Tim Schneider

Timothy O. Schneider (born 11 November 1955) is the former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and a former member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners representing the 15th district, which includes all or parts of Arlington Heights, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Bartlett, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, South Barrington and Streamwood.

Education and personal life Schneider graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree. CBS News regarded Schneider's defeat by Morrison to be a significant upset victory for the Democratic Party in what was regarded to be a strong year for Democrats.

As a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, he was also a de facto member of the board of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Commissioner from the 15th District of Cook County, Illinois Upon election he quickly established himself as a strong advocate for the taxpayers of Cook County. The Chicago Tribune called Schneider "a strong and absolutely unwavering voice for streamlining county government" and "an extraordinary member of a Board that could use many more like him." Schneider authored legislation that reduced campaign contribution limits for companies doing business with Cook County in half.

Schneider opposed the positions of Toni Preckwinkle (the county board president) and Chuy García (who served as Preckwinkle's floor leader) to a significantly greater extent than his colleagues on the board. However, the county board tended to very few divided votes.

Forest Preserve District of Cook County As a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Schneider also served as a commissioner for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The Forest Preserves encompass approximately 68,000 acres (275 km²) of open space throughout the county. It contains facilities for recreation and camping, as well as a zoo and a botanic garden.

In 2009, the Cook County Forest Preserve District purchased land owned by Schneider's family for over $10 million. Schneider was called out by many board members, even ones in his own party, for violating ethics.

Illinois Republican Party In 2013, Schneider expressed interest in running for Chairman of the Republican Party of Illinois, but pulled out before the vote.

When beginning his tenure as party chairman, Schneider said that uniting the Republican Party of Illinois, which had been divided geographically and ideologically, as a top goal. On Feb. 6 2021, the Republican State Central Committee elected Don Tracy of Springfield to be chairman.

Other public offices Prior to serving on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Schneider served as Hanover Township Trustee from 1984 to 1997. Additionally, Schneider served as Hanover Township Highway Commissioner from 1997-2006. He supported the 2013 immigration reform bill which was mainly backed by Democrats, but also received some Republican backing.