Democratic Party of Illinois leadership convened at the Party’s annual retreat in McLean County.

Bloomington, IL -  Last week, the Democratic Party of Illinois hosted its annual retreat, convening Party staff and members of the Democratic State Central Committee–to set a course for success in the upcoming midterm election cycle and plan for the Party’s continued statewide growth. Additionally, the Party was joined by McLean County Chair Patrick Cortesi to discuss local party-building. McLean County exemplifies the importance of coordinated, local organizing efforts, as the county, with help from DPI, victoriously flipped its county board to a Democratic majority in November.

“My colleagues on the State Central Committee, my staff and I reflected on the Party’s growth over these past two years, as well as established a clear framework to guide our continued party-building efforts and electoral strategy. For two years, we’ve collaborated to build this Party up and deliver year-round programming, and DPI continues to take unprecedented action for Democrats across our state. We will not be distracted by Illinois GOP extremists and the chaos brought on by Donald Trump’s administration. We’re organizing daily–in every corner of this state–to build a Democratic Party capable of electing and protecting Democratic candidates and values at every level of office. Thank you to our State Central Committee and to my DPI team for their unwavering commitment,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.

Under the Chair Hernandez’s leadership, the Party:

• Helped secure statewide office wins, flipped a congressional seat, protected a majority in state Supreme Court and expanded caucus supermajorities in 2022
• Recruited the largest full-time staff in Party history comprised of skilled, committed campaign professionals, as well as five classes of interns
• Refined and strengthened the Party’s data ecosystem, which allows Democratic campaigns to better target voters and run more efficient campaigns
• Defended Democratic values and defeated local extremists in 2023’s consolidated election
• Launched DPI’s annual gala, the Party’s marquee fundraising event
• Redefined how Illinois Democratic campaigns work together during election cycles, bucking the national headwind to protect critical Congressional and State Caucus seats and win key down ballot races across the state.
• Established party building programming leading to tangible results for Illinois Democrats:
• Through IDCCA/DPI joint recruitment training and coaching program, 1,100 prospective candidates have been identified this year
• Recruited and engaged hundreds of new Democratic volunteers
• Launched the DPI College Ambassadors program which focuses on mobilizing college campuses throughout the state
• Expanded voter education and protection efforts used by thousands of Illinoisans
• Held a 300+ person Democratic training program for downstate Illinois Democrats in Mount Vernon, IL.

Looking ahead, Party leadership and the Democratic State Central Committee have crafted a strategy to build on the Party’s momentum and prepare for a critical midterm cycle, which includes:

• Supporting credible candidates and combatting extremism in 2025 municipal elections
• Continued strengthening of local Democratic infrastructure with county party chairs
• Recruiting and training candidates for down-ballot offices in 2026
• Meeting Democrats where they are, maintaining electorate base and expanding base through consistent organizing and tailored messaging.