Illinois Legislative News: August 24, 2026
Third Reading Consulting Group
2026 Illinois State Fair
The 2026 Illinois State Fair in Springfield took place August 13 to August 23, with this year’s “Miles of Smiles” theme celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The fair is a major annual gathering point for candidates, elected officials, party organizations, and political operatives, with dedicated Democratic and Republican events providing opportunities for campaigning, fundraising, organizing, and networking, particularly with 2026 being a major state election year.
The fair’s political days kicked off on Wednesday, August 19, with Governor’s Day. Gov. JB Pritzker was joined by U.S Sen. Dick Durbin, Lieutenant Governor candidate Christian Mitchell, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to rally Democrats ahead of the November election. The day included many tributes to retiring Sen. Durbin, with the annual Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) Party Builder Award renamed in his honor to recognize his decades of service.
Republican Day on Thursday, August 20 featured the Illinois Republican Party (ILGOP) Rally on the Director’s Lawn, a joint Republican County Chairmen’s Association (RCCA) of Illinois and Illinois Republican State Central Committee meeting, and a reception for gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, and other events.
Chicago Bears Stadium Update
The Chicago Bears’ stadium saga continues to be a major focus this summer as Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren declared on August 13 that Hammond, Indiana is now the organization’s “sole focus” for a new stadium. The announcement came during a press conference at Halas Hall, following the Bears’ Board of Directors vote in early June to advance the Hammond project after the Illinois General Assembly failed to pass a stadium financing proposal before adjourning for the summer.
Warren identified two potential sites in Hammond — Lost Marsh and Wolf Lake Terminal — noting that due diligence on Lost Marsh confirms the land is viable for construction and that the team is exploring merging both sites into a single mixed-use development. Indiana has already approved legislation that could provide up to $1B in incentives for the stadium development project. Chairman George McCaskey confirmed the team will remain the “Chicago Bears” regardless of location.
Still, the door hasn’t fully closed on Illinois. While Warren confirmed there is no deal or legislation in place with the state and contact with lawmakers has been “minimal,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly met with Illinois lawmakers on August 13, the same day as Warren’s announcement. Gov. Pritzker’s Office maintains the governor “still remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers,” and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Office stated the city will “continue to engage” until “shovels in the ground” appear in Hammond. Warren declined to set a groundbreaking timeline, calling it a “40-to-50-year decision,” but noted construction costs are rising by $150–200M per year.
After considering and failing to pass two different proposals that would provide the Bears with the property tax certainty they desire to locate in Illinois (HB 958 – Municipal Stadium Authority Act, and various versions of legislation to create a payment in lieu of taxes [PILOT] incentive), the Illinois General Assembly will continue to negotiate and work on a deal that all parties can agree to ahead of fall veto session.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 3 – Illinois General Election
November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1
December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2