Dear Friends,

As we begin a new year, I want to wish you and your family a healthy, hopeful, and prosperous 2026. This year carries special meaning as our nation marks America’s 250th anniversary—a milestone that reminds us that self-government depends not on politicians, but on engaged, informed citizens willing to hold their leaders accountable.

Illinois Republicans enter this year clear-eyed about the challenges before us and confident in the path forward.

Illinois families have been asked to pay more while getting less in return. Rising taxes, higher tolls, and increasing energy costs continue to strain household budgets, while meaningful reforms remain elusive. Raising taxes and bloated budgets may keep Springfield running, but they do not put Illinois on a sustainable path or inspire confidence in our future.

Too often, state leaders have chosen political convenience over working families—rejecting opportunities for tax relief and growth, and making it harder for employers to invest and families to get ahead.

Equally troubling are the ethical failures that continue to erode public trust. Recent investigations uncovered widespread abuse of pandemic relief programs by public employees—funds meant to help struggling small businesses. These scandals confirm what too many already know: corruption is widespread in Illinois, accountability is optional, and trust in government is breaking down.

As we reflect on 250 years of American independence, we are reminded that our system only works when citizens demand better—better leadership, better stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and better outcomes for families and communities.

Republicans believe Illinois can do better—and must do better. We believe in responsible budgets, honest government, and policies that reward work, innovation, and personal responsibility. We believe Illinois can be a place where families can afford to live, businesses can thrive, and trust is earned.

Most importantly, change begins with you.

Early voting begins February 5, 2026, and I encourage you to begin preparing your plan to vote by visiting vote.illinois.gop. Whether you plan to vote early in person or apply for a vote-by-mail ballot through your local Election Authority, now is the time to make that commitment. Take the pledge to vote early or vote by mail—and encourage your friends and family to do the same. 

✅ Check & Update Your Voter Registration
If you need to check your registration, register to vote, or update your information after a move, use the Illinois State Board of Elections Voter Registration Lookup. To register online, have your Illinois driver’s license or state ID and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. 

🗳 Become a Poll Watcher or Election Judge
Election integrity starts with you. We need Republican election judges and poll watchers to help safeguard our elections. Republican Election Judges are in high demand to ensure fair and transparent elections.

Contact your local Republican County or Township organization—or reach out to the Illinois Republican Party—and we’ll help you get plugged in.

Happy New Year, and thank you for standing with us as we work toward a stronger, more accountable future for Illinois.

For official statements, announcements, and the latest updates from the White House, please visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/news/

Do you think people who’ve moved to Tennessee, Florida, or California should still be shaping Illinois’ leaders and laws? Of course not. Yet it happens—unless we act.

A volunteer working group across the Collar Counties and Cook County is helping former Illinois residents remove their names from the voter rolls where they used to live.

Volunteers hand-address envelopes that notify movers that their registration may still be active here and encourage them to take action.

A similar effort in Pennsylvania reportedly achieved a 28% success rate. The blueprint exists—now it needs two things: stamps and handwriters.

How you can help

• In DuPage, Cook, Lake, or Will: drop off unused or newly purchased stamps.

• Outside those counties: you can still help—contribute stamps or volunteer to handwrite. Contact Project Director Willard Helander at [email protected] for the drop-off or mailing address and next steps.

This project can move the needle locally and statewide—and it can be replicated across all 102 Illinois counties. If you’re looking for a concrete, personal way to get involved, reach out to Willard and let her know you want to help clean up Illinois’ voter rolls.

Visit https://www.ieip.org/action-alerts/ for up-to-date information on election integrity to ensure honest elections!

The Illinois Republican Party welcomes event submissions from Republican candidates. Please note that the State Party does not make endorsements in contested open primaries. The publication or promotion of any event does not imply endorsement. 

The Illinois Republican Party welcomes event submissions from Republican candidates. Please note that the State Party does not make endorsements in contested open primaries. The publication or promotion of any event does not imply endorsement. 

Thank you for all you do and for supporting the Illinois Republican Party!

Sincerely,

Kathy Salvi

Checks Payable to: 

Illinois Republican Party 

PO Box 78
Springfield, IL 62705

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