Illinois Legislative News: July 28, 2025
Third Reading Consulting Group
Cook County Democratic Party Endorsements
At a union hall on Chicago’s South Side on Friday, July 18th, the Cook County Democratic Party Central Committee announced their list of endorsements for the 2026 Democratic Party Primary on March 17, 2026. Cook County, Illinois’ most populous county and home to Chicago, holds a great deal of power in statewide Democratic politics. Unsurprisingly, the Committee backed incumbent Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle for her fifth term as well as all incumbent statewide elected officials running for reelection. With incumbent Comptroller Susana Mendoza announcing that she will not run again in 2026, the Committee slated Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago) over other potential candidates Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, Champaign County Auditor George Danos, and former Sen. Rickey Hendon to fill the vacancy. Notably, the Committee slated Lyons Township Assessor Patrick Hynes for the position of Cook County Assessor over incumbent Assessor Fritz Kaegi and current main administrator for the Board of Review Timnetra Burrus.
With an open U.S. Senate seat to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, the Committee decided not to slate a candidate. With multiple high-profile candidates in the race, and Durbin not backing anyone, Cook County Democrats took a similar approach to remain out of the race. Senate President Don Harmon voiced his approval for this decision in remarks to reporters following the meeting. “I think the party made the correct decision in making no endorsement,” Harmon said. “I’m sure the voters will be able to make an informed decision without an endorsement.”
Pritzker Expresses Confidence in Transit Solution Before the End of the Year
At an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of Chicago Union Station Governor JB Pritzker spoke on the looming Chicagoland transit funding deficit. He expressed confidence that the General Assembly will pass a funding and governance reform solution later this year to avoid fare hikes or service cuts, stating, “I feel very confident we’re not going to let transit fail in Illinois.” With the $771 million fiscal cliff set to begin in 2026, legislators are expected to pass transit reform in the fall veto session from October 14-16 and 28-30
In related news, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which governs the three Chicagoland transit service providers, announced that higher than expected e-commerce sales tax revenue may reduce the impending deficit by around $225 million over the course of a full year. If not spent ahead of time, these new revenues will provide more flexibility to legislators as they craft a transit funding reform solution.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
October 14-16 – Veto Session Week 1
October 28-30 – Veto Session Week 2