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Chicago 2024 DNC Update
In April 2023, the Democratic National Committee announced that the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) will be hosted in Chicago from August 19 to 22. Chicago beat out the other two finalists, Atlanta and New York, in part because Gov. J.B. Pritzker pledged to help finance the DNC through a coordinated fundraising effort and from his personal wealth. Other prominent Midwestern Democrats also supported Chicago’s convention bid.
The Chicago 2024 DNC committee will receive financial support from the Atlanta DNC committee, who competed against Chicago for the privilege to host this year’s Convention. This marks the first time a bid committee from a city that once competed for the Convention has donated to the host city. The donation from Atlanta has not been finalized yet, but it is expected to be at least $500,000. Host committee officials have reported that fundraising is going well so far, although they have not disclosed donor names or amounts.
Furthermore, Chicago’s host committee began searching for representatives from each of the city’s 77 community areas to spearhead Convention recruiting and volunteering efforts in their respective neighborhoods. Convention leaders are hoping to have at least 12,000 volunteers and receive input from community leaders to ensure neighborhoods across the city see economic benefit from hosting the DNC, much of which will occur downtown.
While a lot of headway has been made towards planning the 2024 DNC in Chicago, the city is preparing for potential issues that may arise. On January 22, the City of Chicago denied protest permits in the Loop the Sunday before the Convention to groups including, Chicago for Abortion Rights, Stop-Trans Genocide, and the Gay Liberation Network. These groups, making up the Bodies Outside of Unjust Law coalition, said they denounce the city’s decision and are still planning to march on August 8 over a week before the DNC begins. DNC officials say they will be prepared for protests from various groups and are working with Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Police Department to designate an official “protest zone” near the Convention. Additionally, city officials are preparing for the continued influx of migrants coming to Chicago from Texas in the months and days leading up to the DNC.
State Board of Elections Rules that Trump and Biden can Remain on Illinois Primary Ballot
On Tuesday, the Illinois State Board of Elections voted unanimously to allow Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden to remain on the Illinois primary ballot on March 19. The State Board of Elections is a bipartisan body comprised of four Democrats and four Republicans.
A group of individuals petitioned the Board arguing that former President Donald Trump should not be eligible to be on the ballot because he incited an insurrection on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, violating section three of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, the Board ruled that they do not have the authority to make Constitutional decisions. Additionally, they ruled that Trump did not file a false statement of candidacy and did not knowingly file to run for office despite being ineligible.
Conversely, another group of people argued that President Joe Biden should be removed from the ballot because his border policies were allowing drugs and cartels to enter the country illegally. Furthermore, they argued that these policies violated the 14th Amendment because they provided “aid or comfort to the enemies.” Another objection alleged that Biden’s nomination papers were notarized by a notary public in Washington, D.C. which they argued violated the Illinois Election Code. However, the Board disagreed, stating that Biden’s policy decisions are not grounds to be removed from the ballot and that his use of a Washington, D.C. notary is permitted.
Following the State Board of Elections’ decision, a group of opponents filed a petition for judicial review in the Cook County Circuit Court to have Trump removed from the ballot. The State Board of Elections ruled that they did not have the authority to decide Constitutional matters, but the court explicitly has such authority. The court is expected to move very quickly on this case, with a hearing scheduled for Friday. Courts in Colorado and Maine already decided to remove Trump from their ballots. The Colorado case will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in February, which will ultimately decide if Trump can remain on the ballot in every state. The Maine court returned the case to their secretary of state and plans to make a new determination after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Colorado case.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
February 9 – House and Senate Bill Introduction Deadline
February 21 – Governor’s Budget and State of the State Address
March 15 – Senate Committee Deadline
March 19 – 2024 Primary Election
April 5 – House Committee Deadline
April 12 – Senate Third Reading Deadline
April 19 – House Third Reading Deadline
May 3 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 17 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 24 – Adjournment
May 25-31 – Contingent Session Days for Budget
November 5 – 2024 General Election
In the News
Circuit Court Clerk raising more in outside funds as her primary opponent outspends her using self-financing – The Daily Line, February 2, 2024
Incumbent Cook County Circuit Clerk Iris Martinez is facing a primary opponent who has more cash on hand and is outspending her despite the clerk’s campaign raising more outside money than her opponent in the last three months of 2023, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections last month.
Fundraising update: Incumbency advantage boosts numbers for Bost, Davis, Garcia – The Daily Line, February 2, 2024
The final quarter of 2023 allowed incumbent members of Illinois’ congressional delegation to widen their fundraising leads over primary challengers, according to reports filed on Wednesday with the Federal Elections Commissions — the last reports ahead of the March 19 primary.
In Illinois politics, remaps keep the powerful in power – Chicago Sun-Times, February 2, 2024
In private mapmaking sessions, Illinois’ all-powerful Democratic majority in 2021 used the state’s population loss to swell Democratic districts — adding one Hispanic-majority blue seat in Congress and forcing two Republicans out of their districts.
Illinois quick hits: Bill limiting pullovers not expected to advance; Bears’ property tax conflict – The Center Square, January 31, 2024
An Illinois lawmaker has introduced legislation that could limit police pulling over drivers for speeding and other traffic offenses. State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is calling for several changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code. His bill would prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping drivers for several traffic violations, including speeding and improper lane usage.
Thwarted by Elections Board, voters aiming to bar Trump from Illinois primary ballot seek expedited appeal – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 31, 2024
A group of Illinois voters hoping to kick former President Donald Trump off the state’s primary ballot this March has now elevated their case to the Cook County Circuit Court.
GOP congressional candidates in 11th District differ on immigration, gun control – Daily Herald, January 30, 2024
The three Republicans hoping to represent Illinois’ 11th District in Congress debated immigration, reproductive rights and other issues facing the nation Tuesday night in an online forum.
Candidates vying for title of most progressive and community-oriented leader in expensive Northwest Side Democratic Senate primary – The Daily Line, February 1, 2024
It’s one of the most expensive primary races of the year and one that will weigh the influence of a powerful teachers’ union, legislative leader and history of progressive community involvement as four candidates fight for the Democratic nomination in the 20th Senate District on the Northwest Side of Chicago.
Legislation introduced to change Illinois estate tax – Farm Week Now, January 31, 2024
New bipartisan measures aimed at ensuring the preservation of family farms in the event of a family member’s death were announced Wednesday after years of attempting to reform the Illinois Estate and Generation Transfer Tax Act.
Teamsters gearing up for possible strike against IDOT – Shaw Local News Network, January 31, 2024
Teamsters, who have gone without a contract for 7 months and are angered by the course of negotiations, are preparing to vote on whether to vote to authorize a strike, said JP Fyans, president of Teamsters Local 916.
Trump can remain on Illinois ballot, State Board of Elections unanimously rules – The Daily Line, January 31, 2024
Former President Donald Trump can remain on the Illinois primary ballot despite questions about his qualifications for office following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the Illinois State Board of Elections ruled unanimously on Tuesday.
Illinois election officials are ramping up efforts to recruit election judges for March primary – WBEZ Chicago, January 30, 2024
With Illinois’ March 19 primary approaching, election officials are ramping up efforts to recruit thousands to work the polls and be on the frontlines to “keep democracy going.” And, they say, the stakes couldn’t be higher for their recruiting efforts.
Some Republican leaders are pushing back against the conservative Freedom Caucus in statehouses – The Telegraph, January 30, 2024
On the first day of Missouri’s new legislative session, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden tried to cajole colleagues into congeniality with a rhetorical question: “Will we focus on principled progress or political pandemonium?”
Rep. Amy Elik Appointed Assistant House Republican Leader – River Bender, January 30, 2024
Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) was recently appointed to serve as the Assistant House Republican Leader, joining the leadership team chosen by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna).
FOP State Lodge endorses Regan Deering in race for 88th District Illinois House – Decatur Tribune, January 29, 2024
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge, representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired law enforcement officers, has endorsed Regan Deering, a Decatur Republican, in her bid for Illinois State Representative in the 88th District.
Madigan’s ex-chief of staff should get up to 5 years in prison for lies ‘calculated to thwart’ probe into former boss, feds say – Chicago Sun-Times, January 29, 2024
Federal prosecutors asked a judge Monday to sentence former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s longtime chief of staff to as many as five years in prison for lying to a grand jury as investigators began to close in on Madigan.
Illinois election officials to weigh recommendation to remove Trump’s name from March primary ballot – Shaw Local News Network, January 29, 2024
Former President Donald Trump should be removed from Illinois’ primary ballot, but the decision should be left to the courts, a retired judge recommended Sunday to the state’s election board, arguing that it was clear Trump engaged in insurrection in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Hearing officer finds Trump incited insurrection, election board to decide ballot issue – The State Journal-Register, January 30, 2024
In a joint meeting held in Chicago and Springfield, the state election authority’s General Counsel will review the objections filed against President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The eight-person body will determine whether the candidates’ names can remain on the primary ballot, scheduled for March 19.
Mrs. America to state representative: Meet Rep. Nicole La Ha – The Daily Line, January 29, 2024
(R-Homer Glen) has worn a lot of hats over her career — from dental hygienist to small business owner to Mrs. America. Now she takes a new job as a state representative hoping to offer some stability to a seat that had three different representatives in 2023.
Illinois readies for tax season – The Pantagraph, January 26, 2024
The Illinois Department of Revenue will begin processing 2023 tax returns next week, coinciding with the federal Internal Revenue Service beginning its tax filing season.
One year in, Budzinski remains ‘optimist’ while touting wins for 13th District – The Pantagraph, January 27, 2024
Nikki Budzinski was matter-of-fact about the type of congresswoman she would be. “I am a workhorse, not a show horse,” Budzinski told Lee Enterprises last year on Jan. 3, just hours before she was set to be sworn in to her first term representing Illinois’ 13th Congressional District.
Illinois Election Officials to Decide Whether Trump, Biden Can Be Excluded From Primary Ballot – WTTW, January 26, 2024
State election officials are set to decide on Tuesday whether President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will be on Illinois’ presidential primary ballot, following Friday hearings at which objectors to both men allege they don’t qualify because of the 14th Amendment.
Police Board must pause proceedings on serious disciplinary decisions until City Council acts on arbitration, judge orders – The Daily Line, February 2, 2024
A judge ordered a stay of Chicago Police Board disciplinary proceedings on Wednesday following the City Council declining for the second week in a row to hold a second vote on a provision of the city’s new contract with the Chicago police union that would give officers facing serious discipline the chance to have their cases decided in private proceedings.
Chicago strikes a deal for more public restrooms – WBEZ Chicago, February 1, 2024
Alds. Daniel La Spata, 1st Ward, and Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, 33rd Ward, have been advocating for the pilot program since 2021. They say it would help everyone from Chicagoans to transit workers to tourists to people experiencing homelessness.
Chicagoans eye installing barricades to guard against crash-and-grab robberies – The Center Square, February 1, 2024
With crash-and-grab robberies across Chicago on the rise over the past year, city officials are now weighing a safety plan calling for the installation of concrete bollards in various business sectors.
Owner of River North, West Loop offices faces $39 million in foreclosure lawsuits – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 1, 2024
The owner of two loft office buildings has been hit with foreclosure lawsuits seeking a total of $39 million, a sign of financial distress in Chicago’s office market spilling beyond traditional Loop high-rises.
Judge denies abortion-rights group’s protest permit ahead of DNC – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 1, 2024
A Chicago judge has sided with the city government and denied an abortion rights group’s permit application for a protest along Michigan Avenue during this summer’s Democratic National Convention
Chicago’s wealthiest raise $66 million for fight against crime – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 1, 2024
Chicago’s wealthy families and top business leaders have raised $66 million to help fund the city’s fight against crime.
Pritzker ‘Disappointed’ With Chicago’s Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution, Says It’ll Have No Impact on Foreign Policy – WTTW News, February 1, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday downplayed the impact of Chicago’s resolution urging a cease-fire in Gaza, and on the city’s relations with President Joe Biden ahead of Chicago hosting Biden’s big reelection party in August in the form of the Democratic National Convention.
City Council approves ceasefire resolution in Israel-Palestine conflict, making Chicago the largest U.S. city to make such a statement – The Daily Line, February 1, 2024
Chicago became the largest U.S. city to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict in Gaza, as the City Council passed a resolution Wednesday with a tie-breaking vote from Mayor Brandon Johnson and despite a temporary delay of the proceedings due to public disruptions.
Ex-city official gets 18 months in prison for role concealing multimillion-dollar embezzlement scheme that led to Bridgeport bank collapse – Chicago Tribune, January 31, 2024
A former high-ranking city official was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday for helping to conceal a multiyear embezzlement scheme that led to the failure of Washington Federal Bank for Savings, a family-run institution that had been a mainstay in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood for more than a century.
Can the world be watching? Abortion rights, LGBTQ+ activists want delegates to see them during Democratic Convention protest – Chicago Sun-Times, January 30, 2024
Complaining they are being treated like “unruly children,” LGBTQ+ and abortion rights activists on Tuesday demanded they be allowed to protest where they can be seen by delegates attending this summer’s Democratic National Convention.
Judge halts all proceedings before Chicago Police Board after City Council again delays vote on what cases can be heard in private – Chicago Sun-Times, January 31, 2024
A Cook County judge on Wednesday ordered all proceedings before the Chicago Police Board to be halted for nearly a month after Mayor Brandon Johnson once again delayed a vote on whether to reject an arbitrator’s ruling that the most serious disciplinary cases be heard behind closed doors.
Developers eyeing new White Sox stadium at The 78 meet with state Democratic leaders – Chicago Sun-Times, January 31, 2024
Democratic leaders in the Illinois General Assembly have met with Related Midwest, the developers in talks with the White Sox to build a new stadium on vacant South Loop land known as The 78. It’s the next step in a process that is looking very different than the path the Chicago Bears have taken in their quest to get support for a property tax freeze to support an Arlington Heights stadium.
Workforce committee rejects arbitration option for police a second time, sending decision once more to City Council – The Daily Line, January 31, 2024
The City Council Committee on Workforce Development voted along the same lines as last month to reject a provision of the contract between the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and city that would allow police officers accused of serious misconduct to have their disciplinary cases heard by private arbitration. The provision will go before the City Council Wednesday for the second time.
Chicago DNC to receive donation from an unlikely ally: Atlanta’s DNC committee – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 31, 2024
The host committee for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago is getting a financial boost from an unlikely donor: their former convention rivals in Atlanta.
City denies activists permit for protest during Democratic National Convention, sparking legal battle – WGN9, January 30, 2024
A legal battle is underway after the City of Chicago denied activists a permit for a protest during the Democratic National Convention taking place in August. The group said the Chicago Transportation Department denied them a permit to protest in the Loop the Sunday before the start of the convention.
Another Loop office tower hits the discount rack – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 30, 2024
The owners of a 57-story Loop office tower have put the building up for sale, another offering that stands to show the decimation of office property values amid the remote work movement and higher interest rates.
Cook County treasurer mails nearly 2 million first installment property tax bills – Chicago Sun-Times, January 29, 2024
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said Monday her office has mailed almost 1.8 million bills for the first installment of 2023 property taxes. The payment is due March 1.
DNC host committee seeks representatives from Chicago’s 77 community areas – Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2024
Chicago’s host committee for this summer’s Democratic National Convention is seeking representatives from each of city’s 77 community areas to spearhead recruiting and volunteering efforts for the convention.
How Many People Experience Homelessness In Chicago? Annual Count Aims To Boost Services – Block Club Chicago, January 26, 2024
A caravan of cars meandered through the underbelly of Downtown overnight into Friday morning as city workers and volunteers worked to count the city’s homeless population.
Workforce Development committee to hold second vote on arbitration option in FOP contract – The Daily Line, January 29, 2024
The City Council’s workforce development committee will on Tuesday consider again the arbitration provision of the new contract with the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police ahead of a City Council meeting and a court hearing on Wednesday. The committee is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. in council chambers.
In crooked Bridgeport bank failure case, City Hall insider under 3 mayors faces a reckoning – Chicago Sun-Times, January 26, 2024
William “Billy” Mahon, the youngest son of a Bridgeport cop, spent 33 years at City Hall, serving as a high-ranking aide to Mayors Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel and Lori Lightfoot and managing to stay on even in the face of repeated misconduct.