Even though legislative Democrats appear reticent to redraw the state’s already gerrymandered congressional districts, the pressure from the state’s congressional Democrats doesn't appear to be slowing.

Two of the state’s most influential Democrats avoided a potentially awkward and embarrassing primary this week when Senate President Don Harmon backed off plans to run for the Democratic Party of Illinois’ State Central Committee.

Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-Chicago) will not run for re-election and will withdraw from the 2026 ballot after his Chief of Staff filed petitions to run for his seat Monday.

Suburban businessman Rick Heidner appears to have easily cleared the 5,000 signature minimum to get on the Republican ballot for Governor.

Republicans didn’t field a candidate against State Treasurer Mike Frerichs before the close of Monday’s petition filing period.

Governor JB Pritzker said Monday he and his office are “still examining” the “Medical Aid in Dying” legislation passed in the Senate late Thursday in the final hours of the fall veto session.