Illinois
Welcome to the Illinois state page! Here, Illinois organizers can access and document ongoing projects, current leadership positions, upcoming races, and other important information. This list is non-exhaustive, and state teams are encouraged to expand and adapt these pages to their organizing needs.
Political Landscape of Illinois
Partisan Composition of Illinois
Overall, Illinois is considered a deep blue state, with a Cook PVI of D+7 as of 2022, regularly voting 55-60% Democrat in statewide races. Their governor and both US Senators are Democrats. Due to a rare Democrat gerrymander, 14 of Illinois's 17 US House seats are held by Democrats. Democrats also have majorities on their state house (78-40) and state senate (40-19), giving them a trifecta (as of 2/10/24).
Progressive Outlook for Illinois
The overall progressive strategy for Illinois is very optimistic. The legislature is very Democratic and the Chicago metropolitan area is home to many progressive elected officials. Though citizen-led ballot initiatives are for amendments only, progressives can often enact meaningful change. This is an open primary blue state and you are strongly encouraged to participate in the Democrat primary to elect progressives as these are usually the real elections in this state.
Get Involved
Register to Vote in Illinois
Progressive Organizations in Illinois
Below is a list of progressive organizations in Illinois. If you see a state organization that isn't on this list, please add it.
Notable Campaigns in 2024
Below is a list of progressive candidates or ballot measures in the 2024 election cycle for Illinois. Non-progressive candidates may also be placed here if they are substantially to the left of their district's partisan lean and worth campaigning for. If you see a candidate or ballot measure that should be on this list, please add them.
March 19th Primary Election (Filing Deadline December 4th 2023)
These tend to be the real elections. Competitive primaries are listed below.
- Mahnoor Ahmad for US House IL-6 - Mahnoor is a solid advocate of M4A, the Green New Deal and other progressive priorities who could use your support if you're in the Chicago area!
- Kina Collins for US House IL-7 - Kina is a staunch progressive candidate who almost beat Danny Davis with 47% of the primary vote back in 2022. Contributing to her campaign could make the difference!
- Qasim Rashid for US House IL-11 - Qasim is another progressive running against a moderate incumbent in a deep blue seat. He could also use your help if you're in the Chicago area.
November 5th General Election
- Eric Sorensen for US House IL-17 - This is just about the only swing district in Illinois for the 2024 election cycle. If you're worried about losing any seat, be worried about this one.
Run for Local Office
An underrated way to impact change is to run for a local position! Please feel free to add information on doing so below.