WASHINGTON, September 1, 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 Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the firm's federal health policy practice in Washington, D.C.
“Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is seeking reelection this November, received a key endorsement on his education policies from the state’s largest union this week,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.
“Gov. JB Pritzker donated $65 million to his campaign fund last week, bringing the billionaire’s total self-funding tally to more than $400 million since he first sought the state’s highest office eight years ago,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Gov. JB Pritzker signed a plan into law Tuesday to close gaps in protection for survivors of domestic violence and stalking,” by WAND News.
“The emergence of a new class of data centers has garnered bipartisan opposition in communities across the state. What was once seen as an avenue for economic growth has become a political issue in Illinois, and one on which candidates from both sides of the aisle are hoping to distinguish themselves,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson faced boos from a crowd of anti-data center activists on the South Side Saturday after not disavowing the massive ‘Quantum Shore’ development,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“Bally’s is slowing construction on parts of its $1.7 billion casino and entertainment complex in River West, following the Chicago City Council’s approval of video gambling terminals in bars and restaurants,” by WTTW News.
“Secretary of State and newly minted mayoral contender Alexi Giannoulias wants to increase Chicago’s minimum wage to $22 an hour by 2032, an accelerated timetable he argues will build up the middle class without disincentivizing job growth,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“The Chicago Teachers Union is suing the Illinois Policy Institute and the Liberty Justice Center, alleging in a defamation complaint that the nonprofits have waged a ‘deliberate, coordinated and ongoing smear campaign’ through social media posts and articles aimed at harming the union’s reputation,” by the Chicago Tribune.
A challenging national environment has put the Senate majority within Democrats’ reach. Even so, securing an outright majority remains an uphill climb because the chamber turns over only about a third of its seats at a time and the battleground is tilted toward GOP-leaning states.
Even if Republicans retain the Senate, their majority will likely shrink, implying that the upper chamber may be more willing to push back against the White House than it has been in Trump’s second term.
Although currently not the base case, a Democratic-controlled Senate could change the course of the remainder of President Trump’s second term through oversight and a blockade of his nominations. 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.
September 10, 2026
September 10, 2026
September 9, 2026
