From Eagle Scout to County Board chairman, Ducat continues to serve

He seeks re-election to Iroquois County Board District 1 seat in March 17 GOP primary

Paul Ducat’s long career in public service began with his work as an Eagle Scout.

Now, he wants to continue to serve as a member of the Iroquois County Board.

Ducat, a Republican incumbent who currently is chairman of the board, seeks re-election in the March 17 primary for the District 1 seat on the Iroquois County Board. His GOP opponents are Jon D. Meents and Nancy Owens.

“I’ve always been interested in a larger opportunity to help more people in a positive way,” Ducat said.

Ducat has served the Republican Party for many years, including 28 years as a Republican Precinct Committeeperson.

Over the years, Ducat has orchestrated Lincoln Day dinners and county fair booths. He also has helped numerous individuals in their electoral pursuits, such as state Senators Thomas M. Bennett and Jason Barrickman.

In 2017, Ducat became a member of the Iroquois County Emergency Telephone System Board. A year later, he joined the County Board. In 2022, he was selected as vice chairman, and he became chairman in.

“This role has granted me the privilege of participation across a spectrum of influential committees, each lending a distinctive and enriching perspective: ARPA, Highway, Judicial and Public Safety, Management, Negotiations and Tax,” Ducat says, “My involvement in these committees has proven to be uniquely rewarding.”

In recent months, Ducat has worked to provide a new bus service to the residents of Iroquois County and has vocally fought to protect citizens’ Second Amendment rights.

“You get what you VOTE for,” he posted on social media following November riots in Chicago after the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. “I made the Second Amendment Sanctuary … I’ll keep fighting for your rights to protect yourselves in Iroquois County. Even our state’s attorney backed this amendment.

“They keep saying ban all guns and defund the police. We will keep doing the opposite! Pro law enforcement and keeping the right to protect yourself.”

Ducat also is known for standing up to politicians in Springfield, including a discussion for Iroquois County to secede from Illinois to Indiana as part of broader regional frustration with Illinois governance.