Chicago City Wire

Matt Podgorski, 39th Ward Republican committeeman and Founder of the Northwest Side GOP Club, garnered victory at the polls and now he’s heading to November.

“Congratulations to the President and Founder of the Northwest Side GOP Club,” Chicago Republican Party wrote on Facebook about Podgorski.

Podgorski has worked in politics for a while.

Podgorski won 73% of the GOP vote in the June 28 primary election for Cook County’s 9th District, defeating fellow Republicans Mark Hosty and Frank Coconate, the Daily Herald reported. Podgorski will face off against Democrat Maggie Trevor in the Nov. 8 general election.

NADIG Newspapers reported Podgorski founded his club to bring GOP ideals to his community.

“We just want Republicans to know that they’re not alone,” said Podgorski. “Outside of (state Representative Mike) McAuliffe, there’s no Republican representation in this area.”

Podgorski attended Northeastern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, before earning a Master's in Economics and Public Policy from Pepperdine University.  He worked in the private sector and as an adjunct professor of Political Science at NEIU before founding the Northwest Side GOP Club.

Podgorki became the Republican Committeeman for the 39th Ward back in 2016.

“After talking with Chairman Morrison, I am grateful to accept this appointment as Chicago’s 39th Ward Republican Committeeman,” he said to Cook County Republican Party website. “I am looking forward to working towards strengthening the Republican base on the Northwest side of Chicago and supporting candidates running for local and statewide offices with financial and other resources.”

North Cook News reported Podgorski opposes any of the County Board’s new taxes or tax increases.

“We do not have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem,” he said to North Cook News.

Podgorski is the Chairman of the Northwest Side GOP Club, which now has more than 500 members.

“People are so excited to have a place in the city where they can get together with those that are like-minded and Republican,” Russell Schultz, a member of the club, said to NADIG Newspapers back in 2017.