Illinois Democrats said they are fed up with President Donald Trump's actions in Washington, and the party plans to put up a strong fight to win up and down the ballot next year.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Thousands of Democrats were in Springfield Wednesday to celebrate Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair. The annual event is seen as a campaign kickoff for many candidates and the people who knock on doors for them. 

Illinois Democrats said they are fed up with President Donald Trump's actions in Washington, and the party plans to put up a strong fight to win up and down the ballot next year.

Democratic county chairs and supporters from across the state mingled with their favorite leaders during brunch at the Bank of Springfield Center. The vibes were a mixture of excitement and angst as multiple Illinois lawmakers took the stage, highlighting drastic cuts under Trump. 

"This is not politics as usual," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "This is a five-alarm fire. Our freedoms are on the line, and the status quo just will not cut it."

Gov. JB Pritzker said it is time to stop dreading Democratic losses in 2024 and look ahead to the next battle.

"Illinois Democrats know how to overcome hard times," Pritzker said. "Look what our army of happy warriors here has achieved. We worked our tails off and ousted the Republicans who tanked our state's finances and badmouthed Illinois' working families."

Party leaders said they need all hands on deck to take on Trump and congressional Republicans. Their special guest, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, stressed that Democrats must stand up and make good trouble.

"We don't work for Donald Trump," Jeffries said. "We don't work for JD Vance. We don't work for Elon Musk. We don't work for billionaire donors. We work for all of you, the American people. That is what will continue to drive us."

Democrats also held a picnic and rally with Pritzker and other state leaders at the director's lawn of the fairgrounds. Attorney General Kwame Raoul received massive support for his work defending the state in court battles against the president.

"I did get elected during Trump 1.0, but Trump 2.0 is something different," Raoul said. "It's an attack on our republic. It's an attack on our constitution."

Republicans will fill the Illinois State Fair for GOP Day Thursday. The Illinois GOP plans to celebrate Donald Trump and bash the Pritzker administration.

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