Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/14)

September 14, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois governor’s race shifts to Texas 

“Illinois voters can begin casting ballots in just two weeks, but the governor’s race has assumed a temporary battlefront in Texas this week on the sidelines of the Republicans’ rare midterm convention,” by Capitol News Illinois.   

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Federal judge denies bid to block Illinois’ medical-aid-in-dying law from taking effect Saturday 

“A federal judge on Thursday denied disability rights advocates’ request to block an Illinois law going into effect this weekend that lets terminally ill patients obtain prescription medication to end their lives,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Judges press Illinois over nonprofit diversity disclosure law 

“A federal appeals court panel in Chicago sounded at times skeptical during oral arguments today of an Illinois law that requires many nonprofit groups to disclose aggregate data about race, gender and other demographics of their board members and officers,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Attorney general reaches settlement to reduce Nicor Gas request by 63% 

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office and consumer watchdog groups reached a settlement this week with Nicor Gas to cut $140 million, or 63%, from the gas utility’s rate increase request,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Brandon Johnson launches re-election bid — this time as the unpopular incumbent 

“Brandon Johnson is asking Chicago voters for four more years in office, launching a re-election campaign that will test whether the progressive insurgent who vaulted from relative obscurity to City Hall can overcome the liabilities that have accumulated during a turbulent first term,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Ald. Matt O’Shea becomes third council member to not seek reelection in 2027 

“Veteran Southwest Side Ald. Matt O’Shea announced Thursday he will not run for a fifth term, adding to the list of City Council retirements next year,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

5 things to know about lawyer-turned-influencer Rachel Cohen, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new chief spokesperson 

“A Harvard-trained attorney turned activist and influencer who gained notoriety protesting Operation Midway Blitz and boycotting her federal income taxes is being tapped to lead Mayor Brandon Johnson’s communications office,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

Aldermen blast Bally’s for construction halt, while casino says City Council sparked pause 

“Chicago aldermen were frustrated Wednesday at a lack of answers as they sharply questioned and criticized top representatives of the Bally’s Chicago casino amid a construction slowdown on the $1.7 billion River West project,” 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: The 2026 Midterms: A Battle for the Senate and Both Parties’ Futures

With early voting approaching, the 2026 midterms are emerging as a consequential test for both parties. Our team examines the closely watched Senate races, the voter sentiment shaping the cycle, and what the results could mean for control of Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Patrick Martin (DC). 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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