GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
------------Report

November 10, 2022

This Week in Illinois

Election Day 2022 Recap


As most outcomes for races across the state have been determined it is now appropriate to issue a recap of the 2022 general election. As time progresses the specific percentages provided below are likely to change.


Statewide Races


Governor:


  • Governor JB Pritzker secured a second term with approximately 54% of votes cast in his favor.


Comptroller:


  • Incumbent Susana Mendoza was reelected with 56.4% of the vote. The highest percentage of the evening among statewide races.


Secretary of State:


  • Former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias was elected with 53.6% of the vote.


Treasurer:


  • Treasurer Michael Frerichs was elected to a third term in office with the support of 53.6% of voters.


Attorney General:


  • Incumbent Kwame Raoul was reelected with 53.7% of the vote.



Supreme Court (Democrats expand majority to 5-2)


2nd District:


  • Judge Elizabeth Rochford secured a victory with 54.6% of the vote.


3rd District:


  • Justice Mary K. O'Brien defeated incumbent Justice Michael Burke in a close race with approximately 51% of votes.



Federal Races


US Senate:


  • Incumbent Tammy Duckworth secured a second term with around 56% of votes.


US House Races:


While we won't detail each congressional race, Democrats in Illinois were a able to secure a victory in each of the competitive races. Following redistricting which reduced Illinois to 17 congressional seats, this will expand the Democrats position 14-3.



State House and Senate Races:


House: (Democrats expand majority to 77 or 78 seats)


While not all House races have been determined at this time, it is likely that Illinois Democrats have gained 4 or 5 seats in the lower chamber. The current balance of power is 73-45 but will likely shift to 77-41 or 78-40.


Following the election on Tuesday, House Republican Leader Durkin announced that he will not seek another term as leader of the caucus. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Leader Durkin for his years of service in the General Assembly and for years of service as Leader of the House Republicans. He has been a true friend of the business community and a constant advocate for sound fiscal policy. His leadership in the House will surely be missed.


Senate: (Republicans gain one, possibly two seats)


Just like the House, not all races have been determined at this time. However, it is likely that the Senate Republicans have gained one or possibly two seats. This would expand their caucus to 19 or 20 members. Currently, the balance of power in the Senate is 41-18.


At the time of this writing, there are some questions about the future leadership of the Senate Republican caucus. We will keep you informed as more information becomes available.


Constitutional Amendment 1:


Just like with some of the races across the state, the ballot question posed to voters is still too close to officially be called. However, current numbers suggest that there are enough "yes" votes to secure passage of constitutional amendment 1.



Looking Forward


While we recognize that many good, pro-business candidates were not successful in their bids for office we are committed as always to working with those chosen by the voters. We will continue to implore legislators and statewide elected officials of the importance of economic development and a stable economy. We offer our congratulations to those elected and provide our best wishes to those entering retirement.

Session Update


The General Assembly is ready for veto session. As scheduled, lawmakers will be back in Springfield this Tuesday, November 15 -November 17 as well as November 29-December 1. Some of these dates are still subject to change.

 

View and download the veto calendar here.

 

Looking forward, Legislators have been informed to keep their schedules open between January 4th-10th for potential lame duck session dates. We will let you know when those dates are finalized.


GAP Call


The Illinois Chamber will host a Government Affairs Professionals (GAP) call Monday, November 14th at 3:00 pm. We will provide you updates on scheduling and what legislation we are watching in this first week of veto session. Call in information is provided below.


Please send any questions in advance to ckaericher@ilchamber.org.


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If you have questions about the Government Affairs Report, contact Clark Kaericher at ckaericher@ilchamber.org. Do not reply to this email.