Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, delivered the Democratic keynote address Thursday night at the Illinois Democratic Party's annual gala at Navy Pier. Party leaders focused heavily on rising costs and criticism of Republicans.
"We are under siege by a petty corrupt man in Washington who wanted to live in a palace and get rich," Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said.
Democrats also sought to highlight the financial pressures facing voters.
"We see it in groceries and energy costs and rent and prescription drugs at a time when they are asking us to pay more, so they can pay less," Moore said.
The Democratic gathering coincided with the second and final night of Republicans' first national midterm convention in Dallas.
Vice President J.D. Vance urged supporters to focus on the administration's record and the differences between the parties.
"Recognize the contrast with the radicals and recognize the achievements of the last eight months. We have done a lot my friends and we can do a lot more if we fight together," Vance said.
President Donald Trump remained a central figure at the convention, encouraging supporters to vote as Republicans seek to maintain voter enthusiasm ahead of the election.
The president told the Thursday night audience: "Pretend I'm on the ticket because this is going to turn out to be one of the most important elections."
"What the party's good at is turning out its base," Illinois Republican Party Chair Bob Grogan said. "What he's doing is he's reminding that dropoff that is natural to make sure they know what's at stake."
At the convention, Trump pledged to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. Democrats sharply criticized the proposal.
"It's one more sign of desperation. I think people will see right through it, including Republicans," said U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, whose district includes parts of Chicago and its suburbs.
According to the report, the proposed payments would cost $1.3 trillion. It remains unclear how the president would pay for the proposal or whether Congress would approve.