Election Season and the Fall Agenda
The 2026 election will shape Illinois’ political landscape for the next several years. Illinois’ general election is set for November 3, with Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, statewide executive offices, all Illinois House seats, and some Illinois Senate seats on the ballot. Gov. JB Pritzker is seeking a third term, while the open U.S. Senate seat following Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement has become one of the state’s highest-profile races. As campaigns ramp up, legislative activity is likely to slow, though negotiations continue on several major policy issues ahead of veto session.
Recent ballot developments have also reshaped the November landscape. Independent gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett is expected to remain on the ballot after election officials determined he submitted enough valid signatures. In addition, Jessica Dixon Heitman was appointed to represent the 97th House District and will stand for election this fall.
One of the most significant issues left unresolved at adjournment is data center policy. Lawmakers ended the spring session without advancing thePOWER Act (SB 4016 / HB 5513), leaving negotiations to continue over energy demand, water usage, tax incentives, and local community impacts. Following legislative inaction, Gov. Pritzker paused new data center incentive agreements beginning July 1,released a proposed regulatory framework,and encouraged lawmakers to return with legislation incorporating those recommendations.
Major Legislation Signed Into Law
Gov. Pritzker has continued signing legislation approved during the spring session, with several measures affecting artificial intelligence, energy policy, child care, cannabis regulation, consumer protection, health care, and public safety.
- Artificial Intelligence.On July 6, Gov. Pritzker signedSB 315, the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act, establishing new safety, transparency, incident reporting, compliance, whistleblower, and independent audit requirements for developers of the largest AI systems. The legislation positions Illinois among a small number of states adopting comprehensive AI governance and distinguishes the state by requiring independent third-party safety audits for covered developers.
- Energy Affordability and Transparency.On July 9, Gov. Pritzker signedHB 4456andHB 5524, expanding eligibility for low-income utility assistance and increasing transparency around residential electric bills. Together, the laws raise eligibility for federal energy assistance programs from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level and require detailed reporting on electric bill charges, including the statutory authority for each charge and the programs or services those charges support.
- Child Care and Early Childhood.HB 3595modernizes Illinois’ child care licensing framework by updating statutory terminology, streamlining license-exemption structures, and allowing background checks to be tied to individuals rather than providers once the relevant provisions take effect. The legislation coincides with the July 1 launch of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, which now oversees child care licensing, home visiting, early intervention, and related early childhood programs.
- Cannabis and Hemp Regulation.SB 3222immediately prohibits the sale of intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 THC, to individuals under 21 and incorporates those products into Illinois’ existing cannabis regulatory framework. The law also establishes child-resistant packaging requirements, restricts marketing aimed at minors, and expands access to medical cannabis products through licensed dispensaries.
- Health Care and Medicaid.In June, Gov. Pritzker signedSB 3365, a Medicaid omnibus package intended to strengthen Illinois’ hospital funding structure and implement reforms in response to recent federal legislation. The package also includes hospital oversight and long-term care funding provisions aimed at maintaining access to care and supporting provider stability.
- Consumer Protection and Public Safety.Gov. Pritzker also signed more than 60 additional bills in late June, includingHB 3564, addressing rental fee transparency and landlord “junk fees,” andHB 4514, providing for public forums in utility rate proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission.
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
Legislative Ethics Commission votes to release Benton inspector general report–The Daily Line, July 24, 2026
A legislative inspector general (LIG) report on alleged sexual harassment claims against former Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) is expected to be released by the end of the month after the bipartisan Legislative Ethics Commission voted unanimously to publish it.
Illinois sues Trump administration over threat to withhold FEMA funds if states don’t comply with election, immigration policies–The Daily Line, July 24, 2026
Illinois led a coalition of states Thursday in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly illegal conditions for billions of dollars in emergency and security funds.
Here’s how Illinois election authorities guard against noncitizen voting–Crain’s Chicago Business,July 23, 2026
Illinois election officials said this week they believe the state’s voter registration are accurate and up to date and that safeguards are in place to prevent non-U.S. citizens from inadvertently becoming registered to vote.
Gov. JB Pritzker urges Illinois House Speaker Welch to be transparent on Harry Benton harassment allegations–Chicago Tribune, July 22, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday called on Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to come clean to the public about his office’s handling of sexual harassment allegations made three years ago against now-former state Rep. Harry Benton, as the House Democratic Women’s Caucus criticized Welch’s handling of the case as “insufficient.”
AP’s Springfield closure reflects national decline in statehouse journalism–The Daily Egyptian, July 22, 2026
The decision by the Associated Press to close its Springfield bureau is the latest sign of a decades-long decline in statehouse journalism, leaving fewer reporters to scrutinize Illinois government as news organizations nationwide continue to shrink their state capitol coverage.
Illinois Speaker Welch tries to contain fallout over handling of Harry Benton harassment allegations–Chicago Tribune, July 21, 2026
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, seeking to contain political fallout over his handling of sexual harassment complaints against former state Rep. Harry Benton, held outreach meetings with Democratic caucuses Tuesday, telling members that delays in taking action against Benton stemmed from the wishes of a now-former Benton staffer who first reported the allegations three years ago.
Illinois lieutenant gubernatorial candidate makes campaign stop in Quincy–WGEM, July 21, 2026
The campaign trail is beginning to heat up in Illinois. Illinois Lieutenant Governor candidate Aaron Del Mar visited the Tri-States on Tuesday. The Republican nominee hosted a meet-and-greet at On the Rail Sports Bar and Grill in Quincy.
Illinois SNAP costs: State wins one-year delay on food aid penalty, but major costs still loom–The Daily Line, July 21, 2026
Illinois will get an extra year, until October 2028, before it must begin sharing the cost of food assistance benefits with the federal government, after the state’s own payment error rate climbed high enough to qualify for a delay built into a sweeping federal law.
Illinois’ Republican struggle to keep up with Democratic fundraising numbers in second quarter–The Daily Line, July 21, 2026
Illinois’ Democratic leaders maintained a cash advantage over their Republican counterparts in the second quarter as the state’s Republicans struggle to raise funds, according to state campaign finance records.
Democrats pick Jessica Dixon Heitman to replace Harry Benton in House–Chicago Tribune, July 21, 2026
A granddaughter of late U.S. Senator Alan Dixon was appointed Monday to a far southwest suburban Illinois House seat left vacant by two-term state Rep. Harry Benton, whoresigned earlier this monthin disgrace amid sexual harassment allegations.
Group behind tariff challenge calls Pritzker’s refund check demand irrational–The Center Square,July 20, 2026
As over $86 billion has begun making its way back to small businesses impacted by tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is still demanding refund checks for Illinois families
Where are Darren Bailey and the Illinois GOP?–MSN, July 20, 2026
Republican candidate for Governor Darren Bailey hasn’t held a press conference in more than a month in the Chicago region. His team posted a picture of a meet-and-greet at a Pilsen restaurant last week that featured 12 people in the frame. We’re a little more than three months before the election.
Illinois Republican Party chair Bob Grogan aims to shake off ‘Stockholm syndrome’ of struggling state GOP–Chicago Sun-Times, July 20, 2026
Shut out of statewide office for a decade, the new face of the Illinois GOP is appealing to a suburban base that has evaporated under President Donald Trump.
Pritzker says Illinois ethics panel should release Harry Benton harassment report amid Welch office scrutiny–Chicago Tribune, July 20, 2026
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker called on members of the state Legislative Ethics Commission to publicly release an inspector general’s investigative report of misconduct involving disgraced former state Rep. Harry Benton for participating in a “clear pattern of conduct” that included sexual harassment.
Big gaps between Democratic, Republican campaign coffers in suburban House races–Daily Herald, July 18, 2026
With less than four months until voting begins in the midterm general election, Democratic congressional candidates running in the North, West and Northwest suburbs are far better funded than their Republican rivals, records reveal.
Illinois civil rights safeguard bill awaits Pritzker’s signature–WAND, July 18, 2026
A bill on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk could strengthen the state’s civil rights protections amid federal rollbacks.
The 7 applicants for former Rep. Harry Benton’s seat–Capitol News Illinois, July 17, 2026
Seven Democrats have applied to complete former Rep. Harry Benton’s term and take his spot on the November ballot. Will County Democratic Party Chair Billy Morgan has more than 85% of the weighted vote in both cases and has called a meeting on Monday to make the appointments.
Ervin introduces ordinance to establish trust to acquire, manage public infrastructure assets–The Daily Line, July 24, 2026
The chair of the City Council’s budget committee formally introduced a proposal at Wednesday’s special council meeting that the alderman believes could open the door for the city to reacquire the rights to its parking meters.
‘Deportation factory’: Chicago’s immigration court epicenter for US spike in removal orders, analysis shows–Chicago Tribune, July 24, 2026
On a May morning, Immigration Judge Peter Kim’s Loop courtroom offered a scene that would help explain how Chicago would soon lead the nation in deportation orders.
Aldermanic opposition rams through referendum questions for 2027 city election ballot–Chicago Tribune, July 22, 2026
The City Council on Wednesday approved a slate of non-binding referendums favored by opponents of Mayor Brandon Johnson for Chicago voters to consider in next year’s citywide election, the most contentious of which asks whether aldermen should have their own lawyer to advise them during conflicts with the city Law Department.
Johnson loses fight to put millionaire tax before Chicago voters–Crain’s Chicago Business, July 22, 2026
A majority coalition of moderate and more conservative aldermen outflanked Mayor Brandon Johnson and his progressive allies today, locking in six advisory referendum questions for Chicago’s next two elections while denying the mayor a chance to put his signature millionaire tax proposal before voters.
Mayor Brandon Johnson touts improved economy, drop in crime in Chicago, but won’t say whether he’s running again–CBS, July 22, 2026
Speaking live on CBS News Chicago’s morning news on Wednesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson touted an improving economy and falling crime in the city and credited his administration with the success.
Patty García wants to move past last-minute ballot maneuver, says voters ‘aren’t talking about the process’–Chicago Sun-Times, July 21, 2026
Amid controversy over securing the Democratic nomination, and efforts to knock two independent challengers of the ballot, 4th Congressional District Democratic nominee Patty García is trying to shift focus onto the needs of the district, including voters concerned about ICE.
2 independent candidates for Rep. ‘Chuy’ Garcia’s seat removed from ballot by state board–FOX 32, July 21, 2026
A state board on Tuesday voted to remove the names of two independent candidates from the ballot who hoped to succeed U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia in the November general election.
More intense fires and unpredictable wind patterns likely to keep putting Illinois in path of wildfire smoke–Chicago Tribune, July 21, 2026
As more than 900 wildfires continue to burn across Canada, predicting when air quality conditions will fully return to normal in Illinois and the rest of the Midwest can be tricky.
Council to hold special meeting to consider pending ballot question resolutions–The Daily Line, July 21, 2026
The City Council will convene for a special meeting Wednesday at 10 a.m. to act on a number of measures to place nonbinding questions on upcoming election ballots.
Chicago Alderpeople React to City’s $89M Budget Shortfall, Debate Debt Collection– WTTW,July 20, 2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago is staring down a midyear budget deficit, and he’s pointing the finger at City Council. City officials said last week Chicago is grappling with an$89 million shortfall— revised down from the$130 millionfigure the mayor announced earlier this month.
Feds subpoena Chicago law firms in Trump’s fight with ABA–Crain’s Chicago Business, July 20, 2026
The Justice Department — as part of its defense against an American Bar Association lawsuit claiming government intimidation against some of the nation’s biggest law firms — has issued subpoenas that would force firms to hand over information about their decisions to either fight executive orders targeting their operations or forge an agreement with the White House.
Chicago alderman critical of parking meter bidder’s ICE ties has own financial link to ICE–Chicago Tribune, July 17, 2026
Ald. Bill Conway has joined the chorus of Chicago aldermen criticizing the company trying to buy the city’s parking meter system for owning a company tied to President Donald Trump’s deportation machine.