Democratic Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi in Tough Race Against Candidate Pat Hynes Amid Tax Hikes

Kaegi faces challenger Hynes, who calls property tax assessment work his vocation and passion, as homeowners face skyrocketing bills.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Democratic Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi is in a tight race against challenger Pat Hynes in the 2026 election, as property taxes in some of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods have spiked. Kaegi, elected as an outsider and reformer, says his changes have saved lower-valued homeowners $2 billion, but recent spikes are due to the Cook County Board of Review giving commercial properties reductions. Hynes, the Lyons Township assessor, blames Kaegi's lack of experience and says fair assessments start with the assessor's office.

Why it matters

This race highlights the ongoing debate over property tax assessments in Cook County, with Kaegi's reforms facing pushback and Hynes arguing for a more experienced hand. The outcome could have major implications for homeowners, especially in lower-income areas, who are struggling with rising tax bills.

The details

Kaegi was elected in 2018 on a promise to clean up corruption and change a regressive system that over-assessed lower-valued properties and under-assessed commercial properties. He says his changes have almost eliminated regressivity and saved the bottom 70% of homeowners $2 billion. However, last year homeowners on the South and West sides of Chicago saw their property tax bills double or triple. Hynes, who has endorsements from major unions and some local officials, argues Kaegi's lack of experience led to the spikes and says fair assessments start with the assessor's office. Kaegi blames the Cook County Board of Review for giving commercial properties reductions, including Trump Tower, which he says cost every Chicago homeowner $700.

  • Kaegi was elected as Cook County Assessor eight years ago, in 2018.
  • Last year, in 2025, homeowners on the South and West sides of Chicago saw their property tax bills double or triple.

The players

Fritz Kaegi

The Democratic Cook County Assessor, elected in 2018 as an outsider and reformer with a promise to clean up corruption and change a regressive property tax assessment system.

Pat Hynes

A Democratic candidate challenging Kaegi in the 2026 Cook County Assessor election. Hynes calls property tax assessment work his vocation and passion, and has endorsements from major unions and some local officials.

Joe Barrios

The incumbent Cook County Assessor whom Kaegi defeated in 2018.

Trump Tower

A commercial property in Chicago that Kaegi says received large reductions from the Cook County Board of Review, costing every Chicago homeowner $700.

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What they’re saying

“We've made tremendous progress on all those areas, University of Chicago study showed we'd almost eliminated regressivity, saved the bottom 70% of homeowners $2 billion.”

— Fritz Kaegi, Democratic Cook County Assessor (abc7chicago.com)

“Those taxpayers are right on the road to property tax foreclosure. A good portion of them will flat out lose their homes.”

— Pat Hynes, Democratic Candidate for Cook County Assessor (abc7chicago.com)

“I've been in every community in this county, from the top to the bottom, on the front lawns, assessing property.”

— Pat Hynes, Democratic Candidate for Cook County Assessor (abc7chicago.com)

“Seven hundred dollars was passed on to every single homeowner in Chicago this year because of big reductions like that on big commercial buildings that they didn't deserve.”

— Fritz Kaegi, Democratic Cook County Assessor (abc7chicago.com)

“This is merely a distraction by a failed assessor.”

— Pat Hynes, Democratic Candidate for Cook County Assessor (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Cook County Assessor election will be held on November 4, 2026, and the outcome could have major implications for property tax assessments and homeowners in the Chicago area.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing debate over property tax assessments in Cook County, with Kaegi's reform efforts facing pushback from challenger Hynes who argues for a more experienced hand. The result could significantly impact homeowners, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, who are struggling with rising tax bills.