Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (8/24)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois Democrats focused on Trump as they seek third sweep of statewide races 

“Though hundreds of Republican candidates will appear on the ballot in Illinois in November, the state’s Democrats are focused on a common opponent: President Donald Trump,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

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Gov. JB Pritzker announces his appointments to the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority board

“Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced his Northern Illinois Transit Authority board appointments Friday, ending speculation about the final composition of the new board that will soon possess broad authority to govern the CTA, Metra and Pace,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Amid Democratic scandals, Illinois Republicans hoping to flip legislative seats 

“Illinois Republicans are hoping to buck historic midterm election trends by focusing on affordability and Democratic scandals in the Statehouse as they seek to emerge from superminority status,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

With Trump barely mentioned, Illinois Republicans focus on common enemy: Pritzker 

“But as Illinois GOP faithful gathered Thursday in Springfield for their annual day at the Illinois State Fair, their party’s national leader was barely mentioned. Instead, the GOP candidates were laser-focused on Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats who hold all statewide offices and supermajorities in the General Assembly,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Johnson Continues Push for State Funding as Chicago Public Schools Students Head Back to Class Monday 

“Hundreds of thousands of Chicago Public Schools students returned to their classrooms across the city Monday on the first day of school for the 2026-27 academic year as local officials continue pushing for more state funding to help prevent staffing layoffs,” by WTTW News. 

Hiring firm retained as search for next Chicago Police Department superintendent moves forward 

“The search for the next leader of the Chicago Police Department entered a new phase last week as the city agency responsible for vetting candidates retained an executive search firm to winnow down future applicants,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Chicago is out of the running for the 2028 Democratic convention 

“Chicago’s bid to host back-to-back Democratic National Conventions has come to an end — but the city still could get another shot four years later,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Most Cook County homeowners to see taxes rise again, treasurer says 

“Cook County property taxes are going up again for the vast majority of homeowners and business operators who will finally get their bills next month after another round of delays,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Trump v. The World’s Most Deliberative Body

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.

The Beltway & Beyond: Budget Season Wrap-Up: What States Can Tell Us About Governing

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.

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