Democratic Party battle leads to state party chair’s ouster

CHICAGO, Ill. – The chairperson of the Democratic Party of Illinois is apparently out.

Just two years after she ousted now-former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, Robin Kelly reportedly has been forced out of the job. Chicago media outlets report Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has waged a party battle ahead of a gathering Saturday.

Kelly — a Chicago-area Congresswoman running for another term — issued a statement Friday saying being the head of the party has been an “immense privilege.”

Pritzker reportedly wants State Representative Elizabeth Hernandez — also of the Chicago area — to replace Kelly.

Kelly, by the way, is a graduate of Bradley University.

Kelly’s full statement is below.

Serving as chair has been a true honor, and I could not be more proud of my staff, my supporters, and all Democrats across the state who joined in building a stronger @illinoisdems pic.twitter.com/gn9eC4HT4m

— Dr. Robin Kelly (@RobinLynneKelly) July 29, 2022