Attached is a complete listing of the U.S. presidential and vice presidential, Congressional, Illinois Senate, Illinois House, and Illinois Supreme Court races in the November 5, 2024 general election. Results will be sent out following the election.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
November 12-14 – Veto Session Week 1
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
January 2025 – Lame Duck Session (Unconfirmed)
In the News
‘No one else even knows about it except for our friend’: Testimony in Madigan corruption trial turns to 2018 sex harassment scandal – Chicago Tribune, October 31, 2024
A sexual harassment scandal had erupted in Springfield in the summer of 2018 and Kevin Quinn, a longtime aide to House Speaker Michael Madigan, was toxic. Quinn, the brother of Madigan’s handpicked 13th Ward alderman, had been dumped from the speaker’s organization after a campaign worker accused him of sending her a relentless string of inappropriate communications.
Illinois veto session set for week after election – The Center Square, October 31, 2024
With all eyes on Tuesday’s election, some are already thinking about upcoming Illinois legislation sessions. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he has a legislative agenda, but doesn’t expect much until the new General Assembly is seated in January.
Illinois volunteers try to tip presidential race in swing states Wisconsin and Michigan – Chicago Tribune, November 1, 2024
The Cape Cods and other modest homes in the Nash Park neighborhood of Wisconsin’s biggest Democratic city were decked out with skeletons and pumpkins in anticipation of trick-or-treaters, but the knock at the door came from 70-year-old Loretta Jackson of Evanston.
Madigan co-defendant had unparalleled access to speaker, ex-top aide testifies – Capitol News Illinois, October 31, 2024
Under the stained glass dome of the Capitol in Springfield, lobbyists often wander the building, popping into a quiet corner to make a phone call or ducking into an empty committee room to send emails. Some veteran lobbyists have longstanding arrangements with lawmakers who allow them to hang out in their office, or at least provide a place to stash a coat during long session days.
Illinois launches ‘Help Stop Hate’ program as hate crime reports surge – The Daily Herald, October 30, 2024
Just days after an Orthodox Jewish man was shot while walking to his Chicago synagogue, and amid record numbers of hate crime reports nationwide, state leaders on Wednesday announced a new initiative to help those affected by hate-fueled attacks.
Ugaste faces rematch from Democrat Robertson in 65th House District – The Daily Herald, October 30, 2024
Voters in Illinois’ 65th House District have a familiar choice to make as incumbent Republican Dan Ugaste faces Democrat Linda Robertson in a rematch from 2022.
Pritzker optimistic for Harris, IL GOP hopes Trump breaks through blue wall – WAND, October 29, 2024
There is one week left until Election Day, but early voting is already underway across Illinois and the United States. Illinois Republicans are stumping for local candidates and Gov. JB Pritzker is on the campaign trail for the Democratic ticket for president.
Illinois’ 17th Congressional seat gets competitive in matchup between incumbent Eric Sorensen and Joe McGraw – Chicago Sun Times, October 30, 2024
A vast and sprawling congressional district covering much of northwestern and central Illinois is among the country’s most competitive races this year.
Defense in Madigan corruption trial scores a small victory as judge strikes some testimony from key witness – Chicago Sun Times, October 30, 2024
The federal judge presiding over the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan agreed to toss a small — but potentially key — piece of testimony Wednesday that put Madigan’s co-defendant in the room with him during discussion of a 2016 ComEd bill.
Longtime Madigan staffer spends second day on witness stand in corruption trial – The Center Square, October 30, 2024
One of Michael Madigan’s longtime staffers spent a second day testifying at the former Illinois House Speaker’s bribery and racketeering trial.
Column: Leaving Illinois becoming a worrisome trend – Chicago Tribune, October 30, 2024
When voting concludes on Tuesday, there will be fewer Illinoisans voting than in past elections. That’s not because there isn’t interest in who will be our next president, or in down-ballot contests.
2024 Dem Candidate Switches Parties, Gives Cash to GOP Candidates – The Illinoize, October 30, 2024
When political observers last saw Dr. Dave Nayak, he was finishing third in the Democratic primary this spring in the 20th Senate District on the north side of Chicago, the most Democratic district in the entire state.
US House Rep. Brad Schneider faces GOP challenger in bid for 6th term: ‘There is so much at stake’ – Chicago Tribune, October 29, 2024
After five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives serving much of Lake County, Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, says he wants to continue improving the lives of the residents and his Republican opponent, Lake Forest resident Jim Carris, hopes for an opportunity to do the same.
Fiscal issues foremost for Villa, Brown in 25th District senate contest – The Daily Herald, October 28, 2024
Honoring pension obligations and fully funding schools are among the biggest challenges facing the Illinois General Assembly, state Sen. Karina Villa said during a Daily Herald endorsement interview.
Madigan’s longtime aide takes the stand to testify against ‘ultimate decision maker’ in the House – Chicago Sun Times, October 29, 2024
Michael J. Madigan’s attorneys tried again Tuesday to distance the former Illinois House speaker from a longtime friend and confidant, pressing ComEd’s onetime top counsel over whether he had direct knowledge of the men discussing an unusual law firm contract.
Illinois’ 17th Congressional seat gets competitive in matchup between incumbent Eric Sorensen and Joe McGraw – WBEZ Chicago, October 30, 2024
A vast and sprawling congressional district covering much of northwestern and central Illinois is among the country’s most competitive races this year. As Republicans try to retain their party’s slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats hope to chip away at it — but they’ll need to keep control of Illinois’ 17th District to do so.
Alleged push to fill plum ComEd board seat takes center stage at Madigan corruption trial – Chicago Tribune, October 29, 2024
The former general counsel for Commonwealth Edison testified Tuesday that he had “reservations” about selecting Juan Ochoa for the utility’s board after a background check turned up some significant political baggage.
Pritzker: Deport violent non-citizens, protect others here undocumented – The Center Square, October 29, 2024
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker agrees with former President Donald Trump that violent non-citizen migrants should be arrested and deported, but stops there.
‘I felt pressured’: Ex-ComEd top lawyer takes stand in Madigan corruption trial – Chicago Tribune, October 28, 2024
In fall 2011, ComEd’s top lawyer was neck-deep in work, trying to get Springfield legislators to override a governor’s veto on a bill that would immensely improve the struggling utility’s prospects.
Illinois Democrats already hold a supermajority of state House seats. They want more. – WBEZ Chicago, October 29, 2024
Democrats already hold a great deal of political power in Illinois. In addition to every constitutional office — from the governor to the comptroller — being occupied by a Democrat from Chicago, the legislative body in Springfield is overwhelmingly blue.
Illinois Ballot Question Aims to Generate $4.5B in Property Tax Rebates by Taxing Income Over $1M – WTTW, October 28, 2024
Unlike the high-pressure campaign for Illinois’ 2020 graduated income tax amendment that bombarded voters with ads, this year’s tax reform proposal has maintained a quieter presence.
The current measure takes a different approach from the one previously rejected with 53.27% of the vote.
Spending in races targeted by House Democrats – The Daily Line, October 29, 2024
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero), also a top leader in the House, told Lee Enterprises that she believes her caucus can pick up at least four seats and specifically named which seats they are targeting to increase Speaker Chris Welch’s (D-Hillside) record caucus to 82 members.
Inside the one Illinois congressional race that could affect control of the US House – Chicago Tribune, October 28, 2024
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen sat in the back seat of a car to swap brown dress shoes for a pair of boots before touring a dairy farm in rural Winnebago County on a warm early October afternoon just weeks before the Nov. 5 election.
Illinois elected officials deploy to swing states to get out the vote for Harris-Walz and Congress candidates – Chicago Sun Times, October 27, 2024
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have a lock on Illinois, freeing elected Democrats to hunt for electoral votes in key swing states and a crucial “blue dot” congressional district in Nebraska — where U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly campaigned this weekend.
Johnson faces challenger Rodriguez to represent IL-72 District – Quad City Times, October 27, 2024
On the Illinois side of the Quad-Cities, the only local contested race for the State House of Representatives is for the 72nd District, which covers a large portion of the urban areas of Rock Island County.
Editorial: Illinoisans, vote ‘no’ on the millionaire’s tax ballot question – Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2024
This statewide ballot question, dubbed by its supporters as the Illinois Property Tax Relief Amendment Referendum, has been pushed by former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. Other prominent and predictable supporters of this nonbinding referendum include U.S. Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García and Danny Davis.
Inside the one Illinois congressional race that could affect control of the US House – Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2024
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen sat in the back seat of a car to swap brown dress shoes for a pair of boots before touring a dairy farm in rural Winnebago County on a warm early October afternoon just weeks before the Nov. 5 election.
Hazy world of Springfield politics at center of ex-Speaker Madigan’s trial – Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2024
In the rapidly unfolding federal corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, Illinoisans are getting a close-up view of how the longtime Democratic chieftain lorded over the insider world of Springfield politics.
Illinois has the most public bodies in the nation, multiplying opportunities for graft – Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2024
In her office in the southern Illinois community of Pinckneyville, population 5,005, Tammy Kellerman worked as a bookkeeper for the rural fire protection district that answers calls outside the 6 square miles of the town.
Rep. Eric Sorensen seeks second term against retired judge Joe McGraw (copy) – The Pantagraph, October 26, 2024
In 2022, voters in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District sent former meteorologist Eric Sorensen to represent them in Washington.
LaPointe challenged by Zimmers in 19th District; Kelly faces challenge by Albers in 15th District rep. race – Nadig Newspapers, October 26, 2024
On the Far Northwest Side Chicago, state representatives Lindsey LaPointe (D-19) and Mike Kelly (D-15) face Republican challengers John Zimmers and Mark Albers, respectively.
Editorial | Illinois is falling short in ways that can be costly – The News-Gazette, October 26, 2024
The U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released some unemployment news that, while not bad, raises an issue that should be concerning.
Fundraising in seats targeted by House Republicans – The Daily Line, October 28, 2024
House Republicans were able to pick up a seat during the last presidential election in 2020 but suffered a tough blow in 2022 when they lost five seats.
Sitting legislator testifies at corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker – Cities 929, October 25, 2024
Illinois State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, is expected to return to the witness stand Monday at the bribery and racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago.
GOP hopeful Evans gets cash boost from U.S. House Speaker Johnson — but total lags behind Foster’s – The Daily Herald, October 27, 2024
Unlike most of the other Republicans running for Chicago-area congressional seats, Warrenville’s Jerry Evans has received financial help from political action committees associated with House Speaker Mike Johnson and other party leaders.
Cubs, Justice Department reach settlement over alleged ADA violations at Wrigley Field – WGNTV, October 31, 2024
On Thursday, the Justice Department announced a settlement and consent decree with the Chicago Cubs, resolving alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at Wrigley Field.
Could Polish Americans help swing the presidential election? In Chicago, they’re split. – Chicago Sun Times, November 1, 2024
The ears of Polish Americans were perked up during the only presidential debate when Democratic nominee Kamala Harris warned that former President Donald Trump would sell out Ukraine to Vladimir Putin — and Poland would be the Russian leader’s next target.
Opinion: Other cities have figured out post-pandemic public transit. Why can’t Chicago? – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 30, 2024
I recently took the train to a Chicago Bears game. It was cheap, fast, safe and a genuinely good experience. The only issue? I was in London, where reliable public transportation makes it easy to get to your local sporting event. Here in Chicago, that option doesn’t exist for the Bears. Especially since the pandemic, our transit systems have been riddled with crime, delays and chaos.
Activists call for more funding for migrant and homelessness services in Chicago’s 2025 budget – Chicago Tribune, October 31, 2024
Immigrant rights activists warned of a looming homeless crisis next year and urged Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council at a Thursday news conference to maintain funding for migrant and homelessness services in next year’s budget by increasing taxes on corporations.
Johnson’s $17.3 billion budget faces pushback in City Council, with a close ally in the opposition – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 30, 2024
The hardball negotiations and posturing over Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.3 billion 2025 budget began nearly as soon as his address before the City Council ended, when one of his staunchest allies said he won’t support a $300 million property tax hike.
City Council OKs 4 of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 5 Picks to Serve on RTA Board, Rejects Humboldt Park Pastor – WTTW, October 30, 2024
The Chicago City Council confirmed four of the five Chicagoans picked by Mayor Brandon Johnson to serve on the board of the Regional Transportation Authority, which is facing a $730 million deficit in 2026.
Pritzker asked about new city property tax hike proposal, doesn’t exactly respond (Updated) – Capitol Fax, October 30, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday will propose Chicago’s largest property tax hike in almost a decade as part of his $17.3 billion budget plan for next year.
Eye On Illinois: Lawmaker pitches governor on moving to sell South Side ballpark – Shaw Local News, October 30, 2024
The Chicago White Sox are worth an estimated $2.05 billion, according to Forbes. Jerry Reinsdorf spent $20 million in 1981 to buy a chunk of the team. Recent reports of his plans to sell note the chairman holds only 19% of the franchise. Aside from wondering how someone who controls that little has been able to dictate so much over the past four decades, it’s worth noting that 19% of $2.05 billion is $389,500,000.
Lake County incumbent, board chair challenged by longtime public safety professional – The Daily Herald, October 30, 2024
Veteran incumbent Democrat Sandy Hart is being challenged by Republican Ben Grum in his first run for public office to represent District 13 on the Lake County Board.
Contract for more than 1,000 city workers in the balance as unions spar, point fingers at city – Chicago Tribune, October 30, 2024
Two unions representing two sets of Chicago city workers, forced to bargain their contracts jointly, are in the midst of an extraordinary spat, accusing each other and the city of playing politics and failing to hold up their ends of the deal.
What Happened When Chicago’s Mayor Followed a Teachers’ Union Playbook – The New York Times, October 29, 2024
For years, Chicago was ground zero for the Democratic Party’s big transition on education.
With the support of longtime resident Barack Obama, who was in the White House, and his close ally Rahm Emanuel, then in the mayor’s office, the city turned away from policies favored by teachers’ unions and toward policies meant to provide families with choices and accountability, like charter schools and school-grading systems based on student test scores.
With Mayor Johnson expected to propose property tax increase, some residents express uncertainty – NBC Chicago, October 29, 2024
As Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is expected to propose a property tax increase during Wednesday’s City Council meeting, some residents are expressing uncertainty upon hearing that the mayor is backing down from a key campaign promise. The proposal comes amid a $1 billion budget shortfall.
Amid reports of Brandon Johnson’s plans to raise property taxes, alders weigh in – WBBM NewsRadio, October 29, 2024
Amid reports that Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to use a property tax increase to help close the city’s $1 billion budget shortfall, reaction is coming in from city council members.
City panel OKs signage changes for Mag Mile, State Street – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 29, 2024
Retail signs in downtown Chicago’s shopping corridors could be getting a little bigger and brighter. The Zoning Committee today approved amending the regulations for signs along Michigan Avenue, State Street and Wabash Avenue to expand the sizes and types of signs allowed, in an effort to help shops draw in more patrons as the districts contend with e-commerce and reduced foot traffic.
Racist joke at Trump rally spurs Chicago call for Puerto Ricans to vote — ‘turn this anger into real action’ – Chicago Sun Times, October 29, 2024
Outraged Puerto Rican community leaders and Latino elected officials on Tuesday railed against a racist joke made during a Donald Trump rally, but also credited the “stupidity and ignorance” of the comedian responsible for lighting a fire under an influential voting
In ‘weird’ Cook County state’s attorney’s race, O’Neill Burke — who progressives called a ‘de facto’ Republican — looking to defeat GOPer Fioretti – Chicago Tribune, October 30, 2024
Following a hotly contested Democratic primary campaign for Cook County state’s attorney that took 10 days to resolve because it was so close, the general election race this fall to replace Kim Foxx as county prosecutor has been relatively sleepy.
Chicago Housing Authority CEO Tracey Scott to leave her role on Friday – Chicago Tribune, October 28, 2024
Chicago Housing Authority CEO Tracey Scott will step down from her role as of Nov. 1, the agency’s Board of Commissioners announced Monday afternoon. She will be replaced for the time being by Angela Hurlock, current chairperson of the board, as CHA searches for her replacement. Scott has served as head of the organization for four and a half years.
Despite a hiring freeze, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration still made hundreds of new hires – WBEZ Chicago, October 29, 2024
The city hired or promoted 490 employees in the six weeks since Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a hiring freeze, with the Chicago Police Department seeing the most new hires.
As Officials Scramble to Fill Chicago’s Budget Gap, City Has Less Than $300M Left in Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds – WTTW, October 28, 2024
Chicago has yet to spend approximately $300 million in federal relief funds officials promised to use to strengthen the city’s tattered social safety net and provide direct aid to Chicagoans struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a WTTW News analysis.
Johnson budget will rely on property tax increase to avoid a fight with labor – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 28, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson will propose a 2025 budget this week that backs away from a potential fight with the city’s unions. Instead, the mayor’s budget plan will largely rely on pulling dollars from the city’s tax-increment financing districts and a significant property tax increase to close a $982 million shortfall, according to City Hall sources not authorized to discuss the budget plan.
CTA awards $2.7B Red Line extension contract – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 28, 2024
A consortium of Vinci SA and Walsh Construction Co. has won a contract worth $2.78 billion to design and build the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line extension and four new stations. Vinci has a 40% share in the consortium, while its US partner has 60%, the French company said in a statement on Monday.
News in brief: Transportation committee approves RTA appointments; Mayor announces $20M in federal funds for O’Hare Terminal 5 projects – The Daily Line, October 29, 2024
The City Council’s transportation committee approved a slate of new regional public transit board members, and the mayor announced millions of dollars in funding for O’Hare’s ongoing improvements effort.
Grogan, White in rematch for DuPage County auditor – The Daily Herald, October 28, 2024
Incumbent William “Bill” White, a Downers Grove Democrat, faces Bob Grogan, a Downers Grove Republican, for the auditor’s post. The two men squared off in a tight race in 2020, when then-incumbent Grogan lost by a 75-vote margin, sparking a 1⅟₂-year recount battle.
Rep. La Shawn Ford calls for state to sell White Sox property – Austin Weekly News, October 28, 2024
La Shawn Ford, who represents the 8th District in the Illinois House of Representatives, is filing legislation to sell the state-owned property where the White Sox play on Chicago’s South Side.
Editorial: Quick takes on ballot referenda in Skokie, Oak Park, Glencoe and, sigh, on a giveaway for the Chicago Bears – Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2024
Voters in various jurisdictions in Illinois will see a variety of ballot questions when they enter the polling booth. We’re not weighing in on all of them but here are five where we have a firm opinion.
Special events committee advances appointment of Grand Victoria Foundation leader to Chicago Park District board – The Daily Line, October 28, 2024
The City Council Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation voted Friday to confirm Sharon Bush to the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners.
What happens if Chicago can’t pass a budget? ‘Murky waters,’ ‘dire situation.’ – Chicago Tribune, October 28, 2024
The mayor faces a nearly $1 billion budget gap, an increasingly unruly City Council and a tightened timeline to accomplish elected officials’ most essential task. The daunting challenge has made some aldermen wary of an unlikely, but troubling worst-case scenario: Could the city fail to pass a budget by the state’s Dec. 31 deadline?
Election to determine if Lake County continues its Democratic shift; ‘The Republican Party is hungry to talk to the voters’ – Chicago Tribune, October 24, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker and other Democratic officials were in Highwood earlier this week campaigning for an assortment of local candidates, hoping to keep Lake County, once a securely red county, firmly blue.
