Democrats rally at Illinois State Fair days ahead of DNC in Chicago

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Democrats from around the state gathered at the State Fair in Springfield Wednesday for an election season rally that takes on special meaning this year.

In just five days the Democratic National Convention will get underway in Chicago, giving party members extra reason for excitement.

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Governor's Day for Democrats is always a big rah-rah party rally, but with Vice President Kamala Harris now carrying the banner for November, Wednesday was a chance to further fuel the enthusiasm for next week and November.

More than 1,000 Democrats from across Illinois gathered at the state fair breakfast to reconnect and focus on the future with fresh motivation.

"The excitement is palpable. Women are so engaged right now, even Gen Z'ers, who normally aren't paying attention, they are super excited about this candidacy," said Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

Governor JB Pritzker and others reminded the crowd what's at stake with the Democratic Convention getting underway next week.

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"We are just days away from hosting delegates and party leaders from across this nation for the 2024 Democratic National Convention and we are 83 days away from hearing the two words, this country has waited 248 years, to hear. Madam President," Governor Pritzker said.

Party leaders also talked about winning more seats in the state house, challenging attendees to do the work needed to win.

"If you want to go backwards, you put your car in R," Senator Tammy Duckworth said. "If you want to go forward, to put it in D."

Attendees said the annual rally took on a different feeling this time.

"This is just, I mean, you just get chills, just hearing people talk, people excited. I feel like that. This is definitely different," said Tammie Leigh-Brown of Macomb, Ill.

"I think it's just been an exciting three weeks, because the party has been completely energized. It seems like a completely different race," said State Rep. Theresa Mah (D-SW Chicago).

There was also a nod to President Joe Biden who stepped aside opening the door for Kamala Harris,

"It's incredible that a man and the character of Joe Biden stepped up and made a selfless decision for America," Senator Dick Durbin said.

But Wednesday it was about generating excitement for the new head of the ticket. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton was wearing a shirt saying Kamala is for everybody

"Kamala is for everybody and she is ready to shatter the highest glass ceiling and fight for all of us, and we in Illinois have her back because Democrats deliver," Lt. Gov. Stratton said.

Governor Pritzker said he is excited that the Chicago DNC host committee has raised $95 million, $10 million more than their goal. And he did not seem concerned if enthusiasm for Harris may be peaking soon.

"When Donald Trump was ahead in the polls, that was too soon," he said.

The rally was also a call to action for Democrats across the state to get involved.

"We are going to organize. We are going to, that's right, put the boots on the ground and make sure that the fight isn't over, that we finish it in November," said IL Democratic Party Chair and State Rep. Lisa Hernandez.

Thursday will be Republican Day at the fair, where they will get a chance to rally the party faithful around their candidates, with the forecast for November looking much different than a month ago.