GOP Chairman DiGiorgio resigns
WEST CHESTER >> Chester County Republican Committee Chairman Val DiGiorgio submitted his resignation on Friday.
The resignation follows a series of setbacks for the Republican Party in the midterm elections, where Democrats ousted Republicans in the state Legislature and won Chester County’s Congressional seat.
DiGiorgio served as Chester County party chairman since he was first elected in October 2011. During his tenure as chairman, DiGiorgio led Chester County Republicans to numerous electoral victories, but the party’s fortunes declined in the last two election cycles.
Democrats won several Chester County row offices in 2016 for the first time in a century, followed up by gains in Congress and the Pennsylvania Legislature in 2018.
DiGiorgio also serves as chairman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania.
Chester County Republican leaders and elected officials thanked DiGiorgio for his leadership and praised his success as chairman.
“I would like to thank Val for all of his years of dedicated and tireless service to the Republican Committee of Chester County. Val brought tremendous leadership to the role, his commitment to this organization was second to none,” said Acting Chairman Steve Sansone. “I look forward to overseeing the election and smooth transition to our on his service as chairman of the Chester County GOP and his service to all the citizens of Chester County in that role. Val understands that the vibrancy of our Democracy is dependent upon multiple candidates being on the ballot for every position, giving the voters choices. He’s a hard worker whose ultimate goal, as party chair, and as an elected official was to provide good governance for all of us. I wish him well,” commented Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell
“Val was my right-hand guy. I trusted and believed in his philosophy that the Republican Party offers the best solutions to the issues facing Chester County. He is a dear friend and I wish him the best as he departs from the role as RCCC Chair,” reflected State Rep. Harry Lewis Jr.
“I am sorry he can no longer serve us in the county but I understand given his state party duties. He dedicated his political life to our great county and served it as a public official and county chair with hard work and always using his considerable talent. Every time I ran for office or encountered a political question that needed troubleshooting Val was always there. I wish him the best,” commented State Rep. Warren Kampf.
“Val has been a strong leader in Chester County whose support was instrumental in my 2016 state senate victory. His focus on the state republican party will be a key component to ensuring our party’s success in all areas of the commonwealth,” said Sen. Tom Killion.
In accordance with Republican committee bylaws, Executive Vice Chairman Steve Sansone will serve as Acting Chairman. Pursuant to those bylaws, a convention for the purposes of electing a new County Chair will be called for no later than 45 days following the vacancy. Formal notice will be sent to the elected members of the County Committee within 10 days.
Members of the County Committee present or present by proxy at the convention will vote to elect the next County Chair to fill the balance of the current term. The term will expire in June 2020.