As the 2026 midterm elections conclude and the new Congress convenes in January, Illinois lawmakers face ongoing challenges amid deep partisan divides. The Illinois congressional delegation, composed of 14 Democrats and three Republicans in the U.S. House, along with two Democratic senators, is poised to continue the broader national pattern of polarized politics. Yet the delegation also has a chance to pursue greater cooperation and bipartisanship, experts and former officials say.

Illinois Republicans have expressed frustration with the congressional map, which they argue has been drawn to heavily favor Democrats, resulting in districts with unusual boundaries. Meanwhile, Illinois Democrats contend Republicans have not adequately challenged the policies of former President Donald Trump’s administration or effectively advocated for the state’s interests at the federal level. If Democrats maintain control of both chambers of Congress, these dynamics may deepen political tensions, with Democrats feeling emboldened and Republicans potentially marginalized.

Despite this partisan backdrop, the Illinois delegation will see significant personnel changes, including five new House members and a new senator, creating an opportunity for a fresh start. Historically, Illinois lawmakers fostered bipartisan relationships through regular meetings, shared discussions, informal social events, and sometimes even carpooling during congressional recesses. However, former Illinois Republican congressman and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood noted that much of this collegiality has faded in the current era.

To encourage cross-party collaboration, several proposals have been advanced. Among the key suggestions is organizing a bipartisan retreat for members and their families at an Illinois university early in the new Congress. This event would feature policy discussions, social gatherings, and briefings from state leaders such as mayors, business executives, labor representatives, university presidents, and constitutional officers. The retreat would aim to establish a shared Illinois agenda for Washington and strengthen interpersonal relationships. It is recommended that this become a biennial event rotating among state universities, co-hosted by Sen. Dick Durbin and LaHood.

Further ideas include appointing delegation co-chairs from each party to coordinate monthly informal luncheons in Washington, establishing working groups focused on key policy areas such as agriculture and economic development, and encouraging members of each party to visit districts represented by the opposite party for joint meetings and public events. The two senators would also undertake annual tours of all Illinois districts.

Another revival effort centers on reinstating a tradition once initiated by Sen. Paul Simon: a weekly Illinois Hospitality Breakfast for Illinoisans visiting Washington. This event, reduced to a monthly reception in recent years, is proposed to be reinvigorated to enhance informal interactions among delegation members.

Supporters of these measures argue that structured opportunities to engage across party lines can help overcome entrenched polarization. Jen Daulby, CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation and former chief of staff to Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis, emphasized the importance of building formal gathering structures to foster teamwork within the delegation.

While recognition of political differences will remain, advocates stress the need for Illinois lawmakers to view themselves as partners working in the interests of the state’s nearly 13 million residents. LaHood has referenced Abraham Lincoln’s call for unity, urging members of both parties to set aside enmity to achieve practical governance. Whether or not deeper friendships emerge, a collaborative approach among Illinois’s federal legislators could bring measurable benefits to the state.