Democrats dream big: Illinois statehouse races to watch
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Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch is downright giddy about state Democrats' chances to increase their supermajority.
The big picture: Welch and other state Democrats credit Vice President Kamala Harris' ascension to the top of the presidential ticket for their optimism, something they didn't have a few months ago.
What they're saying: "We're seeing districts in play that were not in play before," Welch said in a recent interview.
The intrigue: Welch said he believes the Democrats will not only hold the supermajority but could add four to six more seats.
- The Democrats have vastly outspent Republicans in swing districts.
State of play: Democrats have a huge advantage in Illinois. They hold 78 of the 118 House seats while having the majority of seats in the state Senate too.
- This makes it easier to pass the governor's budget and pass Democrat-sponsored legislation.
The other side: Republicans are fighting back by changing their leadership. Kathy Salvi took over as chair of the Illinois GOP this summer.
By the (district) numbers: Welch's team believes the 47th District (Wheaton) is in play because President Biden won it overwhelmingly in 2020 and Gov. JB Pritzker did as well in 2022. Incumbent Republican Rep. Amy Grant is facing off against Democratic challenger Jackie Williamson.
- Democrats also believe they can win in the Northwest suburban 52nd District, citing similar Democratic wins in the last few years. Republican incumbent Rep. Martin McLaughlin will look to hold off Democrat Maria Peterson, who almost beat Republican state Sen. Dan McConchie two years ago for the 26th District.
- In the far southern 114th district that represents parts of East St. Louis, Democrats believe they can take back the seat from Republicans because Black voters are energized with Harris at the top of the ticket. Incumbent Republican Rep. Kevin Schmidt will take on former Democratic Rep. LaToya Greenwood.
Zoom in: Democrats believe they also have a shot at Republican seats in the 48th, 79th, 82nd, and 104th House Districts.
Of note: There are only 11 state Senate races with two candidates or more running in this year's general election.