SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association said they had a record-breaking crowd of nearly 3,000 people at their annual brunch at the Bank of Springfield Center Wednesday. That was just part of the celebrations during Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair.

Illinois Democrats said they're excited for a new generation of leaders, but they are also asking every candidate: What would Dick Durbin do?

Democrats stressed Illinois cannot continue to have President Donald Trump and Republicans steamrolling the state by cutting critical funding and services. County chairs and supporters from across the state said they are committed to helping Democratic candidates win up and down the ballot.

"Trump and Bailey cheered on ICE agents as they invaded our cities and killed innocent people," said Gov. JB Pritzker. "What did Illinois Democrats do? We flooded the streets to protect our neighbors and pushed ICE out."

The event also served as a celebration of Dick Durbin, as the longtime US Senator prepares to retire. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) said she will never forget meeting Durbin and working alongside him since 2013.

"We were always against the CEOs and their army of lawyers and lobbyists," Warren said. "We were always fighting the Republicans, and I'll be frank. Half the time, we were fighting the Democrats as well."

Durbin told supporters people can't assume there are only big races in other states. He argued Illinoisans need to prove with their vote that they want the right kind of change in America. Durbin said many should think back to the country under President Barack Obama.

"We were a nation of hope, respect, integrity and leadership," Durbin said. "The only scandal under Obama is he wore a tan suit."

Durbin joked that this will be the first time he's actively telling people not to vote for him. Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said she is ready to step into his shoes in Washington.

"It's been my honor to travel to every corner of our state and to build so many concrete relationships in downstate Illinois," Stratton said. "I'm going to keep doing that on the trail, and I'm certainly going to be that type of senator when I get to Washington, DC."

Republicans will fill the State Fair Thursday for GOP Day. Party leaders plan to celebrate Donald Trump and bash Pritzker. 

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