DAILY UPDATES

 

Newly Re-Elected Chair Lisa Hernandez Highlights Party Transformation, Shares Her Vision for DPI’s Next Four Years

Springfield, IL —Today, Democratic State Central Committee members unanimously re-elected Lisa Hernandez for another term as Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. Chair Hernandez released the following statement:  

“Every voter I meet, every nervous first-generation American, and every family struggling to make ends meet is why I serve as Democratic Party of Illinois Chair. Continuing to fight for those folks and hold Republicans accountable is why I ran for re-election. Over the next four years, Illinoisans will continue to witness us not just grow as the Democratic Party of Illinois, but grow as their Democratic Party. Along with DSCC members, I must thank all of Illinois’ Constitutional Officers, Democratic county chairs, volunteers and my staff for powering our important work.”  

Under Chair Hernandez's leadership, DPI has been transformed from the Party of decades past. What was once an inaccessible organization for many, has become an organizing machine representing Illinois Democratic voters in every corner of the state.

VIEW TOPLINES ON PARTY GROWTH HERE

Chair Hernandez continued: “I’m proud that my colleagues understand that the Party hasn’t stopped organizing, fundraising, and expanding over the last four years. We’ve launched data roadshows and collaborated with the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association every year on candidate recruitment. We’ve flipped seats. Established annual Southern and Western Illinois Summits. Started an internship program that has brought in full-time staff. Under my leadership, we’ve elected Democrats up and down the ticket and built stronger coalitions with young democrats, labor, and volunteers. Four years and three successful galas later, our party has gotten bigger, better and stronger. We’re ready to deliver during this year’s midterms and beyond.”

Chair Hernandez’s re-election comes at a critical time for our Party. This year’s midterm election cycle will define the next phase of Democratic leadership in Illinois. The Democratic Party of Illinois will look to re-elect Governor JB Pritzker and retain all of Illinois’ Constitutional Offices, elect Juliana Stratton to the U.S. Senate, maintain a 14-3 majority in a Congressional Delegation with four open seats, protect and expand supermajorities in the General Assembly, and win countywide offices and majorities for Democrats on county boards across the state. Looking beyond November, Chair Hernandez is prioritizing candidate recruitment for 2027, expanding Party programming, and connecting with voters across Illinois communities.

With Elections Certified, DPI Chair Hernandez Congratulates the Party’s DSCC Members

Springfield, IL — With the elections of Democratic State Central Committee members across Illinois now certified, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement: 

“The Democratic State Central Committee is our guiding force as a state party,” said DPI Chair Hernandez. “As elected officials, labor and community organizers, issue advocates, and political experts in their regions, they help us connect with voters across the state and grow the Party. After today’s election, I’m proud of the continued commitment of current members and wholeheartedly welcome the newest members who will bring a fresh perspective to our Party. I’m thankful in advance for their work over the next four years.”

Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) members are the face of the Democratic Party in each of Illinois’ 17 congressional districts. DSCC members serve on standing committees and caucuses, lead voter engagement efforts in their respective districts, and help guide Party programming. They assist with coalition-building, fundraising, and electing Democratic candidates up and down the ballot in Illinois, as well as the election of the presidential and vice presidential nominees during National Convention years.

Re-elected members of DPI’s Democratic State Central Committee include:

  • 1st CD Michelle Harris 

  • 2nd CD Robin Kelly

  • 2nd CD William “Will” Davis

  • 3rd CD Delia Ramirez

  • 4th CD Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez

  • 5th CD Margaret Croke

  • 5th CD John Cullerton

  • 6th CD Kelly Burke

  • 6th CD Pat Hynes

  • 8th CD Cristina Castro

  • 8th CD Michael C. Cudzik

  • 10th CD Thomas Maillard

  • 11th CD Peter Janko

  • 12th CD Vivian Robinson 

  • 13th CD LaToya N. Greenwood

  • 13th CD Bill Houlihan 

  • 14th CD Christine Benson 

  • 15th CD Katherine Daniels 

  • 15th CD Terry C. Redman

  • 16th CD Kim Armstrong

  • 17th CD Pamela Davidson 

  • 17th CD Maurice A. West II

New members of DPI’s Democratic State Central Committee include: 

  • 1st CD Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

  • 3rd CD Kirk Ortiz 

  • 4th CD Michael D. Rodriguez

  • 7th CD Melissa Conyears-Ervin

  • 7th CD Emanuel “Chris” Welch

  • 9th CD Laura Fine

  • 9th CD Daniel Biss

  • 10th CD Tracy Katz Muhl

  • 11th CD Janet Yang Rohr

  • 12th CD Calen Campanella

  • 14th CD Michael Crowner

  • 16th CD Patrick Cortesi

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