Party officials said they hope to energize GOP voters despite acknowledging the challenges facing the minority party. They emphasized unity, common sense and the need to work hard between now and the November Election, noting they remain determined to leave the state fair and fight to win.
Illinois Republican leaders said they want members to stay focused on November, arguing the party can still have an outsized impact.
"Are you better off than you were seven years ago? You absolutely are not, and we are sick and tired of it. We are tired of being pushed around; we are tired of being attacked," Lt. Gov. candidate Aaron Del Mar said.
Speakers drew sharp contrasts with Democrats, particularly on economic issues.
"We believe in equal opportunity. They believe in equal outcomes. We believe in rewarding success. They want to redistribute success," U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy said. "The last time there was an open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, a Republican won it, and that was Sen. Mark Kirk. I'm running for an open seat. Sen. Kirk has endorsed me."
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Party leaders also downplayed the effect of former President Donald Trump's declining popularity on Illinois races.
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Bob Grogan said property taxes remain the state's top concern and argued, "Donald Trump literally has zero to do with Illinois' property taxes, nor the solutions thereof."
Republicans highlighted controversies involving Democratic lawmakers, pointing to the federal indictment of state Rep. Carrol Ammons and the sexual harassment case that led state Rep. Harry Benton to resign.
"This summer, the summer of corruption has shown us exactly where the Democrat majority priorities are. Their goal is to protect themselves instead of protecting you, the people they serve," House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said.
Affordability remained a central theme throughout the event.
Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey told supporters, "Illinois is too damn expensive and it's time to change it," and urged voters to hold Gov. JB Pritzker accountable.
"His priority is his political future. My priority is your family's future," Bailey said.
Party leaders from across the state gathered Thursday morning for a business meeting that was all about the business of trying to win this fall.
"We're No. 1 in this country overall tax burden. That's JB Pritzker's Illinois record, and that is the message we need to continue to drive home through Election Day," Senate Republican Leader John Curran said.
Republicans are pointing to the recently approved hike in Illinois Tollway charges as the latest example.
"This was done directly by the man that just put $65 million in his account because he knows a fight is coming to him. If you think you're going to win by 30 points, you don't put $65 million in," Delmar said.
With 75 days until the election, Republican leaders said they know they have significant work ahead and are counting on supporters across the state to stay engaged.