Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (11/2)

November 2, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker pushes for data center rules, but Springfield deal remains elusive

“Gov. JB Pritzker wants Illinois lawmakers to approve new regulations on data centers during their upcoming veto session, but he acknowledges a deal may not be ready in time,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

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On final campaign weekend, Illinois Democrats rally while top Republicans stay quiet

“Politicians across the Illinois ballot used the final weekend before Tuesday’s general election embarking on a closing-hours effort to turn out their political bases with rallies, church visits and door-knocking, while Gov. JB Pritzker took his case to a national Sunday television audience,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

On economic development, Pritzker, Bailey are miles apart

“Incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker has leaned into his business background during his nearly eight years in office while flexing the levers of government to incentivize companies to relocate to or expand their footprint in Illinois,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

NITA’s new $5 billion transit budget reflects massive influx of revenues

“The Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s preliminary 2027 budget shows a nearly 16% boost in spending and increased staffing as the super agency powers up to deliver on promises of safety and frequency,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Chicago Bears stadium deal could get vote in Illinois General Assembly next month, report says

“A deal to keep the Chicago Bears from moving to Indiana reportedly is closer than ever, with sources telling Crain’s Chicago Business that lawmakers in Springfield could vote as soon as next month on legislation to help the team build a stadium in Illinois,” by CBS News.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Gov. JB Pritzker again takes dim view of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s head tax plan

“Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday reiterated his opposition to a per-employee corporate tax in Chicago, as Mayor Brandon Johnson again proposes one as part of his latest city budget pitch,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Top mayoral aides defend Mayor Johnson’s tax-heavy $17.6B budget

“Top mayoral aides [last] Monday began their defense of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s tax-heavy $17.6 billion budget and acknowledged they have no Plan B if, as expected, the failed corporate head tax is shot down again,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Aldermen put $75 million in parking meter money to pensions, deal Mayor Brandon Johnson budget blow 

“In an early rebuke of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2027 budget proposal, Chicago aldermen voted Monday to spend a $75 million parking meter windfall on an extra payment to Chicago’s public pensions,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

 All 50 Chicago aldermen take pay raise, Mayor Brandon Johnson skips it

“Every member of the City Council elected to take the 2027 pay bump, according to budget documents. Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson decided to forgo it,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Chicago school board president candidates meet for final forum before Election Day

“Chicago voters are days away from choosing the president of the city’s first fully elected school board as part of the upcoming midterm election,” by ABC7 Chicago.  

Mendoza, Cardenas, Pappas Among Last to File Signatures Ahead of Chicago’s February Mayoral Election

“In all, 16 candidates filed to run for mayor, according to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners,” by WTTW News.  

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Red and Blue are Relative

Races within the margin of error in several traditionally uncompetitive states raise the question of whether the 2026 midterm elections will expand the Senate and presidential battlegrounds going forward or simply reflect an unusual environment. 

Some amount of turnover during the last two years of a president’s second term is expected and there is likely to be more churn among President Trump’s appointees after the midterms. 

The midterm results will shape not just who controls Congress next year, but how and when FY27 appropriations get done. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: In-Conversation: Jen Daulby on Rebuilding Trust in Congress

Jen Daulby—CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) and a longtime congressional leader—joins Howard Schweitzer, CEO of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on bipartisanship under pressure, rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, and the path to modernize government. Drawing on more than two decades of experience on Capitol Hill, including navigating the pandemic, January 6, and extraordinary operational challenges, Jen reflects on what it takes to lead when there is no playbook. Together, ahead of the midterms, we bring perspectives from opposite ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to consider a fundamental question: What does it take to build a government that works better for the people it serves? 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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