Your Daily Guide

Political Power Players and County Races

Gov. JB Pritzker may seem to have this upcoming election in the bag, but nothing is certain. On today’s podcast, we break down his race against Darren Bailey — plus the governor’s growing role as kingmaker and countywide races.

Pritzker vs. Bailey and Beyond

If this gubernatorial race feels familiar — it is. Pritzker faced off against Republican Bailey just four years ago, winning by nearly 13 points. This time around, Bailey’s toned down his anti-Chicago rhetoric. Meanwhile, Pritzker is emphasizing Bailey’s connection to President Donald Trump.

He’s also outspending Bailey’s 25-to-1.

Pritzker is spending big outside the governor’s race as well. He’s personally dropped $40 million to help Democrats in competitive mid-term races nationwide. In Illinois, he’s arguably become the face of the party, following the downfall of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Countywide Races

All Cook County residents are voting for board president, assessor, clerk, sheriff, and treasurer. (All Board of Review candidates are unopposed.)

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle defends her seat from Libertarian Michael Murphy — if she wins and finishes the next term, she’ll near former Board President George Dunne’s almost-22-year record.

During that time, Preckwinkle has helped other Democrats rise through the ranks, including former State's Attorney Kim Foxx. However, she hasn’t publicly discussed a successor. (Preckwinkle is currently 79 years old.) 

Preckwinkle is also fresh off a budget win, closing a $550.8 million hole for 2027 without property tax hikes or layoffs — though 2028 will prove tougher.

Notably, incumbent Fritz Kaegi is not running for assessor, ousted by Lyons Township Pat Hynes in the Democratic primary. Hynes now faces Libertarian Nico Tsatsoulis. Hoping to stimulate commercial development, Hynes is backed by local business interests and trade unions.

Tsatsoulis, meanwhile, wants to remake the county’s property tax system entirely, which would require changes to state law.

The Rest of the Ballot

Don’t forget, Chicagoans are also voting on:

• The city’s first-ever fully elected school board — and all three presidential options carry baggage
• The replacement of four U.S. congressional incumbents
• The retention of 61 judges
• Nonbinding referendums

NITA’s New Land-Developing Power

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority, which recently replaced the Regional Transportation Authority, has more power to buy and develop land near transit — even for reasons unrelated to transit. [WBEZ]

Pink, Green Line Reroutes Continue

CTA Pink and Green Line trains are still rerouted as construction on the Lake Street bridge is behind schedule. The trains are set to resume regular routes Wednesday at 4 a.m. [Sun-Times]

Uptown Bike Route Named in Honor of 3-Year-Old Killed

The Leland Avenue bike route in Uptown is now “Lily’s Greenway,” honoring Elizabeth “Lily” Grace Shambrook. Shambrook was just three years old when she was killed in a nearby bicycle crash in 2022. [Block Club]

• Bike lines are increasing in Chicago — but are they actually safe? [City Cast Chicago 💻]

Flu Season Is Hitting Early

As cases ramp up nationwide, Chicago doctors are encouraging locals to get vaccinated. In Illinois, cases are low overall but slightly higher compared to this point over the last five years. [CBS]

• Stay safe: Here’s what to know about fall viruses. [City Cast Chicago 💻]