Join us for a night of bold ideas, big energy, and ballot-power-building at Democracy Ain’t Dry, our fall fundraiser and petition party with serious speakeasy swagger.

This isn’t your usual rubber-chicken dinner. It’s a one-night-only chance to meet the candidates shaping Illinois’ future — we're inviting everyone from U.S. Senate and Governor to Congressional Districts 5, 8, and 9; State House Districts 51 & 52; State Senate 26; and County Board candidates from Cook and McHenry. 

You’ll get the rare chance to: Chat one-on-one with 2026 candidates all in one spot, Hear their visions for our communities directly from the source, Ask real questions — and expect real answers, Sign the petitions that will put them on your ballot, and Find out how to plug into local organizing.

We’re proud to be organizing in a district that defies the map — crossing four counties (Lake, Cook, Kane, and McHenry) and stretching across diverse, dynamic townships. This area will be one to watch in 2026, as we flip the 52nd and 26th State Districts blue and push new, bold leadership into the 8th and 9th Congressional Districts.

Then it’s time to turn it up. At 7:00 PM we’ll kick off with a special Kingpin speaker and candidate intros — then it’s snacks, mingling, and music until close. At 8:00 PM, Chicago jam band legends Mr. Blotto take the stage to keep the night flowing.