Illinois REALTORS names 12 state lawmakers as 2026 Housing Champions

Illinois REALTORS® recognized a bipartisan group of 12 Illinois lawmakers on Oct. 26, 2026, for backing affordable housing, sensible community development and property rights. The group was honored for helping expand housing choices and keep homeownership within reach for more Illinois families.

Why it matters: - Illinois is facing ongoing pressure for more affordable housing and more attainable homeownership options. - Illinois REALTORS® said the lawmakers were recognized for supporting practical policies that can reduce barriers to housing development. - The honor signals bipartisan support for housing and property-rights issues in the Illinois General Assembly.

What happened: - Illinois REALTORS® named 12 state legislators as its 2026 Illinois Housing Champions on Oct. 26, 2026. - The organization said the lawmakers were recognized for prioritizing affordable housing, sensible community development and property rights. - The announcement was made in Springfield, Illinois.

The details: - The 2026 Housing Champions are State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris; State Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield; State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago; State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview; State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora; State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Belleville; State Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan; State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita, D-Blue Island; State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago; State Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria; State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park; and State Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford. - Illinois REALTORS® said the lawmakers helped advance more housing choices and reduce unnecessary barriers. - Illinois REALTORS® CEO Jeff Baker said the recognition is about action and about keeping homeownership within reach for Illinoisans. - Illinois REALTORS® is a voluntary trade association with more than 48,000 members in the real estate industry. - The group said it also works to protect private property rights and promotes legislation tied to real property ownership.

Between the lines: - The bipartisan list suggests housing affordability remains one of the few areas where lawmakers from both parties can align. - The emphasis on “practical solutions” points to a policy approach centered on zoning, permitting and development barriers rather than broad ideological fights. - The group’s property-rights focus shows Illinois REALTORS® is positioning housing policy as both a consumer affordability issue and an owner-rights issue.

What's next: - Illinois REALTORS® is likely to continue lobbying for legislation that supports housing supply, affordability and property rights. - The lawmakers honored this year may be viewed as key allies as housing-related bills move through the 2027 session. - The organization said it will keep promoting policies meant to expand housing access for Illinois families.

The bottom line: - Illinois REALTORS® is using its Housing Champions awards to spotlight bipartisan lawmakers advancing policies that could make housing more affordable and homeownership more reachable across Illinois.