Sangamon Sun

The Federation of Illinois Young Republicans (ILYR) has officially launched its 13th chapter with the Capital City Young Republicans. 

Led by Joshua Loyd, the new chapter aims to foster political engagement among young Republicans, particularly in Springfield, where state government action takes center stage.

Loyd envisions the Capital City Young Republicans as a hub for young conservatives eager to shape the future of Illinois politics.

The logo of the Capital City Young Republicans. | Facebook / Federation of Illinois Young Republicans

“We're focused on principles that have been pillars for generations—values for our children, our future, our families, our souls,” Loyd told the Sangamon Sun. “We want to see our country and our states succeed, and we want to see everyone around us succeed. Many people, even some Democrats, are now converting to the Republican Party.”

The group aims to engage young political figures in local campaign support while making Republican values accessible to all, regardless of political background.

“Republicans are done feeling like we are crazy,” Loyd said. “In reality, we're the ones focused on traditional family values, on Christ, on fiscal conservatism and on helping our children have the resources and future they deserve.” 

With a demographic of members18 to 40 years old, the Capital City Young Republicans chapter aims to attract young voters, volunteers and future candidates to the party. 

Loyd also stressed the importance of engaging people who may have misconceptions about the Republican Party. 

"A lot of Democrats are converting to Republicans,” he said. “Before switching parties, many had a misconception that Republicans were either backcountry hicks or super-wealthy billionaires who take advantage of the poor. The reality is, most billionaires are actually Democrats."

This shift in perception, Loyd believes, presents a key opportunity for growth and engagement within the Republican Party.

"Now is a great time for recruitment—bringing in new members, getting them involved with the Republican Party and building a stronger network of young conservatives across the country, the state, and beyond," he said. 

Loyd said that starting the chapter required approval from county chairmen. 

The Capital City Young Republicans represent Sangamon and Macoupin counties, including the state capital. The group consists of local residents as well as young Republicans working in Springfield as interns, staffers or legislators. 

Loyd emphasized the importance of events in Springfield, particularly during legislative sessions and the Illinois State Fair, when the capital becomes a focal point for political action. 

“The Illinois State Fair in Springfield is a significant day of action, not just for state reps and senators, but for the party as a whole, with Republican Day serving as a major event,” he said. “Republicans from Chicago to Cairo gather in Springfield to meet with state reps and officials, making it a key opportunity for us to come together.” 

Looking ahead, Loyd and his team are planning several events to raise visibility and build a stronger network of young Republicans. 

"Future events include a Charlie Kirk vigil, events at the state fair, days of action at the Capitol, and memorials for police, fire, first responders, and our military, all aimed at getting people involved in the community," he said. 

For Loyd, the Capital City Young Republicans represents more than a gathering place for young GOP members—it’s about educating the public, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring Republican values are clearly communicated.

"When a bill comes to the floor for a vote and there are misleading provisions within it, it's important to address those misconceptions,” he said. “For example, the food sanitary bill from last year wasn't about food preparation or sanitation standards; it was about euthanasia. Our goal is to prevent such misconceptions and ensure the public understands what bills truly represent and what they are actually calling for."

According to Loyd, the local community's response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

“The reception has been fantastic,” Loyd said. “Within the first week, over 250 people signed up for our Young Republicans Facebook page. Not all of them are necessarily 'young Republicans,' but they are party members and people who want to see a younger generation get involved.”

With new leadership, a clear vision and a rapidly growing network, the Capital City Young Republicans are poised to be a strong force in Illinois politics.

“We have several candidates on the ballot from our chapter, including two running for U.S. Congress, myself included, as I’m running for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District,” Loyd said. “Additionally, members of our chapter are actively helping collect petition signatures for Republicans to get on the ballot.”

A native of Murphysboro, Loyd, a graduate from the United States Military Academy who served as an active duty officer, is running for Illinois' 13th Congressional District seat. He previously ran in the 2024 general election but was defeated by incumbent Democrat Nikki Budzinski, securing 41.9% of the vote.

As the chapter continues to grow and strengthen its presence, Loyd remains optimistic about the future of young conservatives in Illinois. 

“It’s a good time for individuals to get involved, as this is one of the most active periods in the political season and a great opportunity to engage with the community,” he said. 

The Capital City Young Republicans is also organizing its first in-person meeting, tentatively scheduled for the first week of November.

“We are sending a representative to the national convention in Hawaii this year to represent at the national level and make an impact on the national stage,” he said. 

The Capital City Young Republicans is the latest chapter launched under the oversight of ILYR chairman Evan Kasal, who took the helm in March 2025. Kasal highlighted his support for the Capital City Young Republicans and explained why it holds special significance for the organization.

“Most states and YRs have a capital city YR, and I felt it was important for us to have one as well, politically,” Kasal told the Sangamon Sun. 

This recognition of Springfield’s political significance led to the decision to establish a chapter in the state capital, where the concentration of young political talent is especially strong. 

“Every state has a chapter in their capital city, but we need one in Springfield,” Kasal said. “We want to interact and connect with all the politicians there.” 

Kasal also stressed that the new chapter’s proximity to the state legislature makes it a strategic hub for the ILYR.

“We're excited to have a chapter in the capital city of Illinois,” he said. “There are many campaign staffers, political leaders, and young leaders in Springfield, and we hope to capitalize on that with the Capital City YRs.”

For more information see the Capitol City Young Republicans - Illinois Facebook page.