CONTACT:
Allison Janowski
[email protected]
Chicago, IL – 2023 marked a momentous year full of progress for Illinois Democrats, defined by big legislative wins and crucial electoral victories that have put the Democratic Party of Illinois in a strong position ahead of a high-stakes 2024 election cycle.
In the statehouse, Illinois Democrats ushered in historic progress, from a nation-leading assault weapons ban to guaranteed paid leave to a ban on book bans and new protections for abortion patients and providers.
“After a series of monumental successes in 2023 that bolstered and expanded our State Party, we are not only prepared but excited to dive into the 2024 election cycle and the Democratic National Convention headfirst. Illinois Democrats understand exactly what is at stake in 2024 because we’ve made so much progress under Democratic leadership in Illinois. Our Party has more momentum than ever, with a united force of volunteers, party leaders, and Democratic candidates ready to continue our important work,” said Chair Lisa Hernandez.
This year, the General Assembly passed a fifth balanced budget, the state was awarded a ninth credit rating upgrade under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, and the rainy day fund surpassed $2 billion, its highest balance in state history.
With the partnership of Democrats statewide, DPI expanded party-building efforts. The party onboarded a talented full-time staff and made unprecedented investments in candidates up and down the ballot, including launching a first-of-its-kind program to keep far-right extremists off of school and library boards.
In October, DPI hosted its inaugural gala, welcoming 1,000 Democrats to Chicago’s Field Museum for a unifying and energy-building night. The event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, headlined by Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock of Georgia. The DPI Gala capped off a strong fundraising year for Chair Hernandez that will fuel programming, tools, and staff to support Democrats across Illinois.
Throughout 2023, DPI met Illinoisans where they are, in their communities and online, with Chair Hernandez embarking on a statewide listening tour throughout the summer, meeting with hundreds of Democrats. DPI’s year-round regional political organizers spent the year fostering connections with local Democratic parties and activists who will collaborate to support recruited candidates for county board, states’ attorneys, and county clerk seats.
Following a successful year of preparation and party building under Chair Hernandez’s leadership, the Democratic Party of Illinois is well-positioned to send President Biden and Vice President Harris back to the White House in November and elect Democratic candidates at every level of government across the state.
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