DPI Criticizes Illinois GOP Ahead of State Party Chair Election (Springfield, IL) – The Democratic Party of Illinois is escalating its criticism of the Illinois Republican Party ahead of next week’s ILGOP chair election, arguing the party remains ineffective and deeply divided under current Chair Kathy Salvi.
In a statement released this week, the DPI said the Illinois Republican Party continues to struggle with fundraising, candidate recruitment and statewide electoral competitiveness while remaining closely aligned with former President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“With no successful coordinated campaigns, no notable candidate recruitment efforts, and no impressive fundraising, it’s no surprise some Illinois Republicans are eager to give Kathy Salvi the boot,” the Democratic Party of Illinois said in its statement.
The criticism comes amid reports that Salvi faces two challengers in the upcoming leadership election.
Democrats pointed to what they described as organizational failures by the ILGOP, including the party’s inability to field candidates for several statewide offices ahead of the primary filing deadline. According to DPI, Republicans failed to file a candidate for Illinois State Treasurer, marking the first time in nearly a century that a major political party in Illinois lacked a statewide candidate for a primary race.
The DPI also criticized Salvi over previous comments suggesting candidate recruitment is not the responsibility of the state party.
Beyond campaign operations, Democrats accused Illinois Republicans of failing to oppose several Trump-backed policies they argue are hurting Illinois residents, including tariffs, immigration policies and federal budget proposals.
The statement highlighted rising gas prices, economic impacts on soybean farmers and Republican support for immigration enforcement efforts as examples of where Democrats believe the ILGOP has failed to stand up for working families.
Democrats also referenced controversy surrounding a February social media post by Illini Republicans that drew criticism from elected officials and university leaders. DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez previously called on Illinois Republican leaders to denounce the post, saying the party’s silence was unacceptable.
The Illinois Republican Party has not publicly responded to the DPI’s latest remarks.
The upcoming ILGOP chair election is expected to shape the party’s direction as Republicans prepare for the 2026 election cycle in a state where Democrats continue to dominate statewide offices and legislative majorities.
DPI Criticizes Illinois GOP Ahead of State Party Chair Election
