Republican candidates for midterm election share message of unity at Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Republicans are gathering in Springfield Thursday for their day at the Illinois State Fair.

They're trying to energize the party faithful for the fight ahead in November.

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The candidates are talking about the stark contrast they're offering voters.

Republican voters are far outnumbered by Democrats in Illinois. The message from party leaders was that they are going to have to work harder than their opponents if they are going to win in November. They are hoping they have a policy message that resonates.

Darren Bailey, the Republican candidate for governor got a standing ovation as he walked to the podium, offering a message of unity and focus.

"Together, we work together. We can get this state back on the right track. We have to be focused on affordability, safety and education," 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.

RELATED: Democrats rally at Illinois State Fair ahead of midterms, decrying costs and corruption

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," Lt. Gov. candidate Aaron Delmar said.

Former GOP Party Chairman Don Tracy is hoping history repeats itself in his race for U.S. Senate.

"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," Tracy said.

Leaders said this election is not about one office or one day at the state fair. They said it's a rally cry for action.

"Every single vote is going to matter in 2026. Every door knock will matter in 2026, and everything that you have done already and will continue to do to build out your local organizations will matter. This November should be no different," House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said.

Party members will head to the state fairgrounds for another bigger rally, knowing they head into November as underdogs in many important races. But they remain determined to work hard to get their message out.