Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (1/28)

January 28, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois’ Democratic U.S. Senate primary heats up over ICE

“Illinois’ once-sleepy Democratic primary for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat heated up Monday night as the three leading contenders used their first live debate to cast themselves as the strongest bulwark against President Donald Trump and his administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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Illinois lawmakers urged to strengthen energy regulations for data centers

“Illinois lawmakers are being urged to strengthen energy regulations amid a surge in data center development that is driving up electricity demand,” by My Stateline. 

Public school advocacy groups urge Gov. JB Pritzker to opt out of federal voucher program 

“Illinois could soon opt into the first federal school voucher program — an initiative long-championed by private school advocates and religious conservatives — but Gov. JB Pritzker has yet to weigh in,” by the Chicago Tribune.   

Governor Pritzker Announces $50 Million Rebuild Illinois Grant Program to Support Community Health Centers in Illinois

“Governor JB Pritzker announced today a $50 million grant opportunity is available through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program,” by the River Bender. 

Anti-transgender Democrats sue Illinois over law requiring political party approval for nonprofit names

“A California-based organization calling itself Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender hoped to file as a nonprofit in Illinois, but instead they filed suit Tuesday against Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias over the right to use the word “Democrat” in its name,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Inside Johnson’s $3.2B parking meter gamble — and why he walked away 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson was the high bidder in a recent effort to reclaim Chicago’s parking meters, offering $3.2 billion for the system before deciding the deal carried too much financial risk to move forward,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Aldermen want new power to investigate Chicago police cooperation with ICE 

“Aldermen advanced a package Tuesday to grant Police Department oversight officials the power to investigate alleged cooperation between Chicago officers and federal immigration agents,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Health and human relations committee approves resolution calling for utility shutoff pause, holds immigration hearing with MN city lawmakers

“Alderpeople on the Committee on Health and Human Relations on Tuesday approved a measure that calls on the governor to pause utility shutoffs for residents amid the ongoing immigration enforcement campaign in the Chicago region and as stricter food stamp benefit requirements will soon go into effect,” by The Daily Line. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson defends aide’s involvement in Texas US Senate race 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson defended his top aide’s involvement in U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign on Tuesday, arguing that the firebrand Texas Democrat’s election would be vital to his Chicago agenda as well,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Trump factor looms as Johnson questions Chicago’s shot at 2028 DNC 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson today cast doubt on Chicago’s budding bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, citing concerns about whether a Trump White House would cooperate on security and federal support,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Trump’s Affordable Tariffs

Despite the domestic affordability concerns and global disruption they cause, President Trump is unlikely to back away from his use of tariff threats, as they remain his go-to foreign policy tool. 

White House officials are considering a wide range of housing policy actions in an effort to address voters’ affordability worries ahead of the midterms. 

On the surface, it looks like polarization has Congress lurching from crisis to crisis without anything getting done. Look closer, you’ll find that bipartisanship is alive and well — when both sides have the right incentives. Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Mamdani First 30 Days & Key NY Congressional Races

30 days into the Mamdani administration, New York City finds itself blanketed in snow and ice as early signals from City Hall begin to take shape. The New York Public Strategies team examines key appointments, executive actions, and evolving relationships with Washington, while previewing the state and federal races to watch ahead of 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman (DC), Jamie Ansorge (NY), and Rose Christ (NY). Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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