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.
“Pritzker, a 61-year-old Chicago billionaire, is seeking a rare third term as governor and is running heavily on cost-of-living concerns and his fiscal record. With nearly eight years under his belt, Pritzker embarked last week on his latest statewide bus tour since launching his first campaign in 2017,” by Capitol News Illinois.
”A federal judge this week ordered the U.S. Forest Service to suspend a commercial logging project in southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, finding the 2024 approval of the project under President Joe Biden violated the Endangered Species Act,” by NPR Illinois.
“S&P Global Ratings upgraded its credit rating on the state of Illinois one notch to A. It’s the ratings agency’s first upgrade of Illinois’ debt in three years,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Dozens of data center developments are popping up across northern Illinois. Many residents are pushing back,” by Northern Public Radio.
“The City Council will hold an ethics hearing into promotional videos featuring Mayor Brandon Johnson that critics say blur the line between economic development and campaigning as he prepares for an expected re-election bid,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson did not mince words Tuesday when asked about a recent social media post from President Donald Trump criticizing the city’s handling of violence following the largest mass shooting in Chicago so far this year,” by WGN9.
“Beginning Tuesday, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority officially took full control of Chicagoland public transit, including the CTA, Metra and Pace, from the Regional Transit Authority,” by Center Square Illinois.
“Roughly half of the 45 candidates running for the Chicago school board have signed a pledge to adopt a three-year ban on artificial intelligence use by CPS students and educators,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.
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 2, 2026
September 1, 2026
September 1, 2026
