For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, October 27, 2025

Contact:
Erika Caldwell, Communications Director
press@ildcca.org

DPI: Gwen Pepin
press@ildems.com

DPI and IDCCA Coordinate to Collect Over 17,000 Signatures for Statewide Candidates

Springfield, IL – Early this morning, more than 17,000 petition signatures collected and over 10,500 signatures were filed to secure ballot access for statewide incumbents Attorney General Kwame Raoul,  Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulous and Treasurer Mike Frerichs were filed. The impressive haul was the result of a coordinated effort by the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) and the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA).

DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez praised the coordination between state and county organizers, “The collection of 17,000 signatures is the result of weeks of hard work by Democrats. Together, DPI and IDCCA ensured that when voters look at their ballots next year, they’ll see strong incumbents who have been on the frontlines of fighting Republican extremism.”

IDCCA President Mark Guethle credited the tireless work of local leaders across Illinois, “Collecting seventeen thousand signatures isn’t just paperwork – it’s proof that Democrats can get things done, while the MAGA crew can barely manage their own dumpster fire. Our County Chairs, State Central Committeepeople and volunteers busted their butts this petition season. From Chicago to the reddest corners of the state, Democrats showed up to make sure we have candidates on that ballot who are committed to keeping Illinois a safe haven of justice, equality and common sense throughout Trump’s reign of terror.”

The petition drive was organized by DPI Executive Director Ben Hardin and IDCCA Executive Director Dan Kovats, who led the efforts to organize and mobilize thousands of Democrats across the state. Their coordinated campaign ensured the Illinois’ statewide leaders are officially on the ballot and ready to continue delivering for all Illinoisans.

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