By Illinois Review
Conservative frustration with State Senator Jason Plummer is rapidly boiling over behind the scenes, as multiple sources tell Illinois Review that serious discussions are now underway to recruit a grassroots Republican challenger against the Edwardsville lawmaker in the next GOP primary.
The growing unrest follows explosive FOIA revelations from attorney Tom DeVore showing that Plummer was absent for more than 35 percent of legislative days in Springfield over a two-year period in 2024 and 2025.
The findings become even more troubling when compared to a traditional full-time work schedule. Based on standard employment expectations, that level of absenteeism is roughly equivalent to missing 18 weeks of work per year — a rate that would likely lead to termination in most professions.
Now, as the shock settles in among Republican voters and conservative activists, many leaders privately believe Plummer’s political future is suddenly in serious jeopardy.
Plummer was re-elected on November 5, 2024, without opposition in the general election. His current Senate term runs from January 2025 through January 2029. But conservatives increasingly believe he may not survive another Republican primary unchallenged.
Several sources familiar with internal discussions say conservative candidates are quietly exploring possible campaigns against Plummer, while grassroots activists are encouraging a broader anti-establishment movement inside the Illinois Republican Party.
One name that continues surfacing in recent conversations is DeVore — once viewed as a close ally of Plummer before relations reportedly cooled in recent years.
When contacted by Illinois Review about speculation surrounding a possible primary challenge, DeVore declined to directly address whether he is considering a run.
“No comment,” DeVore said.
But DeVore did not hold back when discussing Plummer’s attendance record.
“It’s inexcusable for a representative of the people to miss the equivalent of 18 weeks of work when the legislature is only in session around 50 days per year,” DeVore told Illinois Review.
“The real losers are the people in his district who expect their leader to show up and represent their interests.”
The criticism comes at a dangerous moment for establishment Republicans already facing growing distrust from conservative voters angry over repeated compromises and failures in Springfield.
Grassroots activists have also pointed to Plummer’s controversial absence during the January 2023 vote on Illinois’ sweeping assault weapons ban. Although Plummer publicly opposed the legislation beforehand, he ultimately failed to cast a vote during one of the most consequential gun rights battles in recent Illinois history.
Conservatives say the combination of absenteeism and missed high-profile votes has badly damaged confidence in his leadership.
Many Republicans also believe Senate GOP Leader John Curran has little interest in addressing the controversy internally, reinforcing complaints that Illinois Republican leadership remains disconnected from the conservative grassroots base.
Recent election results suggest grassroots conservatives may indeed be ready to revolt against establishment Republicans.
During the March Republican primary, longtime State Representative and Deputy House Minority Leader Norine Hammond suffered a stunning defeat to conservative grassroots challenger Josh Higgins.
Despite Hammond holding more than $700,000 in campaign funds compared to Higgins’ roughly $100,000, Higgins still defeated her by double digits.
The upset sent shockwaves through Republican political circles and demonstrated that conservative voters are increasingly prioritizing authenticity and representation over money, titles, and establishment support.
Now, many conservatives believe Plummer could become the next target in a growing grassroots rebellion inside the Illinois Republican Party — a warning sign that Republican voters are no longer willing to tolerate lawmakers they believe have stopped showing up for the people who elected them.
