Cook County Assessor Candidates Face Off in Primary Debate

Incumbent Fritz Kaegi challenged by Lyons Township Assessor Pat Hynes in televised event

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The two Democratic primary candidates in the race for Cook County assessor, incumbent Fritz Kaegi and challenger Pat Hynes of Lyons Township, are set to appear in a debate on Fox Chicago on Wednesday night. The debate will be moderated by the station's Political Editor Paris Schutz and will be broadcast live on Fox Chicago, Fox32Chicago.com, the FOX LOCAL app, and the station's YouTube channel.

Why it matters

The Cook County assessor plays a crucial role in determining property tax assessments, which have a major impact on homeowners and businesses across the county. With the primary election coming up on March 17, this debate provides voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and understand their positions on key issues.

The details

Kaegi, the incumbent assessor, is facing a primary challenge from Hynes, the Lyons Township assessor and a former employee of the county office. The debate will give the candidates a chance to outline their visions for the assessor's office and how they would approach issues such as property tax assessments, transparency, and equity.

  • The debate will air live on Wednesday, February 26, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • Early voting for the primary election begins this month across the area.
  • Election Day is March 17, 2026.

The players

Fritz Kaegi

The incumbent Cook County Assessor who is seeking re-election.

Pat Hynes

The Lyons Township Assessor who is challenging Kaegi in the Democratic primary.

Paris Schutz

The Political Editor at Fox Chicago who will moderate the debate.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This debate provides an important opportunity for Cook County voters to hear directly from the candidates vying to lead the assessor's office and make an informed decision in the upcoming primary election.