A.J. Simmons

The statewide survey of 1,000 Illinois residents was conducted in March.

The following is an analysis from the University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Research.

COMMENTQ: What is the most important issue the General Assembly should address in the 2026 spring session? A: The development of a serious, long-term plan to invest in Downstate Illinois.

AJ Simmons is the Research Director of the Center for State Policy and Leadership at UIS.

Webster's word for 2024 was "polarization," a fitting choice for an issue reshaping American politics in a way that makes functional governance a rarity. I'm back to discuss how polarization impacts leadership. Polarization is undermining the ability of the branches of government to function effectively and govern, which has heavy implications for America.

There's another, simpler method of polling called a "citizen forecast," or as you might know it, "the wisdom of the crowds."

There are hundreds of other races that will also be decided at the same time as the president. While many of these other races are flying under the radar, some of them deserve attention. Let’s look at a few of those races and why you may want to pay attention.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who wasn’t even her party’s nominee for president a month ago, has chosen Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, officially ending the veepstakes—at least for now. Why this makes sense from a political science perspective.

COMMENTARY - Recent events may have proven political parties do matter.

COMMENTARY - Polling in early summer may not be that useful in determining presidential election winner.