Northern Illinois Transit Authority Update

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) continues to implement its expanded regional transit responsibilities. Since the NITA Act was signed in 2025, the agency has established a 20-member Board of Directors and begun transitioning responsibilities from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The Board has met three times since August, most recently on October 15.

October 15 Meeting: The Board reviewed regional financial results, received updates on the NITA transition and the People Over Parking Act, and considered an amendment to the 2026–2030 Capital Program. The amendment increases available capital funding by $85.8 million, including $8.2 million for CTA, $68.5 million for Metra, and $9.2 million for Pace. CTA’s additional funding includes investments in community projects and accessibility improvements, including $900,000 for enhanced mobility and real-time digital signage. The Board also received an update on its Transition Working Group, which held its first meeting on October 12, and ongoing efforts to develop the region’s 2027 operating and capital budgets.

 

Illinois General Election – November 3, 2026

With Election Day approaching, Illinois voters will decide key federal, state, and local races on Tuesday, November 3. Incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker is seeking a third term against Republican Darren Bailey and independent candidate Collin Corbett. In the U.S. Senate race to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton faces former Illinois Republican Party Chair Don Tracy and American Center Party candidate Whitfield Harrington Jr. All 17 U.S. House seats, all six statewide constitutional offices, all 118 seats in the Illinois House of Representatives, and 39 of 59 seats in the Illinois Senate are also on the ballot. Democrats currently hold 14 of Illinois’ 17 congressional seats, both U.S. Senate seats, all six statewide constitutional offices, and supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. The election is unlikely to significantly alter the overall partisan balance of Illinois’ elected offices.

Chicago Mayoral Election Update

Sixteen candidates filed nominating petitions for Chicago’s 2027 mayoral election by the October 26 deadline. The candidates include former Chicago Housing Authority Board Chair and CEO Matthew Brewer; Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas; Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias; entrepreneur and former math teacher Joe Holberg; incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson; lobbyist John Kelly; businessman John Kitover; real estate developer Zoe Ma; Chicago Department of Transportation employee Jessica “Jesse” Maronto; Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza; cardiologist Dr. Lisa Nee; Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas; U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley; attorney William J. Quinlan; Chicago Flips Red founder Danielle Carter-Walters; and businessman Willie Wilson.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias submitted approximately 60,000 signatures, the highest publicly reported total, compared with approximately 33,000 submitted by incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson. Candidates must submit at least 12,500 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. The petition-objection period runs through November 2, allowing eligible objectors to challenge candidates’ signatures and potentially disqualify those who fall below the required threshold. The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners is scheduled to certify the ballot by December 17, with early voting set to begin January 14, 2027. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote on February 23, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff on April 6.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

November 3 – Illinois General Election

November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1

December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2

In the News

Where do JB Pritzker, Darren Bailey stand on Flock cameras? – Journal Star, October 30, 2026

The deployment of Flock cameras, and other various video surveillance tools, by police departments nationwide has caused a national stir across the country ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Editorial: The Illinois Lockbox was always a lousy idea. 10 years later, it’s hitting Cook County’s budget. – Chicago Tribune, October 30, 2026

In 2016, the Tribune Editorial Board urged voters to reject something called the Illinois Transportation Taxes and Fees Lockbox Amendment arguing that “a constitutional amendment would take away the flexibility required if there’s an unexpected drop in revenue, a serious emergency or a crushing recession.”

Gov. JB Pritzker runs for rare third term on his record but few new plans for Illinois – Chicago Tribune, October 30, 2026

Celebrating his 2022 election victory over southern Illinois lawmaker Darren Bailey and looking ahead to another four years in Springfield, Gov. JB Pritzker claimed the mantle of the “happy warrior.”

Backroom deal takes on a ballot test – Politico, October 30, 2026

IN IL-04: A Chicago-area congressional race is testing whether voters are still angry over Rep. Jesus “Chuy” García’s last-minute decision to step aside and clear the way for his longtime aide, Patty García, to become the Democratic nominee without a contested primary.

Illinois governor’s race: Candidates discuss reliability, cost of energy – Shaw Local, October 29, 2026

Candidates for the governor’s office have outlined different plans to address the cost of energy in the state, including some focused on clean energy, out-of-state energy production or appealing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

Battle for power at the Illinois Statehouse – WGNTV, October 29, 2026

On Tuesday, voters will pick members of the Illinois General Assembly.

New state? 11 Illinois counties to cast non-binding vote on separating from Chicago – Fox 32, October 29, 2026

There’s a growing group of disgruntled Illinois residents who want to explore separating from Cook County and Chicago to form a brand-new state.

Pritzker, Bailey make final push on affordability as Illinois governor’s race enters final days – ABC 7 News, October 29, 2026

 With five days remaining until the election, Gov. JB Pritzker and his Republican challenger, Darren Bailey, spent Thursday making their closing case to voters, focusing on affordability as they campaigned in Chicago and the suburbs.

$156M announced for IL housing programs to support BUILD; initiative expected to face opposition – ABC 7 News, October 29, 2026

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday announced $156 million for housing programs to support BUILD, or Building Up Illinois Developments, a housing initiative aimed at addressing the state’s housing shortage and improving affordability.

DCFS director found in contempt for noncompliance with judge’s order – Capitol News Illinois, October 29, 2026

A Sangamon County judge held the director of the state’s child protective agency in contempt of court Thursday for the department’s ongoing mishandling of a records request by Capitol News Illinois.

Calumet City Mayor and state Rep. Thaddeus Jones hospitalized after minor stroke – Chicago Tribune, October 29, 2026

Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones is expected to make a full recovery after a recent hospitalization for a minor stroke, according to his spokesperson.

 

Highland Park survivors join Illinois leaders in Supreme Court fight over assault weapons – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 29, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker, the city of Chicago, much of the Illinois congressional delegation, and survivors of the 2022 Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park are among the local entities filing briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of laws prohibiting AR-15s and similar semiautomatic assault rifles.

 

Repeal, revise or move on? Where Illinois governor candidates stand on the SAFE-T Act – Shaw Local, October 29, 2026

Candidates for the governor’s office have different takes on their goals for addressing crime in the state, and whether they believe the SAFE-T Act has hurt or helped law enforcement.

Veto session: Democrat hopes to pass tax credits for independent pharmacies, grocers – Capitol News Insider, October 28, 2026

Credit would take effect immediately, but cost unclear.

Third-party U.S. Senate candidate gives voters an alternative – Capitol News Illinois, October 28, 2026

Democratic Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and former Illinois Republican Party Chair Don Tracy aren’t the only candidates on the ballot for U.S. Senate in Illinois.

Sen. Dick Durbin worries Trump administration could seek to interfere in midterm elections – CBS News, October 28, 2026

With less than a week until the 2026 midterm elections, as candidates press the flesh, outgoing Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said he’s very worried about possible interference with the counting of ballots. 

Cubs co-owner Pete Ricketts faces unexpectedly tight Senate race – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 28, 2026

The fight for control of the US Senate has expanded to an unexpected place: the deeply conservative farm state of Nebraska, thanks to the rising appeal of an independent candidate who says he wants nothing to do with either party.

Illinois’ 7th Congressional District: Progressive La Shawn Ford poised to succeed Danny Davis – Chicago Tribune, October 28, 2026

The congressional district covering downtown Chicago and much of the West Side is set to change hands for the first time in 30 years, and Democratic state Rep. La Shawn Ford looks to sail through his general election matchup and take the torch from retiring U.S. Rep. Danny Davis.

Lieutenant Governor candidate Mitchell: I’m not your average Chicago politician – Capitol City Now, October 27, 2026

Governor JB Pritzker‘s running mate in next week’s election, Christian Mitchell, has been one of the Governor’s deputies in the office.

Cindy Bailey on a future political run: ‘Never say never’ – Capitol News Insider, October 27, 2026

Cindy Bailey stood outside the Illinois Capitol to defend her husband on Tuesday amid an onslaught of attacks by Gov. JB Pritzker in print and on the airwaves.

Pritzker’s PAC is spending to back Dems in heated Kansas, Mississippi Senate races – Chicago Sun-Times, October 27, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker’s Ready for the Fight PAC is sending $1.5 million to help Democrats win the Senate in Mississippi and Kansas — part of more than $40 million in spending the billionaire governor is doling out in the midterm elections and to Democratic causes to try to boost anti-Trump candidates and help Democrats win the House and Senate.

In second attempt to unseat Gov. JB Pritzker, Republican Darren Bailey is changing tactics – CBS News, October 27, 2026

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is seeking a third term in next week’s general election. If he wins, which the polling strongly suggests, he will be the first Democrat to be elected three times to the office.

Illinois lieutenant governor race: Christian Mitchell, Aaron Del Mar vie for a No. 2 job with big stakes – Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2026

For most of Illinois’ history, the lieutenant governor has been a political afterthought, an officeholder whose unofficial title has been “lite gov” and whose main duty has been to stand ready should the governor die, become incapacitated or be removed from office.

 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul is lobbying for supplemental funding – Capitol News Insider, October 26, 2026

Attorney General Kwame Raoul sat down with us to talk about his reelection campaign and discussed several issues facing his office including federal partnerships, funding and staffing needs, and electronic monitoring.

Illinois Governor Race: Independent Candidate Collin Corbett on Policy, Healthcare, and Taxes– WSIU, October 26, 2026

This year’s race for governor features two repeat candidates: incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker and his Republican challenger, Darrin Bailey, who faced off in the 2022 race.

Illinois ballots will include several advisory referenda during 2026 midterm elections – CBS News, October 26, 2026

The 2026 midterm elections are on Nov. 3, and Illinois voters will find more than just candidates in the big races on their ballots.

Illinois DCFS official improperly approved $1.4 million in extra pay for employees, inspector general says – Chicago Tribune, October 26, 2026

The top human resources official at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services approved $1.4 million in extra pay for employees that state rules did not allow, including nearly $52,000 for herself, according to a newly released investigation from the state Office of the Executive Inspector General.

 

Jim Dey | Pritzker laying the groundwork, money for a presidential run – The News Gazette, October 26, 2026

With little more than a week to go before Election Day, what’s the big question in the world of Illinois politics?

 

In Senate run, Juliana Stratton touts progressive politics and a pragmatic record – Fox 32 Chicago, October 24, 2026

In last spring’s hotly contested Democratic primary for Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat, Juliana Stratton positioned herself as the progressive fighter ready to take on not just a Trump administration that’s targeted her state, but politics as usual.

 

State Week: Can we believe the polls? – NPR Illinois, October 23, 2026

With Election Day fast approaching, voters are being inundated with polls. The numbers try to gauge voter support. But polling has come under fire in recent years as political results have sometimes been at odds with the surveys.

 

Trump urges Illinois Republicans to vote by mail, endorses Darren Bailey but skips Senate nominee Don Tracy – Chicago Tribune, October 23, 2026

President Donald Trump took to social media Thursday night with an Illinois-focused post that was notable for what it didn’t include: invective-laced attacks on Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Ammons seeks to dismiss federal charges; says feds misinterpreted ethics law – The Center Square, October 23, 2026

An Illinois lawmaker charged in a federal alleged kickback scheme is asking a judge to dismiss the case against her.

Tracy argues for the path of free enterprise over socialism – Herald-Whig, October 23, 2026

“To me, politics is one of the most important and challenging human endeavors,” Don Tracy said. “With good politics, you get peace and prosperity. With bad politics, you get war, death, and destruction.”

In statewide races, little-known GOP slate faces uphill battle against mostly incumbent Dems – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 23, 2026

When Illinois’ Democrats gathered for their annual rally at the state fair in August, they reached from one end of the stage to the other.

 

CDOT grilled about bridge closure project issues at budget hearing for second straight year – The Daily Line, October 30, 2026

For the second year in a row, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) faced the ire of alderpeople representing downtown and Near North and Near West sides for ongoing bridge projects that have caused traffic problems.

All 50 Alderpersons Agree To Take Pay Boost For Next Year – Block Club Chicago, October 29, 2026

Each Chicago alderperson is set to get a pay bump next year under Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed 2027 budget. 

 

Could the Chicago Bears consider another team’s stadium? New option on the table – NBC Chicago, October 29, 2026

Could the Bears’ new stadium saga see them playing in the same spot as another Chicago team?

 

Mayoral Candidate’s Website Exposed Voting History Of 1.5 Million Chicago Residents – Block Club Chicago, October 29, 2026

A candidate for Chicago mayor accidentally made publicly available the home addresses, birth years and voting histories of more than 1.5 million Chicago voters as part of his campaign website, large portions of which appear to have been generated by AI. 

 

Mayor Johnson under fire for shrinking CPD – Chicago Sun-Times, October 28, 2026

Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson has accused Mayor Brandon Johnson of “chopping away” at the Chicago Police Department to help balance his pre-election budget after three years of shrinking CPD by attrition, but the mayor apparently wanted to go further.

Chief sustainability officer gives update on Department of Environment operations after getting old regulatory powers back – The Daily Line, October 28, 2026

The City Council budget committee on Tuesday heard about how the Department of Environment (DOE) is handling the full return of its regulatory and enforcement powers just months after a multi-year transition was completed.

City Council sets up $75 million showdown with Johnson– Crain’s Chicago Business, October 27, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2027 budget faces its first major challenge next week, when aldermen will seek to wrest $75 million in parking meter deal proceeds from his spending plan and use the money for an additional pension payment this year.

Mayoral Candidate’s Website Exposed Voting History of 1.5 Million Chicago Residents – Illinois Answers Project – Wirepoints, October 27, 2026

The data posted on George Cardenas’s website included voting histories and personal addresses for what appears to be every registered voter in Chicago, including Gov. JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cardenas himself. 

County Board of Commissioners passes ordinance to prevent private companies from selling, sharing residents’ data with ICE – The Daily Line, October 27, 2026

The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance Thursday to prevent private companies with county contracts from sharing residents’ personal data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other third parties.

 

Johnson’s budget math gets a reality check from his own CFO – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 26, 2026

At the first of nine City Council hearings aimed at popping the hood on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.6 billion 2027 budget, aldermen today encountered an unusual degree of candor from the mayor’s finance team.

 

On last day to turn in signatures for 2027 Chicago mayoral race, candidates try to stand out – Chicago Tribune, October 26, 2026

On the last day for 2027 candidates to turn in their nominating petitions, mayoral hopefuls lugged in their stacks of signatures Monday with some personal flair.

Top mayoral aides defend Mayor Johnson’s tax-heavy $17.6B budget – Chicago Sun-Times, October 26, 2026

Top mayoral aides on Monday began their defense of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s tax-heavy $17.6 billion budget and acknowledged they have no Plan B if, as expected, the failed corporate head tax is shot down again.

Federal appeals panel considers who can fire top federal prosecutors named by judges – Chicago Sun-Times, October 26, 2026

Chicago’s top federal prosecutor said he serves at the pleasure of the president.

 

Committee on Budget and Government Operations probes Ernst & Young over proposed cost-savings measures for $882.4 million deficit – The Daily Line, October 26, 2026

The City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations met for a contentious subject matter hearing Friday morning with the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) and Ernst and Young (EY) regarding its report on financial reform recommendations.

Budget hearings to kick off Monday with OBM, chief financial officer, comptroller testimony – The Daily Line, October 26, 2026

The City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations on Monday will begin departmental hearings as part of the 2027 budget cycle. 

 

Illinois elections board calls viral voting machine allegation ‘hoax’ – The Center Square, October 23, 2026

A viral social media video alleging that voting equipment in suburban Cook County warns voters against selecting Republican judicial candidates has drawn a sharp rebuke from Illinois election officials, who say the claim is false.

Johnson Makes Bid for Chicago Mayor Official By Filing Thousands of Signatures – WTTW, October 23, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson made his bid to become the second Black man to be reelected Chicago mayor official Friday afternoon, telling reporters he had gathered 33,000 signatures from Chicago voters to qualify for the Feb. 23 ballot.

Johnson formally files for re-election, downplays loss of union support – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 23, 2026

Brandon Johnson formalized his bid for a second term as mayor by filing 33,000 petitions with the Chicago Board of Elections today.