Kelly Pulls Out, Hernandez to Become Democrat Chair
Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) will likely become the new Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois Saturday after Congresswoman Robin Kelly ended her bid Friday afternoon.
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Governor JB Pritzker will take control of the Democratic Party of Illinois as his hand-picked candidate, Rep. LIsa Hernandez (D-Cicero) appears poised to be elevated to Chair.
Incumbent Chair Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Matteson) ended her bid for re-election Friday afternoon.
The writing was on the wall after Congressman Chuy Garcia and other Latino committeemen jumped over Hernandez.
Kelly’s statement:
“Over the past 16 months, I have had the immense privilege of serving as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. In that time, the DPI has taken dramatic steps forward by modernizing our party operations, developing new and impactful programming, and re-engaging with the national Democratic Party in a way not seen in decades. Simply put, our party has made amazing progress in a short amount of time.
“I was elected as the first woman and the first Black chair of the DPI because of my vision for an inclusive, diverse, and people-first party. Unfortunately, it has become clear that support for my re-election as chair will come up just shy of the necessary majority. Therefore, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for chair.
“Serving as chair has been a true honor, and I could not be more proud of my staff, my supporters, and all Democrats across the state who joined in building a stronger DPI.”
Statement from her top supporter, Sen. Dick Durbin:
"Congresswoman Robin Kelly made history as the first African American woman to chair the Illinois Democratic Party. Her challenge was not just to build a Democratic team, but to move from one man rule to a diverse leadership reflecting our party. She worked hard, and I was proud to back her re-election. Representative Lisa Hernandez has always been a friend. I wish her well, and I look forward to working with her."
The vote takes place in Springfield Saturday.
