Patti Vasquez is joined by Patrick Cortesi, chair of the Democratic Party of McLean County.

The discussion highlighted McLean County Democrats’ organizing strategy, local economic concerns, and candidates for upcoming elections. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- County residents are focused on rising grocery, fuel, fertilizer, insurance, and farming costs.
- Rivian remains strong locally, with continued hiring and an added production shift, but reduced federal EV and solar incentives may limit future growth.
- SNAP cuts and reduced agricultural export markets are expected to increase pressure on food pantries, farmers, and local communities.
- Cortesi described the Democrats’ coalition of organized labor, college students, and women as central to taking control of the McLean County Board.
- The party is supporting candidates including Eric Sorensen and Paul Nolly for Congress, Joshua Crockett for McLean County clerk, and a slate of 10 county board candidates.

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820

Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal 

Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal

WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal

Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal