Downers Grove Commissioner David Olsen is the likely candidate to replace Ron Sandack, said DuPage County Republican Chairman Brian Krajewski.

Local GOP political leaders are looking for a replacement for a prominent state representative who abruptly resigned Sunday.

Suburban Chicago State Rep. Ron Sandack (R-81st) resigned from his seat in the Illinois General Assembly on Sunday, citing a series of malicious cyber attacks in which his online profiles were cloned numerous times. Sandack said in a statement that he would work with the GOP to ensure that his replacement is elected in November.

Sandack’s replacement will be appointed by DuPage County Republican Chairman Brian Krajewski, who said the resignation was very unexpected.

“I hadn’t heard anything about what was transpiring, so it came as a big surprise that he was resigning immediately,” Krajewski said.

Among the candidates for Sandack’s replacement, Krajewski said some names stand out, but stressed that the appointee will have to be politically electable. Two whom Krajewski mentioned are Downers Grove Commissioner David Olsen, who is likely the favorite, and Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully.

The appointed GOP representative will face Democrat Greg Hose in November.

Sandack announced his immediate resignation from his seat on Sunday. The abrupt resignation comes while Sandack has been battling a malicious social media campaign.

“… After some cyber security issues arose, I began to re-evaluate my continued public service,” Sandack said in a statement. “I have always recognized there is no greater privilege than being a father and husband. My duties in Springfield have meant missing a lot of events in the lives of my children. I am no longer willing to miss important family events.”

House Republican Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-82nd) released a statement.

“Ron Sandack is a dedicated and caring public servant,” Durkin said. “I want to thank him for his service to his constituents and the entire State of Illinois. I wish him well in his future endeavors.”

— Search underway to replace GOP lawmaker after sudden resignation —