* A tiny bit of background…

* Press release…

Statement from Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly

“Over the past 16 months, I have had the immense privilege of serving as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. In that time, the DPI has taken dramatic steps forward by modernizing our party operations, developing new and impactful programming, and re-engaging with the national Democratic Party in a way not seen in decades. Simply put, our party has made amazing progress in a short amount of time.

“I was elected as the first woman and the first Black chair of the DPI because of my vision for an inclusive, diverse, and people-first party. Unfortunately, it has become clear that support for my re-election as chair will come up just shy of the necessary majority. Therefore, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for chair.

“Serving as chair has been a true honor, and I could not be more proud of my staff, my supporters, and all Democrats across the state who joined in building a stronger DPI.”

* Meanwhile, from Politico…

Governor nominee Darren Bailey is at the top of the Illinois Republican ballot, but he’s come up short in reshaping the GOP state central committee.

In leadership elections this week, only two out of seven candidates backed by Bailey won their elections, including in Clay County, where he lives.

In the 12th District, Bailey and Congresswoman Mary Miller endorsed Ben Stratemeyer over Rhonda Belford, who won by a wide margin. Particularly stinging was the fact that Stratemeyer’s No. 2 on the ticket was Bailey’s wife, Cindy.

In the 5th District, Aaron Del Mar defeated Chris Cleveland, who was backed by Bailey but bowed out a few hours before the vote. Del Mar was the lieutenant governor running mate with Gary Rabine in the GOP primary.

Bailey also got involved in the 9th District race, endorsing Sally Nyhan Davis of Glenview against Julie Cho and Joan Lasonde, both of Wilmette. Lasonde won even though Bailey and Miller made calls on behalf of Davis.

Similar scenes played out in the 13th and 15th districts. Bailey endorsed Maria Vazquez over state Rep. Tim Butler, only to see Butler run away with it. And state Sen. Jason Plummer defeated Rep. Brad Holbrook, who was disqualified for failing to get a recommendation from an official in the district. Instead, Miller’s husband, state Rep. Chris Miller, wrote the recommendation and he doesn’t live in the 15th. Bailey tried to get Holbrook back on the ballot but to no avail. The rules is the rules.