IVCA Provides Updates for State Legislative Issues 08/19/2026
ILLINOIS VENTURE CAPITAL ASSOCIATION ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE REPORT
David Stricklin / Stricklin & Associates
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
STATE FAIR TAKES CENTER STAGE FOR POLITICS IN THE PRAIRIE STATE
Illinois elected officials running for re-election or building a network for a run at higher office are among the participants at the annual political days at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Democrats hold sway currently as they occupy all the Constitutional offices, the Senate, the House, and both U.S. Senate seats. Today is Governor’s (Democrat) Day, tomorrow is Republican Day. Throw in candidates running for Mayor of Chicago, even though it’s technically a non-partisan election, and it’s a throwback to the days of stemwinders and old fashioned retail politics.
* WGN | Campaign season kicks off at the Illinois State Fair: Major players in campaign and government will descend on Springfield this week to rally support ahead of the November general election. Democrats will gather Wednesday morning for their annual brunch with the Illinois County Chairs’ Association. Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts will headline the events. Party leaders are also expected to honor Sen. Dick Durbin, who is retiring in January after a political career that spans four decades.
Illinois Republicans also made sure to concentrate on the fallout from the resignation of former Rep. Harry Benton on sexual harassment charges and the adequacy of the steps taken by Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch before, during, and after the Benton case.
After this week the political circuit moves downstate for the Du Quoin State Fair, the second of two fairs operated by the State of Illinois.
AFTER LABOR DAY
Looking ahead to what confronts policy makers after the political circuit has concluded, big issues include regulating data centers, which has become a polarizing issue in many states including Illinois. Unique to Illinois, the resolution of where the Chicago Bears will call home and increased funding for the Chicago Public Schools are among the thorny issues which will require attention leading up to the Veto Session in November.