Press Release:  As Republicans Fall Into Disarray, Illinois Democrats Close Out The Summer With Organizing, Training, and Momentum for 2026

Springfield, IL – Any day now, Kathy Salvi, the floundering Illinois Republican Chair, is reported to throw in the towel. Extremist Darren Bailey has (once again) announced a losing bid for governor. While Republicans fail at a healthy party operation, the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) is proud to commemorate a summer where Illinois Democrats have continuously hit the pavement–meeting voters where they are, recruiting candidates, and investing party infrastructure across the state.

“With summer behind us, Illinois Democrats can point to organizing strength, community visibility, and major investments in party-building over the course of the last three months—a stark contrast to a struggling and destructive Illinois Republican party,” DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez said. “Our organizers have recruited dozens of candidates, our data team has trained Democrats for dozens of counties, and our entire team has worked to fight back against far right ideologies across Illinois. We’re proud of the work we’ve accomplished this summer, and we remain steadfast as we look ahead to 2026.”

During Q2 of 2025, the Party has:

• Candidate Training: Initiated a rigorous candidate and operative training program to coach first time candidates and activists on the core competencies of running a winning campaign. DPI’s training series consists of 14 training sessions, starting in the summer with featured guests and dozens of participants, and spanning through the fall and winter, on everything from fundraising and compliance to direct voter contact.

• Data Roadshow: Launched the Party’s first ever Data Roadshow to train Democrats across the state on how to use data to improve voter outreach. DPI’s data team traveled throughout the state, hosting training sessions for County Chairs and precinct committeepersons for over 30 counties.

• Volunteer Engagement & Empowerment Program (VEEP): Revamped the Party’s volunteer organizing program to begin building momentum for 2026. Actions hosted this summer have included DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and have activated hundreds of new volunteers across the state.

• Forward, Together Gala: Announced the Party’s third annual gala with Democratic giants, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (CA) and Cory Booker (NJ), as co-keynote speakers.

• Digital Accountability Campaign: Rolled out a digital ad campaign holding Mike Bost, Mary Miller, and Darin LaHood responsible for stripping access to health care from their very own constituents through their support for the Big, Ugly Budget. The program reached over 1.2 million residents of the 12th, 15th and 16th Congressional Districts.

• Building the Bench: Recruited 350 Illinoisans through our statewide texting program to be a volunteer, Precinct Committeeperson or candidate for county board and countywide seats.

• Standing in Solidarity: Alongside a coalition of Illinois Democrats and DNC Chair Ken Martin, Chair Hernandez stood in solidarity with Texas House Democrats in their brave efforts to fight racist, Trump-ordered redistricting.

• Taking Action in Springfield: Helped coordinate a protest against racist Trump lackey Kristi Noem and the Illinois Freedom Caucus, for demonizing immigrants of color, as they tactlessly held a press conference near the family home of the late Emma Shafer—without her family’s consent.

• Top Talkers: Revamped DPI’s surrogate communications volunteer program to prepare trusted messengers across the state.

• Calling out GOP Extremism: Remained vigilant in exposing Republicans’ efforts to spread hate, misinformation, and division in Illinois.

###