Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (10/5)

October 5, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin endorses Democrat JB Pritzker over Republican Darren Bailey 

“Accentuating the schisms that have helped make Republicans the superminority political party in Illinois, former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin said he is endorsing Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker for a third term over Republican nominee Darren Bailey in the Nov. 3 general election,” by the Chicago Tribune.     

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Roger Goodell, Pat Ryan huddle with JB Pritzker and legislators over Bears’ plans 

“NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Chicago Bears minority owner Pat Ryan met [on Thursday] with Gov. JB Pritzker and senior legislative leaders as the team considers its options for a new stadium,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.   

What to know about Illinois legislative races ahead of the Nov. 3 election 

“The primary elections in March featured several challenges to Democratic incumbents in the General Assembly, but now that the general election Nov. 3 is almost here many politicians are running unopposed,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.    

Judge rules in favor of Kalshi in fight over Illinois regulations 

“A federal judge sided with Kalshi, finding that prediction markets are more like financial swaps, which are federally regulated, than gambling, which is subject to state oversight,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Labor ready to block Johnson’s data center moratorium

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s attempt to enact a one year moratorium on data center construction is being met with opposition from the business community and trade unions, a coalition that’s become a familiar foe to the mayor’s progressive agenda,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.   

CTA in settlement talks with feds in Red Line Extension lawsuit 

“The Chicago Transit Authority is in settlement talks with the U.S. Department of Transportation in a lawsuit over federal funding for the agency’s Red Line Extension project, according to court filings,” by the Chicago Tribune.    

World Business Chicago ghosts City Council hearing, putting funding in crosshairs 

“Two Chicago aldermen threatened to cut off city funding for World Business Chicago after the economic development group skipped an ethics committee hearing today over ads featuring Mayor Brandon Johnson that have drawn questions about whether they cross the line into political promotion,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.     

Chicago joins lawsuit over Trump’s EPA repealing rule that limits emissions from power plants

“States and cities sued the Trump administration Thursday for repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas,” by the Chicago Tribune.     

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: GOP on Shaky Ground

Six weeks out from the midterm elections, forecasters and both parties’ campaigns are increasingly treating a prospective Democratic majority as a realistic scenario rather than an outside one. 

State attorneys general from both parties, fueled by populist politics, have become the country’s most aggressive antitrust enforcers, targeting high-profile deals Washington has approved and raising new uncertainty for merging companies. 

The White House continues to try to exert greater control over federal spending, holding back funds it doesn’t want to send out the door. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: The 2026 Midterms: A Battle for the Senate and Both Parties’ Futures

With early voting approaching, the 2026 midterms are emerging as a consequential test for both parties. Our team examines the closely watched Senate races, the voter sentiment shaping the cycle, and what the results could mean for control of Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Patrick Martin (DC). 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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