Monmouth, IL — This afternoon, the Democratic Party of Illinois hosted over a hundred Democrats for its first-ever Western Illinois Summit. Democratic county chairs, volunteers, and community leaders heard directly from Democrats running for office in next year’s primary, including candidates for U.S. Senate, Congress in Illinois’ 15th district, State Comptroller, and General Assembly, as well as from Lieutenant Governor candidate Christian Mitchell. The inaugural event also worked to strengthen the pipeline for western Illinois democrats to get involved—and stay invested in—state party operations. The program, held at the Warren County History Museum, featured remarks from DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez, Democratic State Central Committeewoman Pam Davison (IL-17), Warren County Dems Chair Steve Buban, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), and State Senator Mike Halpin (IL-36).
“As Party Chair, it has always been incredibly important to me that we don’t just say that we’re a statewide party, but we prove it by showing up, having conversations with local leaders, and getting face time with communities in every corner of Illinois. I couldn’t be more proud that we’ve established this annual event, and I’m glad that Democrats in western Illinois heard directly from the candidates who want to represent them,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.
“Today’s summit is proof that our Party on both the local and statewide level has the enthusiasm and the momentum needed to meet this moment. It shows that candidates understand the importance of hearing from Western Illinois, and that we have the unity needed to fight back against Republican extremism,” said Knox County Democrats Chair and DSCC (IL-17) Committeewoman Pam Davidson.
“At the Party’s inaugural Western Illinois Summit, county chairs, volunteers, and community members got to hear directly from candidates running for local, statewide and federal office. This afternoon was about showing up in our communities, fostering unity, and gaining momentum going to 2026,” said DPI Northwestern Regional Director Nick Roberson.
Lieutenant Governor candidate Christian Mitchell, U.S. Senate candidates U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Kevin Ryan, Illinois Comptroller candidates State Senator Karina Villa (IL-25), State Representative Margaret Croke (IL-12), State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (IL-84), and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, U.S. Congressional (IL-15) candidates Kyle Nudo, Randy Raley, Dr. Paul Davis Jr., and Jennifer Todd, and State House (IL-71) candidate Kermit Thomas all spoke to voters at the summit. Along with Committeewoman Davidson, DPI was joined by DSCC member Katherine Daniels (IL-15).
