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DPI crows about down-ballot wins; ILGOP chair upbeat

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* Democratic Party of Illinois…

While the Illinois GOP may cling to Donald Trump’s divisive politics, the Democratic Party of Illinois has shown that our state will not go backward. This week’s down-ballot wins demonstrate how strategic organizing and coordination through Organize Illinois 2024 made a critical difference for Democrats across the state. By protecting key seats and making impactful gains in county and local races, the Party surpassed expectations and outperformed previous cycles, including 2016, despite facing significant headwinds at the top of the ticket. Not even in 2016 did Democrats perform as strongly down-ballot relative to the national line, and the Party is proud of the work done to achieve this success. Illinois voters chose unity, progress, and compassionate leadership.

“The structure and partnerships we built will continue to serve as a model for collaboration among DPI, partner organizations, and Democratic candidates. To every community we serve, these victories reaffirm our commitment to protecting our shared values of progress for working families, safeguarding freedoms, and advancing equality,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.

Key Wins in Districts Targeted by Organize Illinois 2024:

• DPI’s top congressional targets, Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Eric Sorensen (IL-17) will return to represent Illinois in D.C.
• A new Democratic majority in the McLean County Board with Buck Farley and Sean Fagan both flipping seats
• State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart was resoundingly re-elected in Lake County
• The Peoria County Democrats increased their majority with Marcia McCann’s victory over a Republican incumbent
• Democrats added to their majorities, winning county board seats in DuPage, Kane, and Peoria

Additional Notable County Board and County-Wide Wins in Targeted Districts:

• Democrat Laurie Brauer won her race for Champaign County Coroner
• Monica Silva unseated a Republican to become Kane County’s first countywide elected Latina
• Re-elected Chanda McDonnell to the Whiteside County Board
• Re-elected Elizabeth Johnston to the McLean County Board
• Re-elected Laura Kessel to the Fulton County Board
• Re-elected Marc Ayers to the Sangamon County Board
• Elected Kelly Hickey to the Will County Board
• Elected John “Jack” Collins to the McHenry County Board
• Elected Ted Penesis to the Kane County Board
• Elected Saba Haider to the DuPage County Board
• Elected Rita Kelly to the Whiteside County Board

Through Organize Illinois 2024, DPI engaged nearly 2 million voters through door knocking and phone calls, supported over 115 targeted candidates, hosted close to 200 get-out-the-vote events, and responded to 2,200 voter protection calls.

* From ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi…

We are finally unburdened by what has been. The American people have sent a powerful message: we are tired of the tax-and-spend policies that Democrats have championed. President Trump’s sweeping victory across the nation, including significant gains in Illinois, signals a brighter future for both our nation and our state. Under President Trump, we saw prosperity four years ago, and we will see it again as he focuses on securing our borders, lowering the cost of living, and protecting our individual liberties. Illinois Republicans have made tremendous strides, laying the foundation to welcome new voters and stand strong against the billionaire governor and his allies in Springfield. It’s time for us to get back on our horse and start working again as we prepare for the 2026 midterms.

As highlighted by Cook County Republican Party Chairman Sean Morrison, in Illinois, recent unofficial vote counts tell a compelling story: former President Donald Trump received 2,483,905 votes—48% of the state’s electorate—while Governor JB Pritzker, despite spending $200 million on his campaign, earned a maximum of 2,479,746 votes. This contrast highlights a surge of Republican support in Illinois and raises questions about Democratic efforts to retain power, particularly through the redistricting maneuvers of 2021.

With voter sentiment clearly leaning toward change, it’s time to end Illinois Democrats’ gerrymandering practices, which distort the true political will of our people. Illinois deserves fair representation that reflects the voice of its residents, not lines drawn to ensure one-party control.

These numbers offer hope and a promising future for Illinois and the Republican Party with President Trump back in the White House. We are rebuilding, investing, and laying a strong foundation through our historic Get Out the Vote (GOTV) program and our Election Integrity initiatives. Illinois Republicans have shown remarkable strength and resilience, standing firm against Pritzker’s millions. In McHenry County, for example, I congratulate County Board Chair Michael Buehler and county officials on their successful ground game, reinforcing the county’s solid red status.

A special recognition goes to State Representative Kevin Schmidt. Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Democrats spent millions to unseat Representative Schmidt, but for the second time, he prevailed. Representative Schmidt has shown that hard work, integrity, and commitment to the people will always triumph over self-serving political interests. In the coming weeks, we’ll highlight more Republican leaders who overcame Pritzker’s massive spending.

I extend my deepest gratitude to every candidate who ran in this election. Regardless of the outcome, each of you put your personal and family lives on hold to uplift our community and state. You stood firm in the face of challenges and attacks, championing our values with courage. While winning is always a triumph, each candidate sparked inspiration for a new generation of leaders and gave hope to those seeking a brighter future. Thank you for your dedication and unwavering commitment.

I commend all Illinois Republicans for cutting the Democrat margin by more than half for President Trump. Our success came from embracing early voting and vote-by-mail, leading to historic turnout among Illinois Republicans. The groundwork has been laid for Republican victories in 2026, 2028, and beyond, as long as we stay united and work together. It’s time to help our communities heal and turn Illinois red.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 8, 24 @ 4:33 pm

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