Statewide and local Democratic candidates gathered Wednesday in Bloomington as part of a kickoff rally ahead of Democrat Day at the State Fair.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker and running mate Juliana Stratton attended as part of their downstate bus tour.
Pritzker said typically red McLean County is going to go blue in November's election.
“Eighty-three days until Nov. 6. And you’ve seen how Gov. (Bruce) Rauner has only one path he takes to win,” Pritzker said. “It’s the same path Donald Trump took in 2016: trash the Democrats, suppress the vote. One of the big reasons you need to make sure you elect a county clerk who will stand up for your right to vote.”
Democratic candidate for McLean County Clerk Nikita Richards was also present. She is running against Republican incumbent Kathy Michael.
Richards agreed, saying change is coming in the county.
“We deserve and so desperately need elected officials that work as advocates alongside the communities in which they serve. That’s why I’m so excited about the blue wave and this upcoming election. We have the ability to shake up the status quo by electing this amazing slate of Democrats.”
McLean County Democrats Chair Erik Rankin said in recent years the county has seen a 300 percent increase in elected and appointed Democratic precinct committeemen, and an 800 percent increase in women candidates who were elected or appointed.
Also present was U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
Republicans gathered Wednesday at the State Fair for Governor's Day.
Watch video of the Democrat Day kickoff in Bloomington:
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