Dupage Policy Journal

More than 200 Republican leaders, candidates and activists gathered on Sept. 11 for a private event hosted by Concerned Parents of Illinois, marking a significant show of grassroots energy ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

The gathering took place one day after the assassination of Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure with ties to many of the organizers and attendees. Despite the news, the event proceeded as planned.

“This is supposed to be just a ten-girl cocktail hour that turned into 200 women,” said Kristina McCloy, a former Downers Grove Township trustee and founder of Concerned Parents of Illinois. “Obviously this is more.”

McCloy expressed surprise at the turnout and noted that the event had become a larger forum for conservative voices and candidates.

“Over 200 women and leaders joined us for our private Concerned Parents event,” McCloy later wrote in a Facebook post. “It was an inspiring evening of connection, encouragement, and support for true conservative candidates. Grateful for everyone who came together.”

The DuPage County event included GOP candidates, current and former elected officials, and grassroots organizers from across the state.

“We were also blessed to have so many special leaders, speakers, and conservative voices in attendance,” McCloy said.

Speakers included former gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives, DuPage County GOP Chair Kevin Coyne, Illinois Republican National Committeeman Dean White and former attorney general candidate Thomas DeVore, who is known for litigation challenging pandemic-related mandates in Illinois.

Ives credited McCloy and Judicial Watch with prompting Community Consolidated School District 181 to implement a formal opt-out policy. The policy allows parents to exclude their children from access to certain classroom and library materials, including LGBTQ-themed books aimed at young audiences.

"I really applaud you for your activism,” Ives said of McCloy.

Also attending were organizers from conservative groups including Citizen Farmers, Warriors Group and Chicago Flips Red.

Joe Abraham, one of the evening’s speakers, shared his personal story about the loss of his daughter, Katie, in a car crash involving an intoxicated driver who was in the U.S. without legal status. Abraham said the driver had been previously arrested for DUI but released without deportation under Illinois' TRUST Act.

The event also drew younger conservative leaders and candidates such as Gabriella Shanahan, national committeewoman for the Young Republicans and a candidate for the 97th House District, and Stephanie Trussell, a former GOP lieutenant governor candidate now running in the 42nd House District.

Concerned Parents of Illinois has hosted events in suburban and rural areas across the state, focusing on issues such as education policy, parental rights and local governance.

“Our mission is to ensure that Illinois remains a place where parents have the freedom to make the best choices for their children's education and upbringing,” the group states on its Facebook page.

“We believe in fostering a culture of academic excellence, respect for traditional family values, and a steadfast commitment to conservative principles, while also promoting opportunities for all children to thrive.”

According to the group, its efforts are aimed at both political and cultural engagement.

“Through education, outreach, and community engagement, Concerned Parents Illinois works to empower parents, educators, and local leaders to uphold common-sense, conservative principles in decision-making regarding education, healthcare, and family issues,” the group’s Facebook page states. “Together, we strive to build a future where every child has access to a quality education, a safe and nurturing environment, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

Attendees at the Concerned Parents of Illinois event gather on Sept. 11 for an evening of networking, speeches, and grassroots organizing in support of conservative values and parental rights. (Facebook / Kristina McCloy)