Pat Hynes wins Democratic Primary for Cook County Assessor

Unseats incumbent Fritz Kaegi amid controversy over property tax assessments

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:34am

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In a closely watched race, Pat Hynes has been projected to win the Democratic primary for Cook County Assessor, defeating incumbent Fritz Kaegi. Kaegi has faced significant backlash from community activists over skyrocketing property tax bills that have disproportionately impacted Black and Latino homeowners in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Why it matters

The Cook County Assessor's office plays a crucial role in determining property tax assessments, which have major financial implications for homeowners. Kaegi's reforms aimed to make the system more equitable, but have been criticized by some as causing undue hardship. Hynes has pledged to overhaul the data and processes used to calculate assessments.

The details

Kaegi, a two-term incumbent, has said he is working to clean up a historically broken system that has favored commercial property owners over homeowners. However, community activists have accused him of causing property tax bills to surge, especially in Black and Latino neighborhoods. Hynes, the current Lyons Township Assessor, has argued the data from the Cook County Assessor's Office is riddled with errors and that voters need to be able to trust their assessments are accurate.

  • The Democratic primary election was held on March 17, 2026.

The players

Pat Hynes

The current Lyons Township Assessor who won the Democratic primary for Cook County Assessor, pledging to overhaul the data and processes used to calculate property tax assessments.

Fritz Kaegi

The two-term incumbent Cook County Assessor who was unseated in the Democratic primary. Kaegi has faced criticism from community activists over skyrocketing property tax bills that have disproportionately impacted Black and Latino homeowners.

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What they’re saying

“He said he is still cleaning up what he calls a long broken system that has historically favored the wealthy, and given bigger tax breaks to commercial property owners over Cook County homeowners.”

— Fritz Kaegi, Incumbent Cook County Assessor (wgntv.com)

“Hynes claimed the data from the Cook County Assessor's Office (CCAO) is riddled with errors and argues voters need to be able to trust their tax assessment is right the first time.”

— Pat Hynes, Lyons Township Assessor (wgntv.com)

What’s next

Hynes will now face off against the Republican nominee in the general election for Cook County Assessor in November 2026.

The takeaway

This election highlights the ongoing debate over property tax assessments in Cook County, with community activists criticizing the incumbent's reforms as causing undue hardship, while the challenger promises to overhaul the data and processes used to calculate assessments. The outcome could have significant financial implications for homeowners across the region.