[1][2][4] He also served as Chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Illinois, Liberty Leader for the Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Rifle Association, former board member of the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce, Sports Car Club of America, and a volunteer for Therapy Dogs, Inc.[2] After incumbent Republican Michael W. Tryon announced he would retire at the end of his term, four Republican candidates contested to replace him in the 2016 election,[4] although one of those candidates withdrew and endorsed Skillicorn.
Skillicorn said fellow Republican House members Brad Halbrook, Blaine Wilhour, and Darren Bailey agreed to sign the petition.
When asked about the effort, Pritzker blamed Skillicorn, his party, and former Republican Governor Bruce Rauner for a two-year budget impasse that left the Illinois Department of Employment Security without necessary funding.
[16] Gary Daugherty, the Secretary of the Kane County Republican Party, was appointed to fill Skillicorn's vacancy during the lame duck session.
In a letter to Republican leadership regarding a pizza party, Skillicorn wrote, "I am serious about helping President Trump drain the swamp and empower the American people...If I am fortunate enough to serve as your congressman, I will be a tireless party builder to peel back the corrupt, corrosive influence of Nancy Pelosi and the new batch of Democratic socialists that threaten our jobs, communities, families and freedom while benefiting special interests.
"[19] On September 4, 2019, Skillicorn instead endorsed Jim Oberweis for Congress in the 14th District and announced plans to seek re-election to the Illinois House.