Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he departs a rally Sunday March 13 in Bloomington, Ill. | AP Photo Trump dumps Illinois campaign director

CHICAGO — Donald Trump’s Illinois campaign director has been sidelined after the national campaign grew furious over what sources described as a lack of organization in the state in the run-up to Tuesday’s primary.

Instead, two others have assumed duties that were held by Springfield-area attorney Kent Gray, who is also running for state representative, a person intimately involved with Trump's political operation confirmed.


Reached late Sunday, Gray said by text message that he had not been removed. When asked if his capacity within the campaign had shifted, he referred questions to a Trump spokeswoman.

Spokeswoman Hope Hicks did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sources told POLITICO that Gray was sidelined early last week after the Trump camp learned he made few inroads with get-out-the-vote efforts and organizing volunteers.

“One thing after another was bungled,” said one source with knowledge of the discussions.

Despite the campaign’s lack of organization, Trump is leading in Illinois polls, with Ted Cruz in second and John Kasich in third.

Taking over duties in Illinois are Stephanie Milligan with help from political operative Jim Baker. They also are spearheading Midwest efforts for Trump.

Gray is running for office against state Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez, the former chief of staff to Illinois first lady Diana Rauner.

Natasha Korecki reported from Chicago; Ben Schreckinger from Palm Beach, Fla.

