Illinois Republicans

Redistricting was a large focus at an annual gathering of the state party’s central committee and the Republican County Chair’s Association in Springfield, with a pre-taped message from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that dubbed his push “fair” and “necessary” setting the tone for the day.

New Republican state Rep. Regan Deering, who represents parts of Bloomington and eastern McLean County, started her first session last week.

While Democrats have locked up another supermajority in Springfield, Illinois Republican leaders say Donald Trump’s stronger showing in his third presidential run indicate the state GOP is building momentum.