Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (10/14)

October 14, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

In lone debate for Illinois governor, Darren Bailey gets testy as JB Pritzker links challenger to Trump 

“The lone scheduled face-to-face meeting between the major-party candidates for Illinois governor turned chippy Tuesday night, as Republican Darren Bailey repeatedly attacked and interrupted Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, who countered by casting his challenger as a conservative extremist and a follower of President Donald Trump,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

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Pritzker says something will get done in veto session to keep Bears 

“Gov. JB Pritzker says he’s optimistic he and state legislators will put together a bill during the upcoming veto session to keep the Chicago Bears from leaving for Indiana,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Illinois Democrats on defense over scandals in races for state legislature 

“With the national political landscape tilting against Republicans ahead of next month’s midterm elections, the Illinois GOP is hoping recent scandals involving Democratic state lawmakers will breathe new life into the party’s efforts to gain more relevance in the General Assembly,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Lawmakers weigh Chicago voter-guided Chicago charter 

“A proposal being weighed in the Illinois House would allow Chicago to create its own city charter, which the lawmaker behind it said could simplify many of the complexities that have led to fiscal and other governmental issues in the city,” by the Center Square Illinois.  

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson survives City Council veto override attempt by a single vote 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson narrowly survived another challenge to his authority today as the City Council fell just one vote short of overriding his veto of legislation aimed at curbing his borrowing power,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Mayor Brandon Johnson again calls for taxes on big corporations as budget showdown looms 

“With his city budget pitch for next year looming, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday again argued large corporations must pay more taxes to help Chicago balance its books,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Vote on Johnson’s pick for top attorney stalled 

“A vote on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s choice for the city’s top attorney is being delayed amid pushback from aldermen who claim she has a relative lack of experience,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago mayor race: Judge tosses lawsuit seeking to force Giannoulias, Quigley, Pappas to pick one campaign 

“A Cook County judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit by Chicago mayoral candidate William J. Quinlan that sought to force three rivals to choose between seeking reelection this fall and running for mayor early next year,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: A Tale of Two Primaries

Vice President JD Vance has a key advantage over other potential contenders for his party’s nomination for the White House. 

By contrast, the conversation over possible Democratic presidential candidates is so wide that consensus may take a long time to emerge. 

The Senate’s unanimous passage of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act last month provides tax writers with a possible base for a year-end tax package. However, the legislation will need to compete for time with must-pass spending legislation and a national defense policy bill on a crowded lame-duck calendar. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: From the Beltway to City Hall: The Expanding Reach of Government Investigations

Government investigations are no longer just a Washington story. From city councils to state attorneys general to Congress, oversight is becoming more interconnected, and organizations need to understand how local developments can quickly become national issues and vice versa. Featuring Public Strategies’ Rose Christ (NY), Sean Clerget (DC), and Katie Schwab (NY). Listen 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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