The 2024 Illinois primary election will take place on March 19. Early voting began on February 15 in Chicago, February 21 in suburban Cook County, and is currently underway in many other jurisdictions across the state. Candidates for President, Congress, the Illinois General Assembly, Illinois Supreme Court, and various local races will appear on the primary ballot to decide the Democrat and Republican Party nominees for the November 5 general election. The 2024 Illinois primary election will feature one competitive Supreme Court race, nine competitive Congressional races, six competitive State Senate races, and 22 competitive State House races.
See the attached document for a preview of competitive races in the primary election. Final results will be sent out next week following the election.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
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
Illinois quick hits: Metros continue to lose population – The Center Square, March 14, 2024
Illinois suffered population loss among all eight Illinois-based metro areas and 87 of Illinois’ 102 counties. The Illinois Policy Institute reports Chicago’s population loss accounted for approximately 50% of the state’s total decline of nearly 33,000 residents in 2023.
Supplemental spending: How Illinois could spend some of its $1.6B budget surplus – The State Journal-Register, March 14, 2024
While eyes in Springfield shift to crafting the next budget, the current fiscal year still has 3 1/2 months left. And, with higher than projected revenues, supplemental spending is now on the table.
Illinois unemployment rate slightly increased for Jan. 2024 – WCIA, March 14, 2024
New data shows unemployment is slightly up at the start of 2024 for Illinois.
Effort underway to unseat Illinois’ longest-serving Black legislator, Flowers: ’38 years is plenty’ – ABC 7 News, March 14, 2024
A big campaign has been waged to unseat longtime 31st Illinois House District Democrat Mary Flowers.
Pritzker agency heads questioned on $1.1 billion revenue proposals – Capitol News, March 14, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker’s revenue and budget directors took questions from a legislative panel Thursday on his proposals to generate another $1.1 billion in the upcoming fiscal year through various tax changes.
New projection shows improved FY24 revenue forecast, but economic slowdowns could impact FY25 budget – The Daily Line, March 13, 2024
Consistent economic growth is leading the General Assembly’s independent budget commission to issue another positive revenue revision for Fiscal Year 2024, but a slowing economy could lead to tighter revenue projections in Fiscal Year 2025, according to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA).
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration says insurance bill is an effort to balance needs of companies, consumers – Chicago Tribune, March 13, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration pitched the details of his sweeping health insurance reform plan to a state House committee Wednesday as he countered claims that it could increase costs for consumers.
Illinois Supreme Court rejects effort to block Bring Chicago Home referendum – Chicago Tribune, March 13, 2024
The Illinois Supreme Court Wednesday rejected an effort to invalidate the so-called Bring Chicago Home real estate transfer tax referendum, clearing the way for the question to remain on ballots and for votes to be counted.
State evaluation of One Central development still hasn’t begun – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 13, 2024
Despite approving the funding over two years ago, the state of Illinois has yet to award a contract to study whether the stalled One Central megadevelopment is worth the hype.
Legislators moving forward on establishing governor’s proposed early childhood department – The Daily Line, March 14, 2024
The Senate Executive Committee advanced a bill to create one of Gov. JB Pritzker’s major second term initiatives and establish the Department of Early Childhood.
Rashid faces challenge from former cop in Democratic primary – Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, March 12, 2024
Two years after Abdelnasser Rashid knocked longtime incumbent State Rep. Mike Zalewski out of the Democratic primary to set him on a path to the General Assembly, he’s now facing a challenge of his own.
Turner, Senate Democrats leading efforts to increase food accessibility – WAND, March 12, 2024
Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) hopes to expand the Illinois grocery initiative by allowing the state to provide grants for farmer-owned grocery stores and markets.
Candidates make final push in Illinois Supreme Court race that raised diversity issues – Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2024
With Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham leading the way in both party endorsements and fundraising going into the campaign’s final week, her Democratic primary challenger is staking his bid on the argument that the election is a once-in-a generation chance to put a Latino on the high court.
‘No evidence of a credible threat’ after Illinois Capitol lockdown – The Pantagraph, March 12, 2024
A threat that placed the Illinois State Capitol on lockdown for nearly an hour Tuesday afternoon was deemed not credible following an extensive police sweep of the building.
With recession fears subsiding, new Illinois forecast expects ‘firm but steady growth’ – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 12, 2024
The state’s two main fiscal forecasting agencies agree: Illinois’ finances will see a strong close in the final 3 ½ months of the fiscal year before things tighten a bit next year.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders endorses CTU organizer Graciela Guzman in Illinois Senate race – Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2024
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a fixture of progressive politics on Capitol Hill, announced Tuesday his endorsement of Chicago Teachers Union organizer Graciela Guzmán in a hotly contested Democratic primary race for an Illinois Senate seat on the city’s North and Northwest sides.
Candidates make final push in Illinois Supreme Court race that raised diversity issues – Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2024
With Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham leading the way in both party endorsements and fundraising going into the campaign’s final week, her Democratic primary challenger is staking his bid on the argument that the election is a once-in-a generation chance to put a Latino on the high court.
O’Neill Burke rips Foxx in speech days before state’s attorney primary – Chicago Tribune, March 11, 2024
In the final days of her campaign, retired Appellate Judge Eileen O’Neill Burke made her closing case for her candidacy for Cook County state’s attorney, telling a City Club audience Monday she could fix a “woefully understaffed and mismanaged” office and help rescue the city from going bust.
Inside the Illinois Freedom Caucus primaries and the politics behind them – The Daily Line, March 12, 2024
Three members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, the Illinois House’s most conservative members, are fighting for their political careers — and their brand — in March 19 primaries that will ask Republicans in some of the state’s most conservative districts which brand of Republican politics they want representing them in Springfield.
Buckner bills aim to improve homicide clearance rates, solve cold cases – The Daily Line, March 12, 2024
Not enough murder cases are getting solved, and Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) believes he has a pair of solutions to improve clearance rates at Illinois police departments on murder cases and unlock years-old cold cases.
Committee advances bill designed to ensure employees aren’t required to attend political, religious meetings – The Daily Line, March 11, 2024
It’s often said the most treacherous subjects to broach with any audience are politics and religion. Under a bill advanced by a Senate committee on Wednesday, employees would no longer be required to sit through a meeting that features those two topics.
Trump’s Illinois delegates: Some tout election denials, others claim vaccines were useless or QR codes lead to government tracking – Chicago Tribune, March 10, 2024
The 51 Illinoisans running as Republican Party delegates in the March 19 primary who are pledged to make Donald Trump the GOP nominee for president include two members of Congress, several candidates for the U.S. House, former and current locally elected officials and a few frequent and often unsuccessful contenders for other public offices across the state.
Democratic incumbents face primary competition as party seeks to keep hold on Illinois legislature – Chicago Tribune, March 11, 2024
Democrats will try to maintain their supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly in this year’s elections, with several incumbents facing challenges in the March 19 primary and big money pouring into some races.
Women in Illinois make 80% of what men make, and advocates want to close the wage gap – Chicago Sun-Times, March 10, 2024
During her career in the nonprofit sector, Sharmili Majmudar noticed two things: Most of the jobs were held by women, particularly women of color, and the roles were generally underpaid.
Hanson, Boxenbaum meet again in 83rd state House race – Daily Herald, March 8, 2024
Freshman state Rep. Matt Hanson, a former Kane County Board member, heads into the final stretch of his primary campaign with support from Illinois Democratic leaders and some high-profile endorsements.
Illinois lawmaker suggests lowering the drinking age to 18, with some restrictions – Audacy, March 8, 2024
There’s a House Committee hearing next week in Springfield about a proposal to lower the legal drinking age in Illinois from 21 to 18, with some restrictions.
Tom Kacich | Big money, little reward in Republican primary – News Gazette, March 10, 2024
It’s a lot of money to spend on, let’s be honest, the crumbs of Illinois state government. But that’s what is going on in three Illinois House districts in southeastern Illinois where a trio of hard-right Illinois Freedom Caucus members are being challenged in the Republican primary.
Editorial | Primary election shaping up as much ado about little – News Gazette, March 9, 2024
There’s very little to get excited about. Early voting already is underway in Champaign and Illinois’ other 101 counties as the March 19 primary election approaches.
Far-right lawmakers in southeast Illinois face union-backed primary challenges – The Pantagraph, March 9, 2024
State Reps. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, and Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, need to be taught a lesson — at least that’s the message being sent by the state’s powerful teachers unions and other allies in organized labor as they bankroll primary challenges of the arch-conservative incumbents.
Is this ‘a golden era of corruption’ for Chicago and Illinois? – WBEZ Chicago, March 8, 2024
Al Capone. Operation Greylord. Four former Illinois governors in federal prison. We have a long history of corruption around these parts, but WBEZ government and politics reporter Dave McKinney thinks that the present day – with figures like former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke – may take the cake.
Pritzker’s $52.7B budget plan falls short in 2 key areas, allies say – Audacy, March 10, 2024
Some of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stronger allies have spoken out about where they feel his current $52.7 billion Illinois budget proposal falls short.
Census Bureau estimates Cook County’s population dropped in 2023, but the exodus is slowing – Chicago Sun-Times, March 14, 2024
Cook County’s population decreased again last year, but the amount of people leaving has slowed since 2020, new U.S. Census Bureau estimates show.
CTA receives $111 million grant to replace some Blue Line tracks, improve accessibility – Chicago Sun-Times, March 14, 2024
Blue Line riders can look forward to a smoother, quicker commute in a few years.
For Toni Preckwinkle, another election and another chance to wield her political muscle – Chicago Sun-Times, March 15, 2024
There was little time for Toni Preckwinkle to wallow after a bruising loss in the 2019 Chicago mayoral race.
Johnson urged to appoint commissioner to overlooked zoning board – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 14, 2024
When an application for an Uptown transitional shelter was submitted to the city’s quasi-judicial Zoning Board of Appeals, it had several forces behind the project suggesting it would be approved.
Cook County Board outlaws retail sale and commercial use of coal tar sealant – The Daily Line, March 15, 2024
The Cook County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a measure outlawing the retail sale and commercial application of coal tar sealant on asphalt pavement, a move which advocates say will mitigate further introduction of toxic pollutants into the environment.
More than $4 million has poured into the Democratic primary for Cook County state’s attorney. Here’s who’s contributing to the campaigns. – Chicago Tribune, March 15, 2024
With fundraising limits removed recently and just days to go before Election Day on Tuesday, the race to succeed Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has turned into a multimillion-dollar effort by both Democrats running in the primary.
As incumbent, US Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ García faces first-ever Democratic primary challenge from Ald. Raymond Lopez – Chicago Tribune, March 14, 2024
Created amid controversy more than 30 years ago to help Illinois elect a Latino representative to Congress, Illinois’ 4th Congressional District was once best-known for being drawn in the shape of earmuffs in order to encompass several Hispanic Chicago neighborhoods and some suburbs.
Johnson’s $1.25B bond plan moves forward; alderman says mayor is dodging spending oversight – Chicago Tribune, March 13, 2024
As Mayor Brandon Johnson’s bid to borrow $1.25 billion to fund housing and development moved forward in the City Council Tuesday, it faced an unexpected roadblock: an alderman calling on colleagues to vote “no” in protest.
CTA Red Line extension to get $350 million in Biden’s proposed budget – Chicago Sun-Times, March 13, 2024
President Joe Biden’s proposed budget for next year includes $350 million for the planned Red Line extension, which could send L trains as far south as 130th Street.
Civic Federation questions volatility, structure, fairness of ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum – Chicago Sun-Times, March 13, 2024
The Civic Federation is raising questions about the volatility, structure and fairness of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to raise the transfer tax on high-end real estate transactions to generate $100 million annual revenue to combat homelessness.
Chicago-area population loss slows – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 13, 2024
The Chicago area’s population decline slowed last year, helped by a drop in the number of people leaving Cook County.
Bears’ $2B private financing pledge doesn’t seem to impress Pritzker – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 13, 2024
If the Chicago Bears were expecting their pledge to pony up $2 billion in private money for a new stadium would warm up Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s previously chilly response to their plans, they likely were disappointed when he addressed the media this morning.
CPD eyes DNC security funds to purchase new helicopter, but there’s a catch – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 13, 2024
The Chicago Police Department has long argued it must upgrade its aging fleet of helicopters if the force wants to pursue carjackers and getaway drivers without risking injury to innocent bystanders. Now the department is eyeing federal funding earmarked for security at this summer’s Democratic National Convention to buy a speedier, twin-engine helicopter that could help them fulfill that mission, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling told Crain’s in an exclusive interview.
Johnson Says He’s ‘Frustrated’ With City’s ‘Out of Control’ Overtime Spending – WTTW News, March 13, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson said Wednesday he is “frustrated” that the city of Chicago spent approximately $524 million on employee overtime in 2023 — 19% more than in 2022, with more than half of the total amount used to compensate Chicago Police Department officers for working extra hours.
Chicago Voters Will Get to Decide Whether City Council Should Have Power to Hike Taxes on Sales of Million-Dollar Properties, State Supreme Court Rules – WTTW News, March 13, 2024
Chicago voters will get to decide during Tuesday’s primary whether to give the Chicago City Council the power to hike taxes on the sales of properties worth $1 million or more to fight homelessness, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.
Cook County State’s Attorney Candidates Look to Highlight Sharp Differences as Election Day Approaches – WTTW News, March 13, 2024
It’s the second largest prosecutor’s office in the country and home to more than 3,000 employees.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $1.25 billion borrowing plan back on track for City Council approval – Chicago Sun-Times, March 12, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to borrow $1.25 billion to bankroll economic development and affordable housing projects is back on track for City Council approval, but not without a bit of a fight.
City budget committee approves Fleet and Facility Management commissioner, ordinance to require confirmation for future public health commissioners – The Daily Line, March 13, 2024
The City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations approved the appointment of a new Fleet and Facility Management commissioner, a measure to bring back a defunct reward program for reporting illegal dumping and an ordinance requiring that the City Council confirm public health commissioners.
City files response to building owners’ appeal on ‘Bring Chicago Home’ – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 12, 2024
In the litigious pingpong over the “Bring Chicago Home” ballot measure, the city filed a response to the real estate industry’s appeal of a decision that keeps the proposed transfer tax on the March 19 primary ballot.
CTA announces spring cleaning for rail and bus stations – Chicago Sun-Times, March 11, 2024
The Chicago Transit Authority on Monday announced the rail stations and bus turnarounds that will receive repairs and improvements this spring, but transit advocates are raising concerns that the program doesn’t go far enough.
Bears urged to consider Michael Reese hospital site for domed stadium to avoid lakefront legal battle – Chicago Sun-Times, March 11, 2024
Friends of the Parks urged the Bears on Monday to consider building a domed stadium on the old Michael Reese Hospital site to avoid a legal battle akin to the fight that stopped filmmaker George Lucas from building a movie museum on the same site.
Johnson outlines what he’ll need to sign off on Bears’ lakefront stadium plan – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 11, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson said March 11 his parameters for eventually signing off on a stadium deal for the Chicago Bears were that the project provide a “public benefit and public use” of the stadium with a “365-day operation.”
Chicago Spent $524M on Overtime in 2023, Including $293M for Police, Setting New Records – WTTW News, March 12, 2024
The city of Chicago spent approximately $524 million on employee overtime in 2023 — 19% more than in 2022, with more than half of the total amount used to compensate Chicago Police Department officers for working extra hours, according to records obtained by WTTW News.
With 2 Vacant Seats, Ethics Board Cancels Meeting, Leaving Case Against Conyears-Ervin in Limbo Before Election – WTTW News, March 11, 2024
The Chicago Board of Ethics canceled its meeting set for Monday, leaving the ethics probe into City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin in limbo a week before she is set to face voters in her bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Danny Davis.
Mayor’s housing and economic development bond proposal to be considered in rules committee – The Daily Line, March 12, 2024
The City Council Committee on Committees and Rules will meet Tuesday to determine how much life a $1.25 billion mayoral bond proposal to fund housing and community development projects has.
News in brief: EPA union endorses green building ordinance; County committee to vote on coal tar sealant ban – The Daily Line, March 12, 2024
A union representing local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) workers is backing a broad ban on natural gas in new buildings. And the county’s environment committee will vote on a ban on the retail sale and use of coal tar sealant.
Chicago getting $75 million for DNC security from federal budget deal – Chicago Tribune, March 11, 2024
The city of Chicago will receive $75 million to help offset security costs for this summer’s Democratic National Convention as part of a $460 billion spending measure President Joe Biden signed into law over the weekend to avert a government shutdown.
Very few voters often decide fate of tax referendums, report finds – Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2024
Cook County voters are staring down more than a dozen referendums to raise taxes in the March 19 primary, including the Bring Chicago Home question championed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Real estate groups ask Illinois Supreme Court to block ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum – Chicago Sun-Times, March 11, 2024
With one week to go before Illinois’ primary election, real estate and business groups in Chicago are asking the state Supreme Court to block the so-called Bring Chicago Home referendum question.
How Brandon Johnson’s inner circle compares to past mayors’ – Chicago Sun-Times, March 8, 2024
Under Mayor Brandon Johnson, Black people hold more top salaried city jobs and top mayoral appointments than any other racial group, a Chicago Sun-Times analysis has found.
Chicago Bears resume talks with suburban schools even as they pursue a stadium in the city – Chicago Tribune, March 8, 2024
Even as the possibility emerges for the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in the city, the team has resumed negotiations with suburban school districts over the property taxes for their proposed stadium site in Arlington Heights.
How much of state’s capital improvement dollars are targeted for suburbs? – Daily Herald, March 10, 2024
Nearly $200 million worth of state capital improvement grants are earmarked for hundreds of projects throughout the suburbs.
Bears pledging over $2 billion in private money for new Chicago stadium – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 11, 2024
The Chicago Bears are pledging to spend over $2 billion in private dollars toward a new domed stadium on the lakefront. As they prepare to release final details of the proposed overhaul of the museum campus that would demolish Soldier Field and erect a new domed stadium for the team that could bring in year-round events and a Super Bowl to Chicago, the team is stressing in meetings with elected officials they will bring significant financing to the project.
Budget committee to consider Fleet and Facility Management commissioner appointment, ordinance to require confirmation of future health commissioners – The Daily Line, March 11, 2024
The City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations will meet Tuesday and consider the appointment of a new fleet and facility management commissioner, an ordinance to require City Council consent for the appointment of the public health commissioner and an ordinance to establish hiring preferences for residents from disadvantaged areas.
The legal fight over ‘Bring Chicago Home’ explained: Crain’s Daily Gist podcast – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 11, 2024
Votes on the anti-homelessness tax measure are set to be counted after the Illinois Appellate Court reversed an earlier ruling removing it from the ballot. Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco recaps the contentious court battle with host Amy Guth.
A year after Lausch’s departure, Chicago’s next U.S. attorney still in limbo – Chicago Tribune, March 11, 2024
One year after Chicago U.S. Attorney John Lausch stepped down, the caustic political landscape in Washington has left the high-profile position in limbo with little sign of the logjam breaking anytime soon.
Johnson to choose from 15 candidates for civilian police oversight board – Chicago Tribune, March 9, 2024
A brand-new group of elected officials on Friday named 15 finalists to serve as the first permanent members of a civilian body overseeing city public safety decisions and operations of the Chicago Police Department.
