SPRINGFIELD WGEM – Following recent elections, Illinois House Republicans are calling on Democrats to work collaboratively on the state’s issues. At a press conference, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, highlighted that voters are seeking change.
“This election was a clear message against one-party control, McCombie said, emphasizing that voters prioritized fiscal accountability and economic relief.
Despite former President Donald Trump reducing his loss margin in Illinois, Democrats retained control, holding 14 of the state’s 17 congressional seats and supermajorities in the state legislature. McCombie noted that the lack of change in seats reveals Illinois’s legislative map is among the nation’s most biased.
McCombie urged Democrats to reconsider their direction, saying Illinois voters don’t want more self-serving politicians pushing a progressive agenda.
In response, Governor J.B. Pritzker emphasized his commitment to resisting federal influence from the incoming Trump administration and protecting Illinois residents. He recently co-founded a group called Governors Safeguarding Democracy, alongside Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
With a projected $3.2 billion budget deficit for fiscal year 2026, House Republicans are also urging bipartisan cooperation on budget planning. However, a spokesperson for Pritzker stated that he remains focused on delivering a balanced budget and criticized Republican efforts as showy political theater.