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By Illinois Review
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For Illinois Republicans, the upcoming primary was expected to be a moment of renewal. Instead, it’s devolved into a bitter clash between establishment insiders and grassroots challengers – compounded by a state party in disarray, lacking clear leadership, functional infrastructure and a coherent strategy.
Meanwhile, Democrats are poised to maintain control of every statewide office and preserve their supermajority in the legislature. For Republicans, this election season underscores a hard truth: they’re not just losing elections – they’re losing structure. There’s no head coach, no assistant coaches – just a political free-for-all.
And that, according to multiple sources, is exactly why many of the state’s top GOP donors are choosing to sit this one out.
Amid a vacuum of leadership, direction, infrastructure, and fundraising capacity, major donors increasingly view Illinois Republican candidates as a risky – and ultimately unrewarding – investment.
Democrats, meanwhile, are charging ahead at full speed. As the race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin intensifies, Democratic contenders are already flexing their fundraising muscle – leaving Republicans far behind. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly has $2 million on hand and added another $565,775 last quarter. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has raised over $1 million since April. But the largest war chest belongs to U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who boasts a staggering $21 million in campaign funds – bolstered by a $3 million haul just in the most recent quarter.
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