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 by petitioning the state legislature. The strategy here mostly involves primarying out uncooperative Democrats and defending what few swing seats there are. 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 the elections that matter.
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.
- Grassroots Illinois Action - A progressive organization in Illinois which has made several endorsements for the 2024 cycle for blue seats. Worth looking into!
- United Working Families- A progressive organization based in Chicago, Illinois who promotes solidarity amongst the working class. They've made several endorsements in the 2024 election cycle.
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.
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.