PITTSBURGH, August 3, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Martell Covington as government relations associate in its Pittsburgh office.
“Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker called on members of the state Legislative Ethics Commission to publicly release an inspector general’s investigative report of misconduct involving disgraced former state Rep. Harry Benton for participating in a “clear pattern of conduct” that included sexual harassment,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“State Rep. Carol Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, entered not guilty pleas to federal corruption charges Thursday while their supporters claimed their prosecutions were racially motivated,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to sign a massive auto insurance reform plan into law. Democratic leaders say it has taken nearly four years to crack down on the auto insurance industry,” by WAND News.
“Nearly 12 years removed from their last statewide election victory and long relegated to super-minority status in Springfield, Republicans have tapped former DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan to chair the state party, aiming to revitalize the suburban base that has largely abandoned the GOP under President Donald Trump,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“With two weeks to go before mayoral candidates can start circulating petitions to get on the ballot, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s fundraising war chest does not resemble an incumbent ready to defend his seat,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“The City Council now has until Sept. 30 to either approve a New York investment firm’s $2.53 billion bid to acquire Chicago parking meters or risk a lawsuit by the current owner that has more than recouped its initial investment with 57 years remaining on the deal,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s financial team warned the City Council today the city is tentatively projected to end 2026 with a $89.3 million deficit, driven by the failure of revenue generators pushed by the coalition that approved the budget over the mayor’s objection,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“The $16.7 billion budget approved by a City Council majority that rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporate head tax required the city to make a full $260 million advance pension payment to stave off another costly reduction in Chicago’s bond rating,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
President Trump transformed the Republican Party’s coalition during his decade in national politics, but the future of his MAGA movement in a post-Trump GOP is uncertain.
As lawmakers return to DC, the next several weeks will be their last chance to move major legislation before the midterm elections take over. After the August recess, the brief fall legislative session will be consumed by government funding negotiations. The next real opening for legislative activity won’t come until the post-election lame-duck period, typically reserved for must-pass items like the national defense policy bill.
President Trump’s relationship with the UK has been defined by tension and special treatment in equal measure, and Andy Burnham’s imminent ascension to prime minister will test whether that balance holds under a leader whom Washington barely knows. Read the Cozen Currents here.
Budget season offers a window into state priorities, policy choices, and the challenges lawmakers are working to address. As state negotiations wrap up in Illinois, New York, and Virginia, we explore the tradeoffs, areas of agreement, and key decisions that shaped this year’s legislative sessions. What do these budgets reveal about governing today, and what do they signal for the road to the November midterms? Featuring Public Strategies’ Julia Hammond (VA), Sydney Holman (IL), and Katrell Lewis (NY). Listen here.
Policy Advisor
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.
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.
August 12, 2026
August 12, 2026
August 10, 2026
