The Democratic National Convention (DNC) concluded Thursday, August 22 after a rousing week in Chicago. The city saw an estimated 50,000 visitors come to attend the DNC and the various events surrounding it. While most of the events and major speeches were held during the nighttime programming at the United Center, the DNC also held numerous events at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. Events included various caucus meetings; informational panels; and DemPalooza, an all-day event held all four days designed to connect Democratic leaders from around the nation and provide trainings to help elect Democrats up-and-down the ballot in November.
On Tuesday, August 20, Democrats held a ceremonial roll call vote turned dance party as the Party confirmed its August 6 virtual vote to formally nominate Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for president and vice president. Minnesota Governor Walz formally accepted his nomination on Wednesday, August 21, while Vice President Harris formally accepted her nomination, and addressed the nation, on Thursday, August 22. The DNC saw numerous other high-profile speeches from Democratic leaders, including former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and others. A few Republicans, such as former Trump Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham and former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger also spoke at the Convention. High profile Illinois Democrats, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson all addressed the audience at the DNC.
Gov. Pritzker used the DNC as an opportunity to tout Illinois recent legislative successes as well as showcase the state as great place to work and live. At the Illinois delegation breakfast on Monday, August 19, Pritzker stated, “Illinois Democrats have done so much. Think about it, since I’ve come into office and we’ve had a supermajority in the Democratic legislature: we have raised the minimum wage to a living wage, we have eliminated grocery taxes, we are canceling medical debt, we’ve lowered small business taxes, we’ve reduced the cost of prescription drugs, Democrats raised teacher pay, and we have amended our Constitution to guarantee workers’ rights.”
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
November 12-14 – Veto Session Week 1
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
In the News
Former Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger speaks to DNC – The Daily Line, August 23, 2024
Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger was once a key face of the new generation of Illinois Republicans. Now loathed by his party, Kinzinger returned Illinois Thursday to deliver a message of national unity to Democrats. Kinzinger noted his appearance to support Vice President Kamala Harris was a bit of an “awkward alliance.”
News in briefs: Lisa Madigan makes return; Krishnamoorthi speaks at DNC – The Daily Line, August 23, 2024
Former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan made a brief return to politics on Thursday. And U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Hoffman Estates spoke at the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
For Illinois Dems, the party’s over, but the phone calls are just getting started – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 23, 2024
Soon after red, white and blue balloons blanketed cheering delegates inside a packed United Center last night, Chicago’s official role in rallying the Democratic Party around their nominee ended. But Illinois will continue to loom large in the presidential election. There’s little doubt the state will cast its electoral votes for Vice President Kamala Harris in November.
How can Democrats reach voters in downstate Illinois? Listen better, congresswoman says – The Pantagraph, August 22, 2024
Illinois first lady MK Pritzker revels in Chicago DNC vibe: ‘The whole place just feels of feminine energy!’ – Chicago Sun-Times, August 22, 2024
It’s early morning, and Illinois first lady MK Pritzker is having a cup of tea. She’s relaxing in the aftermath of the hard-charging primetime speech from her husband, Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday, extolling the presidential candidacy of Kamala Harris as the nation’s first woman president.
Illinois Democrats look to invest resources in swing states – Capitol News Illinois, August 22, 2024
On the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Illinois party leaders were preparing Thursday to hear Vice President Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech and to send workers and volunteers into the field to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.
VIDEO: Rep. Evans said focus needs to be on infrastructure – The Center Square Illinois, August 22, 2024
Illinois state Rep. Marcus Evans discusses the pleasures of governing as a majority, economic concerns, immigration concerns and infrastructure in Illinois from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Pritzker teases bid to bring DNC back to Chicago in 2028 – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 21, 2024
The confetti and balloons haven’t yet dropped at the United Center, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker is already thinking of a repeat performance. Before his prime-time speech to the Democratic National Convention last night, the governor told Politico he’s open to having Chicago host it again in 2028.
Illinois congressional Democrats worried Gaza could keep progressives from voting – Chicago Sun Times, August 21, 2024
A small but vocal contingent of delegates have withheld support for Kamala Harris unless she commits to cutting off U.S. weapon supplies to Israel, leading Illinois members of Congress to warn boycotting the polls could tip the scale toward Donald Trump.
Amid a ‘really, really big week for labor,’ Illinois unions, Democrats held up as model – Capitol News Illinois, August 21, 2024
Organized labor has been everywhere at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week, from the main stage to the Illinois delegation’s morning breakfast gatherings. “This has been a really, really big week for labor and very, very much appreciated, and it’s heartwarming,” Illinois labor mainstay and state AFL-CIO President Tim Drea told attendees to the Illinois breakfast on Wednesday.
Longtime Madigan Spokesman: Speaker had “Code of Ethics” – The Illinoize, August 21, 2024
The longtime spokesman for former House Speaker Michael Madigan says there was “absolutely not” any sign of possible corruption or inside dealing during his time working with the state’s longest-serving Speaker.
Illinois labor leaders say fight for public stadium funding isn’t over – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 21, 2024
Illinois labor leaders said today they’ll continue to push for public funding for sports stadiums despite resistance from Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state legislators.
Pritzker details Think Big America’s 2024 strategy – The Daily Line, August 22, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker is staying on the frontlines of the 2024 campaign supporting the expansion of reproductive rights through ballot questions around the country through Pritzker’s Think Big America political action committee.
Illinois elected officials comment on attracting the youth vote and how to address the economy – Northern Public Radio, August 21, 2024
The Illinois delegation includes veteran elected officials and “political junkies” as well as young leaders of the party.
Opinion: State, local elections don’t offer much competition to voters – The News-Gazette, August 22, 2024
This week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago has created a lot of political excitement. But it’s all downhill from here on the Illinois politics front because of lack of substantive competition in state and local races.
News in briefs: Obama welcomed home; Harmon wants rework of staff union bill – The Daily Line, August 21, 2024
Former President Barack Obama was welcomed back to Chicago on Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). And Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said a bill to allow legislative staff to unionize needs unspecified changes.
President Harmon on staff union legislation: House leadership and staff should “get together and solve their own problems” – Capitol Fax, August 20, 2024
As we discussed, House Speaker Chris Welch was asked yesterday how the Illinois Legislative Staff Association’s lawsuit affects his message on workers’ rights. A reporter asked Senate President Don Harmon this morning why his chamber hasn’t moved a bill that would allow staff to unionize…
JB Pritzker: ‘Take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing: stupidity’ – Politico, August 20, 2024
The Illinois governor and heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune poked fun at Trump in his convention speech.
After years of prep, Pritzker finally gets his DNC star turn – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 21, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker sought to tout his own accomplishments in Illinois while also proving his ability to attack former President Donald Trump during his primetime speech last night at the Democratic National Convention.
Pritzker talks VP interest, relationship with Trump in wide-ranging interview – The Daily Line, August 21, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker opened up about his interest in higher office on Tuesday in a wide-ranging interview with Politico at a Democratic National Convention (DNC) event. Pritzker also shared a behind the scenes experience with former President Donald Trump.
Walz good for ‘boring old Midwestern dad caucus,’ Illinois senate president jokes – The Daily Herald, August 20, 2024
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon is head of the Senate Democratic caucus, but Tuesday he joined another group: “the boring old Midwestern dad caucus.”
J.B. Pritzker’s turn as DNC host vaults him to national stage – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 19, 2024
The arrival of thousands of people in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention this week marks the culmination of years of groundwork by Gov. JB Pritzker to elevate the city — and himself — to the national spotlight.
Gov. JB Pritzker teases 3rd term as Illinois governor during DNC event – Chicago Sun-Times, August 19, 2024
After Gov. JB Pritzker was passed over as Kamala Harris’ running mate, top Illinois Democrats are urging him to keep running as the state’s chief executive.
Illinois Democrats look to next chapter of the presidency — and Pritzker’s future – The Daily Line, August 20, 2024
Illinois Democrats gathered Monday morning for their first customary pre-convention breakfast to celebrate what they hope will be a new and historic chapter of a Kamala Harris presidency.
US Sen. Dick Durbin calls Trump a ‘bad boss.’ Former Chicago Bulls star Steve Kerr also speaks at DNC. – Chicago Tribune, August 20, 2024
Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin likened Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to “a bad boss” during a speech on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch visits White House – WJBC, August 19, 2024
The speaker of the Illinois House was in the Oval Office Friday, when President Biden declared the 1908 race riot site in Springfield to be a national monument.
Ryan Spain responds to WTVP donation being linked to him in Peoria police report – Peoria Journal Star, August 19, 2024
State Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, had no knowledge that money improperly donated to his campaign came from the coffers of WTVP-TV, according to a statement from his campaign.
JB Pritzker Is Ready to Party at a Convention He Made Happen – The New York Times, August 19, 2024
The request for a bid for the Democratic National Convention had been sitting unanswered in the office of Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago for two to three weeks in the summer of 2021 when Anne Caprara, the chief of staff to Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois, burst into the governor’s office with a Politico article saying Chicago was being courted.
Illinois Dems look to share successes with America as Pritzker takes the national stage – The
Daily Line, August 19, 2024
Chicago will play host to a presidential nomination for the 26th time this week and add to the
city’s rich political history, which has included influential convention moments that nominated
Abraham Lincoln, produced some of America’s fiercest political fights and the dark cloud of riots
in 1968 the city has never forgotten.
Biden recognizes Springfield Race Riot site as national monument – The Daily Line, August 19,
2024
The site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot is now a national monument under an order signed
by President Joe Biden on Friday.
As Democrats arrive for DNC, Senate GOP attack Illinois Democratic policies – WAND, August
16, 2024
Democrats from across the country will gather in Chicago next week for the Democratic National
Convention, but Illinois Senate Republicans argue Democratic policies are nothing to celebrate.
Days of continued licensing delays in Illinois could be coming to an end – The State Journal-
Register, August 16, 2024
With goals to modernize and streamline an archaic system, the Illinois Department of Financial
and Professional Regulation recently announced it had reached an agreement to secure a new
professional online licensing system.
National Guard On ‘Standby’ In Chicago For DNC, Pritzker Confirms – Block Club Chicago,
August 18, 2024
About 150 National Guard soldiers are stationed in Chicago as a precaution during the
Democratic National Convention. The soldiers were seen staging at Chicago Police’s
Bronzeville headquarters.
The Law Q&A | State’s new law on ‘captive audience’ meetings has everyone’s attention – The
News Gazette, August 18, 2024
For you employers, workers and First Amendment watchers out there, pay attention: Illinois has
a new law going into effect Jan. 1 called the Worker Freedom of Speech Act.
Aaron Del Mar Named State GOP Co-Chair – Journal & Topic, August 16, 2024
Aaron Del Mar, one of three in the running last month for Illinois Republican Party chairman, was appointed state party co-chair on Thursday, Aug, 15.
Cook County judge, in office for less than 2 years, is named to panel that rules on judicial misconduct – Chicago Sun-Times, August 23, 2024
Less than two years after Cook County Circuit Judge ShawnTe Raines-Welch took office, the Illinois Supreme Court has appointed her to the Illinois Courts Commission, which hears judicial misconduct cases and can remove judges from office. Raines-Welch, who’s married to Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is one of two circuit judges on the commission, whose authority to punish judges for wrongdoing includes being able to remove them from the bench.
Brandon Johnson on what’s next after the DNC – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 21, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson isn’t ready to take a victory lap, but says he’s “proud of how Chicagoans have shown up in this moment.”
It’s getting too hot for old Chicago homes to handle, study finds – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 21, 2024
Elevate, a national nonprofit advocating for equity through climate action, has authored a report about the health dangers of indoor air temperatures during increasingly hot summers.
Johnson reflects on entry to politics as Democratic leaders look to keep momentum up after DNC – The Daily Line, August 22, 2024
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is happy with the direction the Democratic Party is going since he first attended the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2016.
Buttigieg honored by local, nationwide elected officials during LGBTQ Victory Fund fundraiser event in the Loop – The Daily Line, August 21, 2024
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, which works to elect leaders from the LGBTQ community up and down the ballot across the U.S., honored Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg at a fundraiser on Tuesday afternoon at the Wit Chicago hotel in the Loop, during which LGBTQ lawmakers from Illinois and around the country called for electing Kamala Harris president to safeguard hard-fought protections.
Opinion: DNC can showcase rich tapestry of Chicago beyond the United Center – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 20, 2024
As the 2024 Democratic National Convention kicks off, Chicago looks forward to offering more than just a backdrop for political theater. The city’s history, vibrancy, and complexity demand that attendees challenge the status quo, venturing beyond the two-block radius of the United Center and outside of the narratives that dominate national media and popular shows like “The Bear.” Instead, to truly “get” Chicago, attendees must immerse themselves in the authentic experiences that define Chicago, experiences rooted in our 77 diverse community areas.
News in Brief: March on the DNC draws thousands; Walz speaks to Women’s Caucus meeting – The Daily Line, August 21, 2024
During Day Two of the Democratic National Convention, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz gave an address to the Women’s Caucus meeting. And a coalition of progressive and left-wing groups is preparing to march again for Palestine on Thursday after drawing thousands Monday.
On second night of DNC, march outside Israeli consulate sees confrontation with police and demonstrators detained – Chicago Tribune, August 21, 2024
At least 72 people were arrested Tuesday night after an unsanctioned demonstration outside the Israeli Consulate, legal observers say.
How West Side workers along Madison are feeling in the shadow of the DNC – Chicago Sun Times, August 20, 2024
None of the DNC hoopla had made the trip down Madison to the businesses of some restaurateurs, pop-up food sellers — and one muralist from the South Side — who say they still hope to get some love this week.
Johnson speaks about policy goals, achievements at events around town on Day 1 of the DNC – The Daily Line, August 20, 2024
As Chicago took center stage on Monday with the beginning of the Democratic National Convention, Mayor Brandon Johnson traveled to multiple convention-related events around the city to use the opportunity to connect his own policy goals and successes with the Democrats’ broader vision for America.
Mayor Brandon Johnson stresses Chicago’s Black history in opening-night DNC speech – Chicago Tribune, August 20, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered a short, but spirited pitch for Chicago during Monday evening’s kickoff of the Democratic National Convention, casting the city as a cradle of African American triumph that engendered the historic moment of a Black woman being nominated for president.
Demonstrators chant, break fencing, but first major protest of DNC stays mostly peaceful – Chicago Tribune, August 19, 2024
Chanting and holding signs decrying the Biden administration’s support for Israeli military action in Gaza, thousands of pro-Palestinian and other demonstrators rallied and marched past the Democratic National Convention headquarters on Monday in what had been billed as the largest of many planned demonstrations during the four-day event.
The Chicago River Swim is still on — but it’s been moved to Lake Michigan – Chicago Tribune, August 20, 2024
The Chicago River Swim has been moved to Lake Michigan, organizers said Monday, a month after the city denied a permit for the open-water swimming event because of safety concerns related to the proposed route and the number of swimmers.
Pace, CPS paratransit drivers end fourth day of strike without progress in contract negotiations – Chicago Sun-Times, August 19, 2024
Nearly 800 drivers employed by SCR Medical Transportation walked out Friday, limiting service for those with disabilities, including rides for CPS students. School resumes next week.
As national stature rises, Irvin will seek third term as Aurora’s mayor – Daily Herald, August 19, 2024
The man who once wanted to be governor of Illinois has decided being mayor of Aurora will do. Richard Irvin made it official this week, announcing he is seeking a third term as the top elected official of the state’s second-largest city.
Parties, panels and protests: An unofficial and incomplete guide to some of the events around
Chicago during the DNC – The Daily Line, August 19, 2024
While the big speeches from presidents, party superstars and the Democrats’ current nominees, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will be the main attractions at this year’s Democratic National Convention (DNC), Chicago and Cook County’s local leaders will be featured at multiple events happening throughout the convention week that might fly under the radar. Here’s a roundup of some of what’s scheduled.
All eyes will be on Chicago this week. Can the DNC help reverse the city’s national narrative? –
The Chicago Tribune, August 18, 2024
The eyes of the political world turn to Chicago this week as tens of thousands of delegates, media, dignitaries and political influencers arrive for a historic Democratic National Convention featuring Vice President Kamala Harris’ celebratory and ceremonial acceptance of the party’s presidential nomination.
Chicago is getting set for DNC protests. Here’s a rundown of what to expect. – Chicago Tribune,
August 17, 2024
Focus will be split when the Democratic National Convention arrives in Chicago. Inside the United Center, attendees and TV viewers will be glued to the Harris-Walz ticket.
How will CTA handle the Democratic National Convention crowds? ‘I’m very concerned’ –
Chicago Tribune, August 16, 2024
The upcoming Democratic National Convention has Paige Weaver bracing for her CTA commute. She usually heads downtown two or three times a week to her marketing job. But, anticipating crowds on transit during the convention, she plans to shift her workday to arrive at her office early in the morning.
Harris heads to Chicago with momentum — and rising GOP criticism – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 18, 2024
Kamala Harris is headed to the Democratic National Convention riding a wave of momentum, as Republicans work to leverage an advantage with voters by attacking her new economic agenda.
Workers from Chicago’s South and West sides make up only 20% of construction labor for DNC – Chicago Tribune, August 17, 2024
Residents of Chicago’s South and West sides make up only 20% of the construction workforce for the Democratic National Convention, the convention’s organizers revealed this week, even after extensive efforts to diversify and engage with underserved neighborhoods.
On the eve of historic DNC, Chicago named host city for NAACP’s 2026 convention – Chicago Tribune, August 18, 2024
On the eve of hosting the Democratic National Convention, Chicago is preparing for the return of another storied and well-traveled convention after decades in other cities.
General Iron operating permit rejection by city of Chicago upheld by judge – Chicago Sun Times, August 16, 2024
A city-ordered health impact analysis of the polluted Southeast Side was appropriate, a Cook County Circuit Court judge ruled.
