The Illinoize Podcast

Is the GOP primary for governor over? We sit down with gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski, who says former Sen. Darren Bailey does not have the race locked up. We also discuss outside spending on primaries, check in on big races, and talk about property taxes and the Bears stadium mess with former Rep. Mark Batinick.

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Patrick Pfingsten sits down with 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey, who is the frontrunner in the 2026 GOP primary for Governor. We also discuss the latest in the Bears stadium mess with Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois. Learn more: www.theillinoize.comSubscribe to the newsletter: https://www.theillinoize.com/subscribe-1Follow us on Twitter/X: https://www.x.com/the_illinoizeLike us on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/theillinoize Bailey radio interview referenced in the video: https://omny.fm/shows/pm-springfield/patrick-pfingsten-talks-with-former-state-senator-and-gubernatorial-candidate-darren-bailey

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The Illinoize Podcast is back and looking ahead to what may happen at the Statehouse this year. We're joined by Senate GOP Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) as Republicans try to make an impact in the superminority. We're also joined by longtime Madigan spokesman Steve Brown to talk about his time with the imprisoned former Speaker, what he knew and when he knew it. Learn more: www.theillinoize.comSubscribe to the newsletter: https://www.theillinoize.com/subscribe-1Follow us on Twitter/X: https://www.x.com/the_illinoizeLike us on Facebook: www.fb.com/theillinoize

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The Illinoize Podcast- January 9, 2026

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Good afternoon, Illinois.

Our podcast has been a bit on the shelf for a while, but we had an opportunity to sit down this morning with House Speaker Chris Welch on the morning after the fall veto session.

We discussed the recussitation and passage of a major mass transit bailout bill, a bill to protect immigrants in the country illegally, and the passage of energy legislation.

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As House Speaker Chris Welch has appointed a Democrat-only working group to address the looming funding crisis for Chicago area mass transit systems, one of the co-chairs of the group, Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) joins Patrick Pfingsten to discuss the funding hole, reform, if it will result in a tax increase, and why Republicans weren’t allowed at the table.

We’re also joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune to talk about the Tribune series on corruption in Illinois government and the trial of former AT&T executive Paul La Schiazza and the scheduled trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

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After Governor JB Pritzker endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President Monday morning, speculation about Pritzker for Vice President immediately kicked in.

We discuss Pritzker's chances, the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago and more with Chicago Tribune Political Reporter Rick Pearson and Chicago Alderman Gilbert Villegas.

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Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) joins The Illinoize to discuss former President Donald Trump's criminal convictions, the Gotion battery plant deal, GOP views of IVF and abortion, and the wars in Ukraine and Israel.

We're also joined by former State Representative and pollster Mark Batinick about polling showing broad opposition to public funding for a new Bears stadium and numbers trending for Republicans around the state in November.

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With a week remaining before lawmakers are scheduled to pass a budget and leave Springfield, tensions remain high between Governor JB Pritzker and Democratic lawmakers over $800 million in tax increases.

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) discusses where things stand and if Democrats can adjourn on time.

We’ll also preview the final week of session with Ben Szalinski, a legislative reporter for The Daily Line.

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As the spring legislative session heats up and winds down all at the same time, we check in with House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) on budget talks, the Bears, and a bill ending slating of legislative candidates.

We also talk about Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s fruitless trip to Springfield with Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner.

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