Election Omnibus Bill

On Wednesday, Democrats in the Illinois House of Representatives filed HFA 2 to SB 2412, creating an election omnibus bill with three major provisions. Firstly, it changes election rules for filling ballot vacancies. Current state law offers three opportunities for a major party candidate to reach the General Election: (1) they can circulate petitions and win their primary, (2) run as a write-in candidate and win their primary, or (3) wait until after the primary occurred and be appointed to the ballot by local party chairs. The third option, known as “slating,” has been used by both parties in the past to appoint strong candidates while avoiding the campaign costs of the traditional electoral system. SB 2412 bill would eliminate slating for legislative offices effective immediately, a stipulation that would prevent either party from using the tactic before the November 5 general election.

Next, SB 2412’s places three statewide non-binding advisory referenda on the 2024 general election ballot. The Election Worker Protection and Candidate Accountability Referendum Act would ask voters if candidates interfering with an election worker’s official duties should be subject to civil penalties; the Property Tax Relief and Fairness Referendum Act would ask if the Illinois Constitution should be amended to create an additional tax on income exceeding $1M to fund property tax relief; and the Assisted Reproductive Health Referendum Act would ask if all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including in vitro fertilization, should be covered by any health insurance plan that covers pregnancy benefits. State law limits the number of referenda on a statewide ballot to three per election. SB 2412 would use all three referenda slots, preventing other interests from having their referenda questions appear on the ballot in November.

The bill’s final provision would extend the period for gathering candidate petition signatures by 28 days, so that the process begins in August rather than September.

HFA 2 was filed by House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) on Wednesday and quickly passed on the House floor by a vote of 64-4-40, with all the Republicans voting “present” in protest. All but seven Democrats voted in favor of the legislation, with four voting “no” and three not voting. The Senate passed a concurrence motion on Thursday, by a vote of 35-3-18, with the Republicans once again voting “present” and three Democrats voting “no.” Gov. Pritzker signed the bill into law on Friday, becoming Public Act 103-586.

Chicagoland Transit Agency Merger Proposal

State legislators proposed a plan to merge Chicago’s three transit agencies and their parent organization into a single entity and provide $1.5B in additional state funding for the proposed entity. HB 5829 and SB 3936 would create the Metropolitan Mobility Authority, encompassing the current Metra commuter rail agency, Pace suburban bus agency, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and their parent Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The bill would also create an Office of Transit-Oriented Development and seeks to have the state enact California’s zero-emission vehicle requirements, among other provisions. HB 5828 and SB 3938 are companion appropriations bill providing the proposed Metropolitan Mobility Authority with $1.5B in funding from the state.

The new agency would be overseen by a board of 18 directors and a chair. The Governor of Illinois would select three members; the Mayor of Chicago and President of the Cook County Board would select five members each; and the Chief Executives of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties would select one member each. The 18 directors would then select a chair from outside of the board. Six non-voting members would also attend board meetings, representing people with disabilities, labor unions, and broader business interests.

Furthermore, the bill addresses a looming projected funding shortfall for the RTA. Beginning in FY 2026, the RTA could face a $730M annual budget gap, assuming current service levels are maintained regionwide. This funding gap already exists today, but the transit agencies are still being propped up by federal pandemic relief funds which will run out at the end of FY 2025. The transit system’s funding cliff has grown as ridership and farebox collections remain below pre-pandemic levels. For example, through the first two months of 2024, the CTA had about $157M in public funding, while its operating expenses were nearly $317M. With a projected FY 2026 funding gap of nearly 20% of the annual expense budget, without any action, the RTA could be forced to drastically cut current service and delay further improvements to the system.

Supporters argue that merging the separate transit systems into one centralized agency would reduce “zero-sum” competition for limited resources, streamline strategies and service goals, improve operational efficiency, and save as much as $250M per year, according to a recent Civic Federation report. RTA, Pace, and Metra officials said they were reviewing the proposed legislation and welcomed future discussions on the plan. Both Pace and RTA representatives additionally emphasized the need for more funding to maintain their current service. CTA officials have yet to comment.

Given that it was just introduced, the transit merger proposal is not likely to be passed before the end of the 2024 regular session of the Illinois General Assembly. It could be considered in fall veto session, January 2025 lame duck session, or the 2025 regular session.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

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

 

Senate approves change to election rules in middle of election season – The Daily Line, May 3, 2024

In just 24 hours, General Assembly Democrats rammed through an elections package to change the rules around filling vacancies for political parties on the ballot as local Republicans in two areas in the state attempt to name new candidates to open seats on November’s ballot.

Illinois could tax millionaires to help homeowners with property tax relief – My Stateline, May 2, 2024

Illinois voters could decide on increasing the state’s tax on millionaires, to help fund property tax relief. Lawmakers have filed legislation calling for a referendum to be placed on the November ballot.

IG says state employees made up businesses, lied about income to defraud federal COVID aid program – Chicago Tribune, May 2, 2024

Illinois state employees fabricated hair salons, paid others to inaccurately fill out forms and drastically inflated income numbers for their side businesses in an effort to fraudulently receive pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program loans, according to recently released reports from the Office of Executive Inspector General.

Illinois Dignity in Pay Act: House preparing for vote to eliminate sub-minimum wages – WAND, May 2, 2024

Illinois workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities have been paid much less than the minimum wage since 1938, but state lawmakers could pass a plan to phase out the sub-minimum wage this month.

Finance execs gloomy about economic outlook, Midwestern ones especially – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 2, 2024

Disappointment that the U.S. Federal Reserve has yet to cut interest rates is clouding financial executives’ view of the economy, but their long-term expectations remain bullish. Finance leaders in the Midwest are more pessimistic, with 37% holding a negative outlook for this year.

Law enforcement community honors fallen officers at Illinois Capitol – Capitol News Illinois, May 2, 2024

Six fallen police officers were honored at an annual memorial service outside the State Capitol Thursday. The Illinois Police Officers Memorial occurs annually on the first Thursday of May to honor officers who died in the line of duty and to support their families.

Mendoza’s message to fellow elected officials at police memorial: ‘Let them do their jobs’ – The Daily Line, May 3, 2024

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza earned a standing ovation from Illinois police officers and their families on Thursday following a passionate speech at the annual Illinois Police Officers Memorial gathering at the State Capitol.

Democrats replace child welfare bill with changes to election law – The Center Square, May 1, 2024

A child welfare bill was gutted just moments before going to the Illinois House floor and replaced with an omnibus election bill. House sponsor of Senate Bill 2412, State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, said the bill does three things.

Illinois voters could be asked about IVF coverage, millionaire tax in November – WCBU, May 1, 2024

Illinois voters could be asked this November whether millionaires should be taxed more, whether insurance policies in Illinois should be required to cover in vitro fertilization treatments and whether candidates running for office should face civil penalties for interfering with election workers.

House Republicans protest referendum, vote present – Capitol Fax, May 1, 2024

The House just passed SB2412, that would put three questions on the statewide ballot. Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman added the referendum questions and several other provisions in an amendment earlier today. House Republicans held a press conference after it passed.

Republican negotiator responds to Pritzker’s ‘balanced budget’ claim – The Center Square, May 1, 2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said there’s enough Illinois taxpayer revenue for his proposed $52.7 billion budget. Republican budget negotiators question that with a month before the deadline. Pritzker said tax revenues are on track and that the big question is how the General Assembly prioritizes spending. He said he proposed a balanced budget.

Your tax refund and other state checks could start arriving late, Mendoza warns – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 1, 2024

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is challenging the U.S. Postal Service as it considers condensing one of its processing centers in Springfield, demanding proof that the move would not result in delays for residents getting checks in the mail.

State Sen. Sue Rezin calls to keep Starved Rock’s name – Shaw Local, May 1, 2024

State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said Wednesday she opposes a proposal to change the name of Starved Rock State Park. She has filed a resolution in the Illinois Senate to keep the park’s name.

Chicago Muslim advocates travel to Illinois capitol to call for cease-fire in Gaza – CBS News, May 1, 2024

Muslim American advocates from Chicago traveled down to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Wednesday to urge lawmakers to also call for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Harmon, Welch would get national Democratic Party spots under proposal from state party chair – The Pantagraph, April 30, 2024

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and House Speaker Chris Welch, D-Hillside, would become members of the Democratic National Committee by virtue of their positions under a proposal from state party chair Lisa Hernandez.

Springfield taking cautious approach with Tier 2 pension changes, avoiding sweeteners – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 30, 2024

Illinois has received nine credit upgrades since 2021 from Fitch Ratings, Moody’s, and S&P Global Ratings. In April, Moody’s revised its outlook on Illinois to positive, but warned that stronger pension contributions and growth in unfunded liabilities could lead to a downgrade.

After 3 years, state poised to enforce law aiming to end lending discrimination – Capitol News Illinois, April 30, 2024

It was against that backdrop that the Legislative Black Caucus pushed through the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act, a part of its “Economic Access, Equity, and Opportunity” pillar. Unlike the federal law, which applies primarily to nationally chartered banks, the state law applies to state-chartered banks and savings banks, credit unions and non-bank mortgage lenders.

Taking the fight South? Pritzker’s nonprofit spends $500K in Florida — battling DeSantis and GOP over abortion rights – Chicago Sun-Times, April 30, 2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is taking aim at the country’s next big abortion rights battle with a $500,000 investment to support a ballot initiative that would enshrine abortion protections in Florida’s constitution. The contribution from Pritzker’s nonprofit Think Big America comes a day before a new state law — signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — takes effect banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

State lawmakers propose Chicagoland transit agency consolidation days after Civic Federation report calls for same reform – The Daily Line, April 30, 2024

State lawmakers are proposing to consolidate the region’s four mass transit agencies into a single entity. The push comes after the Civic Federation released a report last week that calls on the state to tie future financial support for the northeastern Illinois transit agencies — the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace — to reforms of the agencies’ structure and governance, specifically their centralization into one agency.

Proft and Bailey feud underlined illegal campaign coordination, lawyers argue – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 29, 2024

Lawyers for the executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois argued Darren Bailey and Dan Proft colluded on the 2022 gubernatorial campaign during an Illinois State Board of Elections hearing today.

Small business owners struggle with costs, inflation – The Center Square, April 29, 2024

A new survey shows that not since the pandemic have the percentage of small businesses experiencing rent problems been so high, but conditions appear to be improving in Illinois.

Poshard to Illinois Democrats: ‘Our messaging isn’t working’ for Biden – Bloomington Pantagraph, April 29, 2024

As former Democratic gubernatorial nominee and congressman Glenn Poshard sees it, “there should be no way that Joe Biden is running behind Donald Trump in polls right now.”

Governor earmarks $30M for downtown facelifts – The Southern Illinoisan, April 27, 2024

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $30 million in funding for the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital (RDMS, $20 million) and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE, $10 million) programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state and accelerate local economic recovery initiatives.

Rockford Ranked As Country’s Top Housing Market In New Wall Street Journal Report – Rock River Journal, April 25, 2024

The city is now home to the top real estate market in the country, according to a new ranking released Thursday by the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com. The housing market ranking evaluates the real estate market and economic health of the 200 most populous metro areas in the country. The Rockford metro area was the only one in Illinois to crack the Top 50. Peoria landed at 59.

Activists sue Johnson administration over DNC protests, say city isn’t ready – Chicago Tribune, May 2, 2024

As protests surge across America just months before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, activists representing LGBTQ+ and women’s reproductive rights say Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is violating their First Amendment rights and is unprepared for the onslaught of dissidents headed to the city this August.

Johnson administration short on basic income pilot’s details – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 2, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson is rolling out an extension of a COVID-era guaranteed basic income program, but major details, such as who is eligible for the money and when the program will kick off, are still to be determined.

Chicago Police won’t discipline 9 officers who signed up for Oath Keepers extremist group – Chicago Sun-Times, May 2, 2024

Chicago Police Department leaders said Thursday they have decided not to punish any officers whose names appeared on the leaked membership list of the Oath Keepers, an anti-government extremist group that played a key role in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Suspect Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca – WTTW, May 2, 2024

Law enforcement officers have arrested the suspect accused of killing Chicago police Officer Luis Huesca, according to police and Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward). Hopkins said that Xavier Tate Jr., 22, who had been sought for days following Huesca’s death, has been arrested without incident.

Kaegi’s closure of ‘apartment loophole’ leads to skyrocketing reassessments for affected properties – The Daily Line, May 3, 2024

As part of the ongoing reassessment of Chicago, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office has reclassified numerous mixed-use properties as it works to address a loophole that the county inspector general said was allowing some commercial properties to unfairly get tax breaks.

How a deal to restore peace at Northwestern is sparking more friction – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 2, 2024

Northwestern University President Michael Schill received early plaudits for coming to an agreement with students protesting the ongoing war in Gaza, ending a five-day tent encampment that had occupied Deering Meadow on the Evanston campus.

Black leaders weigh in on Rainbow/PUSH chief’s resignation less than 3 months into role – Chicago Tribune, May 3, 2024

Mystery still surrounds the resignation of the Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III from the storied Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. On April 16, less than three months into the job, Haynes resigned from the position that Rainbow/PUSH President Emeritus the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. founded through its predecessor, Operation PUSH.

Judge rejects claim that Cook County tax sales are racially discriminatory – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 1, 2024

A federal judge dismissed claims that Cook County’s sales of properties over their tax debt are racially discriminatory. To claim the disproportionate number of Black- and Latino-owned properties sold by the county shows sales are made on account of race is “too big an inferential leap,” Matthew Kennelly, a judge in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, wrote in an opinion issued April 19.

New police stats give Chicago City Council ammo to support keeping ShotSpotter – Chicago Sun-Times, May 1, 2024

In making the case to tie Mayor Brandon Johnson’s hands on canceling the ShotSpotter contract, City Council members have repeatedly cited faster response times and the number of gunshot detection alerts not accompanied by a 911 call.

Amtrak expands service between St. Paul and Chicago – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 1, 2024

Passenger rail company Amtrak has introduced new service between St. Paul, Minn., and Chicago via Milwaukee. The service adds a daily train starting in St. Paul to Chicago and includes two stops in Illinois, at Union Station and in Glenview; eight stations in Wisconsin; and three stops in Minnesota, according to Amtrak.

Chicago Jewish community calls for increased action against antisemitic speech amid campus protests against the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza – Chicago Tribune, May 1, 2024

After weeks of area college students protesting the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as part of a nationwide movement, leaders of Chicago’s Jewish community responded Wednesday by demanding action against hate speech as a group of Northwestern students filed suit against their school for allowing protests there to become “increasingly hostile to Jews.”

How a $1.25 billion bond proposal could slowly, but undoubtedly, alter Chicago’s housing landscape forever – Chicago Reader, May 1, 2024

A month after the years-in-the-making Bring Chicago Home referendum failed to pass during March’s near-record low primary turnout, the City Council voted to approve a $1.25 billion bond issue to fund new and expanded housing and economic development efforts. The bond issue would use the bump in the city’s share of property tax revenue from expiring tax increment financing (TIF) districts to back the bonds.

Mayor selects interim CPD oversight board’s president, VP to join permanent panel – Chicago Tribune, May 1, 2024

Two current leaders of a board meant to provide Chicago residents with oversight of the city’s embattled Police Department are poised to join its first permanent iteration alongside five other candidates, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Tuesday.

Snelling, law enforcement officials discuss plans to handle DNC protests, teen gatherings at Public Safety Committee – The Daily Line, May 2, 2024

The City Council Committee on Public Safety held a hearing on the city and Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) plans to keep the public safe this summer, with everything from the Democratic National Convention (DNC), large teen gatherings and the typical concerts, festivals and park district events to handle.

Northwestern under fire — Jewish groups demand president’s ouster, students file harassment suit – Chicago Sun-Times, May 1, 2024

Days after reaching an agreement with organizers of a pro-Palestinian encampment, Northwestern University is facing heavy backlash — with three Jewish organizations calling for the school’s president to resign.

Homer Township Republican committeeperson race to be decided by lot following judge’s order – Chicago Tribune, May 1, 2024

A Will County judge ruled in favor of Homer Township Supervisor Steve Balich’s request to get a ballot for his opponent tossed out, which results in a tie for the position of Republican precinct committeeperson that will be decided by lot.

Calumet City aldermen question credit card bills for Hooters, hotels, dinners and cars – Chicago Tribune, May 1, 2024

Calumet City’s municipal credit card statement showing charges from Hooters, a Gordon Ramsey restaurant, a hotel in New Orleans and a Cadillac lease have led aldermen to question whether Mayor Thaddeus Jones or another official is attempting to charge city taxpayers for personal expenses.

Mayor Brandon Johnson chooses 7 members to serve on Chicago’s permanent police oversight commission – Chicago Sun-Times, April 30, 2024

The president and vice president of Chicago’s Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability on Tuesday are among Mayor Brandon Johnson’s choices to serve on the permanent panel responsible for civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department. Anthony Driver Jr. and interim vice president Remel Terry are among seven mayoral nominees to the permanent commission.

Former Mayoral Candidate Paul Vallas Tells Judge Ex-Ald. Ed Burke is Worthy of ‘Leniency’ – WTTW, April 30, 2024

Former mayoral candidate Paul Vallas urged U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall to show “leniency” to convicted former Ald. Ed Burke (14th Ward) in a letter made public Tuesday, two months before Burke is set to be sentenced on 13 counts of bribery, attempted extortion and racketeering.

LGBTQ+ community members call on Mayor Brandon Johnson to rescind plan to scale back Pride Parade – Chicago Tribune, April 30, 2024

Organizers of the annual Chicago Pride Parade and allied groups are calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to rescind the city’s plan to downsize the event this June. The city last month cited “safety and logistical concerns” when it said this year’s parade would be limited to 125 groups, a decrease of more than a third from last year.

City targeting sites near south lakefront in Bronzeville for redevelopment – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 30, 2024

City planning officials are seeking developers to transform a cluster of vacant sites near the south lakefront in Bronzeville into a transit-oriented neighborhood that could include up to 890 new housing units. The sites are part of a “featured listings” section that the department in 2024 added to its ChiBlockBuilder website that highlights certain city-owned sites for development opportunities that align with community goals.

State lawmakers propose Chicagoland transit agency consolidation days after Civic Federation report calls for same reform – The Daily Line, April 30, 2024

The push comes after the Civic Federation released a report last week that calls on the state to tie future financial support for the northeastern Illinois transit agencies — the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace — to reforms of the agencies’ structure and governance, specifically their centralization into one agency.

Encampment opposing war in Gaza at DePaul launches, as university leaders meet with Foxx on response to student protests – Chicago Tribune, April 30, 2024

Student groups at DePaul University, a longtime locus of student organizing in solidarity with Palestine, launched an encampment in protest of the war in Gaza Tuesday, joining demonstrations on campuses across the country amid midterms at the private Catholic university.

Jewish groups, including Anti-Defamation League, call for Schill’s ouster at Northwestern – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 30, 2024

A group of Jewish organizations that includes the Anti-Defamation League Midwest are calling for Northwestern University President Michael Schill’s removal, saying he failed to prevent the spread of antisemitism on campus after agreeing to a deal with encampment protesters demanding the school end all ties with Israel.

Johnson set to extend basic income program amid changes to COVID spending – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 30, 2024

Ahead of a quarterly spending report set to be released that will show the city still has hundreds of millions in unspent federal COVID relief dollars, Mayor Brandon Johnson is announcing he’s tweaking how the city plans to inject the money into social programs.

Illinois Dems preparing to be example of Democratic successes, supporters of free speech at convention – The Daily Line, April 30, 2024

In a little more than 100 days, all eyes of American politics will be on Chicago as the city hosts the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) to nominate President Joe Biden for a second term.

University of Chicago students set up pro-Palestinian encampment on campus as protests spread – Chicago Sun-Times, April 29, 2024

Hundreds of University of Chicago students set up an encampment in the university’s Main Quadrangle on Monday, joining groups on over 100 university campuses nationwide in support of Palestinians living in Gaza.

Steve Balich recount in Will County could come down to a coin flip – Chicago Tribune, April 29, 2024

Whether Steve Balich regains his position as a Homer Township Republican precinct committeeperson could come down to a coin flip depending on the ruling of Will County Judge John Anderson. At issue is one ballot that was not initialed by an election judge during the March 19 primary election.

Family of Officer Luis Huesca didn’t want Mayor Brandon Johnson, Gov. J.B. Pritzker at funeral – Chicago Sun-Times, April 29, 2024

Neither Mayor Brandon Johnson nor Gov. J.B. Pritzker attended the funeral Monday of slain Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca after being told the family did not want them there.

DePaul’s Redesigned Plans For Sports Facility Has Alderman Encouraged, Neighbors Split – Block Club Chicago, April 30, 2024

Lincoln Park neighbors remain split about DePaul University’s new designs for a basketball facility, but Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd) said the school’s revised proposal is moving in the right direction.

Thornton Township subpoenas reveal Tiffany Henyard is target of criminal investigation – Fox 32 Chicago, April 29, 2024

FOX 32 Chicago has obtained copies of the two federal subpoenas served Friday on Thornton Township, and there are two big takeaways: Thorntown Township Supervisor and Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard is clearly a target of the criminal investigation, and also that the investigation is growing.

Lawmakers propose unifying CTA, Metra and Pace – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 29, 2024

The embattled Chicago Transit Authority is taking another hit from Springfield this week, this time from lawmakers calling to fold the region’s four transit agencies into a single unit.

Cook County Forest Preserves is launching a $10 million makeover of Palos Preserves – WBEZ, April 29, 2024

Take a trip to Red Gate Woods in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and there’s a thicket of soaring oak trees where the sun shines through, awakening native plants to grow. Geranium, trout lily and small dogwood shrubs appear.

Alderman looks to strip mayor’s authority to cancel ShotSpotter – The Center Square, April 27, 2024

Chicago Ald. David Moore is fighting to strip Mayor Brandon Johnson of his unilateral authority to end the city’s contract with the ShotSpotter gunfire detection program. With Johnson already on record with his plan to completely phase out the program by year’s end, Moore is now proposing legislation that would require a full City Council vote before the city can take any such action, or even end funding for any of the city’s violence prevention programs.

Cook County Democratic leaders pick Monica Gordon to run for Cook County Clerk – WBEZ, April 29, 2024

The Cook County Democratic Party on Friday tapped Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon as the party’s candidate to run in the November general election this fall for Cook County Clerk.

Chicago voter turnout in March was second lowest in 80 years for a presidential primary – Chicago Tribune, April 27, 2024

With low enthusiasm and both presidential nominees all but confirmed before Illinois’ primary Election Day even dawned, turnout for the March 19 election was the second-lowest for a presidential primary in Chicago for at least the last 80 years.