By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) − Illinois Democrats say their party will win across the United States in 2026, with the Land of Lincoln serving as the blueprint.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker spoke at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association brunch Wednesday morning before hosting Governor’s Day on the Lawn at the Illinois State Fair in the afternoon.

Pritzker said Democrats will win in 2026, and the rest of the country will live out what Illinois is experiencing.

“And what I’ll say to those who are wondering what’s next for the Democratic Party is this: She’s alive and well and stronger than ever, living right here in the great state of Illinois,” Pritzker said.

Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton asked the crowd of people how many of them said they were glad they lived in Illinois, in the midst of chaos coming from Washington.

“It is why the country looks at us as an example, because Illinois is the blueprint,” Stratton said.

U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, served as guest speaker at the IDCCA brunch.

Jeffries said President Donald Trump promised to lower costs on Day One.

“We have to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America and we need to do it now,” Jeffries said.

The New York Democrat said the President is pretending to care about public safety in Washington, D.C.

“The biggest crime spree that hurts everyday Americans right now is at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries also called out U.S. House Republicans, including Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller.

“Who knew I would miss John Boehner and Paul Ryan so much?” Jeffries asked.

Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez welcomed Democrats to the Governor’s Day afternoon event in Springfield.

Hernandez called out the state’s GOP and said Republicans were “taking away our food” and scapegoating immigrants.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, wearing an AFL-CIO shirt, told the crowd that President Trump was stealing their money.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias recognized several Illinois officials who are not seeking reelection next year: Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis.

Giannoulias also said he could not be more proud that his governor is J.B. Pritzker.

“He always fights for the people,” Giannoulias said.

Pritzker said Republicans, not Democrats were raising taxes.

“Republicans have raised tariff taxes on the average American family by $2,400 each,” Pritzker said.

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, Pritzker has enacted over 50 tax hikes since he took office.

The governor closed with his frequent rallying cry.

“Are you ready for the fight?” Pritzker asked twice.

“Let’s go get ‘em everybody. Thank you all for being here today.”

Republicans have their rally at the fair Thursday.