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

September 9, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker, Eyeing 2028, to Help Midterm Democrats With a $20 Million Group

“Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois is leading a new political group that plans to spend at least $20 million this fall to help Democrats in battleground races in the midterm elections,” by the New York Times.  

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Illinois regulators propose expansion to self-exclusion program for compulsive gamblers 

“The Illinois Gaming Board approved new rules Thursday that would expand enrollment options for its voluntary self-exclusion program. The program allows problem gamblers to ban themselves from casinos, sportsbooks and other forms of legalized betting,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Labor Day kicks off Illinois’ fall campaign season with distractions becoming a leading theme 

“Labor Day marks the unofficial yet traditional launch of the fall general election campaign, and for the major candidates it also means a shift in focus from downstate fairs, tours and rallies to the vote-rich Chicago area, where statewide races are typically decided,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Illinois’ top legislative ethics watchdog resigning following investigation into Springfield sexual harassment 

“Michael McCuskey, the Illinois legislature’s top ethics watchdog, is resigning the post after his tenure has become clouded by recent controversy following his investigation that determined a former state lawmaker’s sexual harassment of women violated state law,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson reveals $882 million budget gap for 2027

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration on Thursday unveiled a projected $882.4 million hole in the 2027 budget, officially starting the clock for another slugfest with aldermen over how to close the gap before the end of this year,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Mayor’s Office Revises Renter Protection Ordinance, Giving Break To Small Landlords 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has revised its proposed Protecting Renters Ordinance, making key changes in an effort to get it passed this month,” by Block Club Chicago. 

With Ald. Rodriguez not seeking re-election, Johnson loses key City Council ally 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is losing one of his staunchest City Council allies. Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22nd), the Workforce Development Committee chair who helped Johnson deliver two of the proudest accomplishments on his progressive to-do list, has decided not to seek re-election,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

CPS board president candidates lay out competing visions at first forum 

“The four candidates for Board of Education president shared the stage for the first time Thursday night, largely sticking to familiar campaign scripts as they weighed in on issues facing Chicago Public Schools at a packed forum on the North Side,” 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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