Republican Leaders Gather in Jacksonville to Rally for 2026
Local Republican officials hosted a meet and greet Monday evening at Twisted Tree Music and Event Hall to launch midterm and 2026 campaign organizing in Morgan County. The event brought a U.S. Senate candidate, state legislators and party officials together, a development that could shape local voter mobilization and messaging ahead of the next election cycle.
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Hundreds of Republican supporters and interested residents gathered Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Twisted Tree Music and Event Hall, 1061 E. Morton Ave, for a meet and greet intended to kick off midterm and 2026 election organizing in Morgan County. Organizers described the event as both a thank you to current supporters and a launch point for voter outreach and party cohesion across central Illinois.
Jimmy Lee Tillman II, who is running for U.S. Senate, attended to outline his campaign priorities and to meet local voters. Tillman has emphasized border security, religious freedom and conservative values. His campaign has supported churches that legally challenged pandemic restrictions. Tillman is identified by his campaign as a historian, author, Heritage Academy fellow and president of Martin Luther King Republicans.
The evening also included prominent state and national party officials. Assistant Minority Leader state Sen. Steve McClure, Assistant Minority Leader state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer and Illinois Republican National Committeewoman Rhonda Belford were listed as attendees. Morgan County Republicans organized the gathering through Precinct 11 committeeman Ryan Zipprich, who framed the meeting as preparation for sustained campaign activity.
"This is our opportunity to thank our supporters, energize our base, and get ready for what's ahead in 2026," said Precinct 11 committeeman Ryan Zipprich, who is hosting the event. Zipprich later emphasized the rarity of such a concentration of Republican leadership in the county and described the purpose as party building and preparation for future contests. "It's rare to have this level of Republican leadership all in one room in Morgan County," Zipprich said. "This is about bringing our party together, building excitement for 2026, and showing that central Illinois Republicans are ready to work hard for victory."
The event was open to anyone regardless of political affiliation. For local voters the gathering offered direct exposure to candidates and leaders who may influence policy emphasis and resource allocation during upcoming campaigns. Candidates meeting residents face to face can shape local conversations on issues such as pandemic policy litigation, public safety and religious liberty, all topics highlighted by attendees.
From an institutional perspective the presence of state legislative leaders and a national committeewoman signals coordination between county, state and national party infrastructure. That network can be decisive in determining where campaign resources flow and which local races receive priority attention. For civic engagement the event functions as an opportunity to inform undecided voters, consolidate partisan turnout and encourage volunteer recruitment ahead of the 2026 cycle.
As the political calendar accelerates, events like Monday night in Jacksonville will serve as early indicators of messaging strategy and organizational strength for candidates aiming to compete at higher levels of government.
