Cook County Assessor Candidates to Face Off in Primary Debate

Incumbent Fritz Kaegi challenged by Lyons Township Assessor Pat Hynes ahead of March 17 election

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The two candidates vying for the Cook County Assessor position, incumbent Fritz Kaegi and challenger Pat Hynes, will participate in a live debate on February 18th hosted by Fox Chicago. The debate will air on Fox32Chicago.com and the FOX LOCAL app, and viewers are encouraged to submit questions to be potentially answered live on air.

Why it matters

The Cook County Assessor's office is responsible for determining the fair market value of properties, which directly impacts the amount of property taxes paid by residents. This election will have significant implications for homeowners and businesses across Cook County.

The details

Kaegi has served as the Cook County Assessor since being elected in 2018, while Hynes has been the Lyons Township Assessor since 2021. The two candidates will face off in a live debate moderated by Fox Chicago's Political Editor Paris Schutz. Viewers can submit questions to Parisonpolitics@fox.com, with select questions potentially being answered live during the broadcast.

  • The debate will air live on February 18, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • Early voting for the primary election begins this month across Illinois.
  • Election Day is March 17, 2026.

The players

Fritz Kaegi

The incumbent Cook County Assessor, who has served in the role since being elected in 2018.

Pat Hynes

The Lyons Township Assessor, who is challenging Kaegi in the 2026 primary election for the Cook County Assessor position.

Paris Schutz

The Political Editor at Fox Chicago, who will moderate the live debate between the two candidates.

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What they’re saying

“Viewers can have their voices heard and help shape the conversation by submitting questions to ask the candidates.”

— Fox32Chicago.com (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

Select questions submitted by viewers may be answered live on air during the February 18th debate.

The takeaway

This debate will provide Cook County voters with a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the two candidates vying for the influential Assessor position, which plays a key role in determining property tax bills across the region.