Illinois Democrats achieve strong down-ballot gains, defying headwinds with strategic organizing through Organize Illinois 2024.

Chicago, IL -- 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.