Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, said that Democrats are heavily investing in Illinois elections and influencing nonpartisan races. He emphasized the importance for Republicans to remain active and counter these efforts. Swidler's comments were made to the Lake County Gazette on March 21.

"After the Republican victories of 2024, Democrats are scrambling to hold onto power, even if it means corrupting so-called nonpartisan elections," said Swidler. "After the Republican victories of 2024, Democrats are scrambling to hold onto power, even if it means corrupting so-called nonpartisan elections. No election is safe from their influence, as they push their agenda into school boards and city governments. If Republicans don't step up now, Illinois will be lost to their unchecked control."

According to Capitol News Illinois, despite the nonpartisan nature of municipal and school board races in Illinois, the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) is employing partisan strategies. The DPI is backing 270 candidates across the state with training, coaching, and a substantial advertising campaign. This has raised concerns about political overreach in local elections. While DPI justifies its actions as necessary, many Republicans perceive it as an attempt to consolidate power. A comprehensive report on the party's election spending is anticipated in April.

The Daily Herald reported unexpected Republican support in Illinois suburbs, combined with lower Democratic turnout, resulted in surprising election outcomes. Over 5.3 million residents participated in the Trump-Harris race, a decrease from over 6 million in 2020. Although Kamala Harris won Illinois with 2.85 million votes compared to Donald Trump's nearly 2.4 million, her support in suburban counties declined significantly from Joe Biden’s numbers in 2020.

The Chicago Sun-Times highlighted that Donald Trump made notable gains in traditionally Democratic areas like Chicago during the 2024 election. He secured 22.01% of Chicago's vote, up from 12.41% in 2016, and increased his overall vote share in Illinois to 45.3%, compared to 38.76% previously. Notably, Trump received more than half of the votes in Chicago’s 41st Ward on the Far Northwest Side.

Swidler was first elected as Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans in Buffalo Grove in 2024. According to their website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Vernon Township voters."