, blue-collar jobs that will allow these families to build homes, have good schools, good roads, and strengthen neighborhoods. Our county is being given a second chance at life, the ability to make a comeback. People can save up money and start their own businesses, restaurants, barbershops, mom and pop shops will have more customers. Construction jobs will spike in demand, providing opportunity for folks to pursue the trades in larger numbers. Not since Studebaker and Bendix has the future of our area been so bright. Our best days are ahead.
As I step down, I am filled with an immense amount of pride in what we have achieved together. I made it my life’s mission to flip this county, I poured everything I could into it. There wasn’t a day or an hour that went by in the last two years where I didn’t do something for the party, there were some days (usually during the election) where I started my day with phone calls at 5 a.m. and ended my day at 2:30 a.m., just this past election week I averaged 70+ phone calls a day. Recently, at my niece’s birthday party – my sister walked over to me as I was on my phone raising money while they were about to sing “Happy Birthday” and she said to me, “You’re here, but you’re never here.” which had a profound effect on me, I suddenly realized that of the last two years I couldn’t remember a family event I was ‘present’ and ‘enjoyed’ without interruption. Which put things into perspective.
Which is why the time has come for me to focus my efforts on my professional and personal life. I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to support our party’s growth and success in years to come. There will be an announcement in the near future with the details on the caucus for my replacement.
I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the love and support you have all given me. It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated and passionate group.
A special recognition to my vice chair, Trisha Carrico. Who has poured her heart and soul into this role despite those who sought to undercut her. She is one of my heroes and best friend. Her resilience and strength continue to motivate and inspire me. This party, and my life, are better with her in it.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, especially the Duchess herself: Linda Silcott. She is the beating heart of our party and the foundation from which it stands.
I love you all, and I am grateful for the unforgettable journey we have shared. I look forward to supporting our future successes from a different vantage point.
God bless
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“Like all Chairs, Gillean was under intense scrutiny from the most extreme members of the party. Despite his devotion to conservative causes, fundraising and sacrificing his personal and professional life to ensure conservatives were elected, fringe members attacked him relentlessly with rumors and false allegations.”
Clifton, can you elaborate on this? What were the attacks, or at least the allegations?