CONTACT:
Gwen Pepin
[email protected]
Chicago, IL — Today, the Democratic Party of Illinois is excited to announce that Chair Lisa Hernandez will be hosting Democratic United States Senators Cory Booker (NJ) and Alex Padilla (CA) as featured speakers for the state party’s October 10th gala. The Democratic Party of Illinois Gala, which is themed Forward, Together and serves as the Party’s marquee fundraising event, makes clear that Democrats are in a united fight to preserve our democracy, protect our communities from right-wing extremists and build toward a future where every American—despite race, class, location or gender—can get ahead. Elected officials, donors, party stakeholders, and supporters from across Illinois and the nation will be in attendance.
“I’m thrilled to announce that two national party leaders will join the Democratic Party of Illinois at our gala this fall. In a time when Republicans are denying Americans access to health care, food assistance, bragging about inhumane detentions and infringing on voters’ rights, Senators Booker and Padilla have each been at the forefront of the fight against the GOP’s anti-working family agenda. Whether it’s Senator Padilla facing handcuffs or Senator Booker confronting Republicans’s thirst for authoritarianism on the Senate floor, these Democrats continue to put themselves on the line. I look forward to hosting these remarkable legislators in Chicago this October,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.
“It’s time for every American to stand up and defend the American Dream. From attacking voting rights to targeting immigrant communities, the Trump administration is chipping away at the freedoms that define us. In Illinois and across the country, Democrats are organizing, mobilizing, and fighting back. That’s why I’m proud to join Chair Lisa Hernandez, Senator Cory Booker, and so many others at the ‘Forward, Together’ Gala—because when we stand united, we win,” said Senator Alex Padilla.
“Illinois Democrats are meeting this moment of moral crisis for our country-and no matter how long or how tough the fight, I’m proud to stand with them against the Trump administration’s attacks on our values, our freedoms and our country’s working families. I look forward to joining Chair Lisa Hernandez, my colleague Senator Padilla and so many other Democratic leaders as we mobilize, organize, and work together to win the battles ahead,” said Senator Cory Booker.
Today’s announcement follows a week of action where Chair Hernandez and Illinois Democrats solidified their commitment to protecting the voting rights of Black and Brown voters by supporting Texas House Democrats.
Party leadership from across Illinois will be in attendance as special guests.
Early-bird priced gala tickets are available for purchase now. To secure your tickets and for more information, please visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dpigala2025 or email [email protected].
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