The chairman of the Illinois Republican Party has stepped down.

Andy McKenna’s single term as GOP Chair would have expired next spring. He says he’s stepping down now so the party doesn’t have to pick a new leader in the middle of elections.

McKenna says he has no plans to run for any office at this time, but he’ll be involved in state and local races.

McKENNA: You know, I have the freedom to look at some primary races and see if I can make a difference for good candidates who I think could serve the people of Illinois well.

McKenna says he’ll also remain on the state Republican Party’s fundraising committee. He has chaired the Illinois GOP since 2005.

McKenna announced his resignation this morning at a meeting of the party’s central committee. That committee already has voted to replace McKenna with attorney and former federal prosecutor Pat Brady.