⚠️ethicsBoth candidates accuse each other of accepting questionable donations (Fox32 Feb
Both candidates accuse each other of accepting questionable donations (Fox32 Feb 2026 — mutual accusations, neither substantiated)
FK
Raised
$2,792,789THE JACKET
Who funds Fritz Kaegi?
$2,792,789Source: https://www.illinoissunshine.org/committees/33897/
individual$8,120,219(100%)
individual
| Donor | Category | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fritz Kaegi (self) | individual | $7,137,456 | confirmed |
| Fred Eychaner | individual | $362,900 | confirmed |
| Joe Mansueto | individual | $156,000 | confirmed |
| Stephen Schuler | individual | $156,000 | confirmed |
| Leo A Smith | individual | $102,700 | confirmed |
| Daniel Tierney | individual | $50,000 | confirmed |
| Jerry Reinsdorf | individual | $41,600 | confirmed |
| Peter Ehrich | individual | $41,400 | confirmed |
| Michael Fenstermacher | individual | $39,000 | confirmed |
| Thomas Roberts | individual | $33,163 | confirmed |
Red Flags
⚠️ethicsHynes campaign argues Kaegi's data errors caused chaotic assessment appeals and
Hynes campaign argues Kaegi's data errors caused chaotic assessment appeals and missed deadlines — contested claim
⚠️ethicsKaegi has loaned his own campaign $5.4M (debt obligation on ILSBE) — heavy self-
Kaegi has loaned his own campaign $5.4M (debt obligation on ILSBE) — heavy self-funding by a wealthy candidate
⚠️Both candidates accuse each other of accepting questionable donations (Fox32 Feb 2026 — mutual accusations, neither substantiated)
Source:
⚠️Hynes campaign argues Kaegi's data errors caused chaotic assessment appeals and missed deadlines — contested claim
Source:
⚠️Kaegi has loaned his own campaign $5.4M (debt obligation on ILSBE) — heavy self-funding by a wealthy candidate
Source:
Bio
Fritz Kaegi is the incumbent Cook County Assessor and a candidate in the 2026 Democratic primary. The assessor's office oversees property assessment values used in county tax billing. (Source: scout ballot context, March 13, 2026)
Prior office: Cook County Assessor
Key Votes
- record2018: Defeated incumbent Joseph Berrios (implicated in pay-to-play) — ran on tra
2018: Defeated incumbent Joseph Berrios (implicated in pay-to-play) — ran on transparency/anti-corruption platform
- record2018-present: Implemented mass reassessment reforms using data-driven methods; U
2018-present: Implemented mass reassessment reforms using data-driven methods; U of Chicago study (2024) found 'substantial progress in improving fairness of residential assessments'
- record2022: Survived primary challenge from Kari Steele (MWRD President) 53.8% to 46.2
2022: Survived primary challenge from Kari Steele (MWRD President) 53.8% to 46.2% — contested race reflecting industry pushback
- record2022-2025: Launched Affordable Housing Program, automated senior/veteran exempti
2022-2025: Launched Affordable Housing Program, automated senior/veteran exemption renewals, expanded field inspection staff
- record2025: Cook County Assessor's Office released 2024 Chicago Reassessment Report sh
2025: Cook County Assessor's Office released 2024 Chicago Reassessment Report showing equity improvements; expanded commercial valuation reform with PTAX Reform Group
- recordDebts of $5.4M on committee suggest significant self-loan to campaign
Debts of $5.4M on committee suggest significant self-loan to campaign