Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/11)

March 11, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois Supreme Court weighs challenge to state gun restriction

“The Illinois Supreme Court began weighing arguments Tuesday in a case that challenges the state’s ability to prohibit people with nonviolent felony convictions from possessing a firearm,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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Illinois Republicans press Democrats for answers on Rep. Harry Benton’s removal from caucus

“Illinois House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch’s office continues to decline to explain why it removed one of its Democratic lawmakers from key caucus duties two weeks ago — prompting the House Republicans’ political arm to now accuse the office of lacking transparency about the situation,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Retirement of US Rep Danny Davis sparks scramble — and flood of PAC dollars — for seat   

“A crowded race in one of America’s bluest congressional districts has grown increasingly hostile, as candidates to succeed longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis battle to prove their anti-President Donald Trump bona fides while navigating national divisions within the Democratic Party that are driving the Chicago primary contest,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Gov. Pritzker launches down payment assistance program for first-time home buyers 

“Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority launched a program to help first-time home buyers on Wednesday,” by WAND News.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson postpones bid for polling place protection ordinance named after Rev. Jesse Jackson 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson has called off – for now – a bid to impose new polling place protections in Chicago in an attempt to prohibit federal immigration agents from entering so-called ‘democracy zones’ while voters are at the polls,” by CBS News. 

New CTA security plan: sheriff’s deputies on trains, high-barrier gates, farecard checks 

“The Chicago Transit Authority is deploying sheriff’s deputies on its trains, installing high-barrier entry gates to deter fare evasion, and starting ‘farecard inspection missions’ after the agency’s federal funding was threatened,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

Cook County Board president race hinges on whether voters want steady hand or new course 

“Toni Preckwinkle is chasing history, trying to match the record tenure as leader of the Cook County Board. Her opponent in the Democratic primary is trying to make that longevity her biggest weakness,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Council committee backs Susan Cappello for city’s Animal Care and Control chief 

“A City Council committee on Tuesday advanced Mayor Brandon Johnson’s choice to lead Chicago’s overburdened and under-resourced Commission on Animal Care and Control, despite strong objections from volunteers and animal welfare organizations,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: A Guide to the 2026 Primaries

The 2026 primary season kicked off last week with notable Democratic and Republican primaries in Texas and North Carolina. 

Before Democrats and Republicans can train their eyes on November’s battle for the Senate majority, they’ll have to contend with their own intra-party fights over their respective ideological futures.

A similar situation is playing out in the House, which could see a record number of incumbents lose their primary races. Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Priced Out: Inside America’s Housing Crisis

America is facing an affordable housing reckoning. With home prices and rents still elevated nationwide, states and cities like New York and Philadelphia are pursuing new construction, preservation, and policy reforms to close widening affordability gaps. But “affordable” means different things to different communities — from those experiencing homelessness to middle-income families struggling to stay put. Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman (DC), Katrell Lewis (NY), and Brianna Westbrooks (PA). 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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