Republicans optimistic for 2026 elections on GOP Day at Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Thursday marked Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair, a chance for party members from around the state to gather in a show of unity as they gear up for the 2026 elections.

Also, familiar face for the GOP is now setting his sights on the U.S. Senate.
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Party leaders shared their message and hopes as they look to the midterm elections.

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The election season is now officially underway in Illinois. For the Republicans, it's always a challenge as the minority party, but Thursday was a chance to focus on the positive and the possibilities that lie ahead next year, and get the rank and file excited.

A long line of Republicans streamed into the fairgrounds for Thursday's party unity rally, with the theme perhaps "be hopeful for 2026."

"We're united to support our fine Republicans who will be running statewide in local communities," Illinois GOP Chairwoman Kathy Salvi said. "We are united to restore sanity and remove the hypocrisy of JB Pritzker."

There was a fair amount of criticism of the gerrymandered maps in Illinois in light of the battle over new maps being pushed by Republicans in Texas.

"Illinois is the most gerrymandered state in the country, so it's quite rich and hypocritical that Texas Democrats have fled to Illinois to prevent a quorum in Austin, Texas," Fox News Analyst Gianni Caldwell said.

There were also lots of jabs at Governor Pritzker and democratic policies.

"While voters across the state are moving to the right, JB Pritzker continues to dive to the left, turning Illinois into a progressive audition tape for the White House," said State Rep. Tony McCombie, House Republican Leader.

Chairman of the Texas Republican Party Abraham George was the breakfast keynote speaker.

"On a normal day when Democrats leave Texas, we're like, 'thank you,' but not this time, because we need them to come back so we can do the business of our state," George said.

As the battle over new maps continues in Texas, Illinois Republicans are relating with their own frustration as they gather to gear up for 2026.

"The governor went against his word when he was running. He said, 'I am not going to sign a map that is developed by legislators,' and he did... it's kind of ironic that Texas Democrats are coming to Illinois. There's certainly a better state they could have went to," State Rep. McCombie said.

As Republican's struggle to field candidates for statewide office, former GOP Chairman Don Tracy is now stepping up to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin, who is retiring.

"It's not going to be easy," Tracy said. "It's going to be hard work. I'm not afraid of hard work. I've been working hard since I was 10. I've been in this business for a while, and I see the winds are changing as the Democrat politicians go ever leftward and more socialist. That creates an opening, even in Illinois."

Tracy is the first Republican to join the race.

"I recognize it's going to be an uphill battle against Democrats, even though it's an open seat, they're probably going to outspend us by a lot," Tracy said. "But throughout my career, I've fought a lot of uphill battles, and I've won my my share of them."

Republicans are hoping to instill faith in the party faithful heading into 2026, knowing it's an uphill battle in a deep blue state.

"We're getting there, but ultimately we are going to need to raise the money and have funds to be competitive," said State Sen. John Curran, Senate Republican Leader. "I mean, that's the that's the reality of politics."

Ted Dabrowski, the president of Wirepoints, a site that comments on Illinois' economy, said he'll be making an announcement soon about a run for governor.

Republicans consider Donald Trump a boost for them in 2026, even if his so called "Big Beautiful Bill" is coming under heavy and regular fire by democrats.

Republicans see property tax relief as a positive element in it, especially in the critically important collar counties.

"Lifting that salt deduction cap is huge for every homeowner, all throughout the state, but especially the suburbs," State Sen. Curran said. "That was something that really hurt us, that the mega bill that got that done."

What Republicans lack in numbers and money in Illinois, they hope they can make up with enthusiasm and alternative policy options. They hope to avoid the midterm election losses that often hit the national party in power.