IVCA Provides Updates for State Legislative Issues 10/14/2026
ILLINOIS VENTURE CAPITAL ASSOCIATION ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE REPORT
David Stricklin / Stricklin & Associates
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Governor Sees A Path For Bears
An issue which cuts across political and demographic lines and is on the minds of constituents is the fate of the Chicago Bears. Legislators often tell a version of the following as to what they hear from voters — “don’t give them a dime and for heaven’s sake don’t let them leave!”
This week Governor Pritzker suggested a resolution was in sight:
“I believe that in November we’re going be able to get something done to keep the Bears in the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said when asked about keeping the team during a debate with GOP challenger Darren Bailey tonight on WTTW. The governor, his staff and senior legislative leaders met recently with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Pat Ryan Sr., who owns a minority stake in the team. The Bears are trying to decide whether to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights or Hammond, Ind. Indiana lawmakers approved legislation in the spring.”
Crain's Chicago Business (@CrainsChicago) 7 likes · 3 replies
One And Only Debate
Governor Pritzker and challenger Darren Bailey conducted a televised debate Tuesday. Polling and conventional wisdom gives the challenger a very steep hill to climb:
In lone debate for Illinois governor, Bailey gets testy as Pritzker links challenger to Trump – Chicago Tribune
Bailey repeatedly attacked and interrupted Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who countered by casting his challenger as a conservative extremist and a follower of President Donald Trump.
Legislative Races Offer Contrasts
Voters soon make their choices and there are a handful of competitive races between Republicans and Democrats in November. Polling and that same conventional wisdom says in the big picture Democrats will keep their large majorities in both legislative chambers. Some Lake County voters for example have a choice between two current Republican office holders and Democratic challengers, while in other areas Republicans are pressing Democrats on the Capitol Culture:
— Illinois Dems are on the defensive over scandals in races for state legislature:Republicans are focusing on two House ethics controversies involving Democrats: In one instance, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has been criticized for his handling of sexual harassment allegations against former state Rep. Harry Benton, who resigned. And in another, six-term Rep. Carol Ammons has been indicted on federal charges alleging she used taxpayer and campaign funds in a scheme to enrich herself. The Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner has more.