Power Poll: From Immigration Protests to Global Turmoil, Chicago Leaders Look Ahead to 2026
By: Thom Serafin
January 20, 2026
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The Power Poll is sponsored by Mercury Public Affairs.
From immigration protests to global unrest to whether anyone is actually flying to California for the Super Bowl, this month’s Power Poll covered a lot of ground. The through-line? A mix of urgency, realism, and a strong focus on safety and stability in 2026.
Here’s what Chicago-area leaders had to say.
Question 1
The ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good sparked nationwide protests, including in Chicago. Which of the following statements best describes your opinion on immigration enforcement and civil liberties in 2026?
- 3 % Protests will lead to stronger protections for civil rights
- 24% Enforcement will remain tough—public outrage won’t change policy
- 57 % It’s time for major reform—immigration enforcement agents must be accountable
- 16 % Justice will be done through a fair investigation. The jury is still out.
The message here is pretty clear: most respondents think reform is overdue. That said, there’s also a healthy dose of skepticism—nearly a quarter don’t believe protests will actually move the needle. In other words, frustration is high, optimism is… cautious.
That same tone carried over when the poll turned overseas to the tensions.
Question 2
Iran is facing its largest uprising in decades, with protests spreading to over 180 cities and hundreds killed. How should the U.S. respond?
- 54 % Support protestors with diplomatic and economic pressure
- 13 % Military intervention if violence continues to escalate
- 10 % Stay out—it’s not our business
- 23 % Push for negotiations and avoid war
Most respondents want the U.S. involved but not with boots on the ground. Diplomacy and pressure beat out military action by a wide margin. The takeaway: engage carefully, don’t escalate, and definitely don’t rush into something that turns into a bigger mess.
Which brings us to Venezuela…
Question 3
Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro was captured in a U.S. military operation and Washington says it will oversee Venezuela’s oil industry for now. What best describes your opinion?
- 29 % Necessary—Maduro’s removal was essential for democracy and regional stability
- 23 % Overreach—this action violates sovereignty and stretches the Monroe Doctrine
- 40 % Mixed feelings—Maduro had to go, but U.S. control of Venezuela’s oil industry is troubling
- 7 % This will destabilize Latin America further
As the Poll suggests, this is a complex issue. The largest group landed right in the middle—agreeing Maduro needed to go, but uneasy about what comes next. Even supporters are side-eyeing the long-term implications.
From global geopolitics, the poll shifted back to Chicago.
Question 4
Chicago pride check—are we ready to OWN 2026? And what does our city need to truly thrive?
Rank from 1 to 3 (with 1 being the most urgent).
#1 Economic growth—jobs, investment, and opportunity for all
#2 Education—better schools and resources for the next generation
#3 Better transit—move like a world-class city
#4 Affordable housing—keeping Chicago livable for everyone
#5 More culture—music, art, and festivals that scream Chicago
#6 Green spaces—parks, trails, and fresh air for all
No surprises here. Respondents are focused on the basics: jobs, schools, and getting around. Culture and parks still matter. You can’t have a world-class city if people can’t afford to live or move in it.
That mindset showed up again in community priorities.
Question 5
Community matters—what’s your TOP community service goal for 2026? Where should Chicago put its heart and hands? (Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.)
- 25% Youth programs—mentorship, education, and safe spaces
- 13% Homelessness—housing and support for those in need
- 10% Neighborhood clean-ups—beautifying and restoring pride
- 8% Food security—feeding families and fighting hunger
- 2% Senior support—care and connection for older residents
- 42% Violence prevention—building safer communities
Public safety dominated this question, and the comments made the reasoning clear: nothing else really works if people don’t feel safe. Youth programs came in a strong second, with many respondents noting that prevention and mentorship go hand in hand.
Now our last question is a bit lighter. Chicagoans are proud that ‘Da Bears have made it into the playoffs for the first time since 2010, it has many Chicagoans hopeful that the team may be headed to …. the Super Bowl. We wanted to ask Chicago about this.
*The following question has been written and analyzed prior to the Chicago Bears loss to the Los Angeles Rams on January 18th.
Question 6
If the Chicago Bears make the Super Bowl in California, are you going?
- 2% Absolutely—I’d be there no matter what
- 18% Yes, if tickets and travel work out
- 24% No, but I’d host a big watch party
- 55% No—I’ll cheer from home
Chicago fans are loyal but also practical. Most respondents are watching from the couch (or hosting friends), not dropping Super Bowl money on flights and tickets. Looks like only time will tell if those Pollers need to book those flights to LA!
Something else unique to Chicago are the hundreds of top-tier restaurants. Every year those restaurants are celebrated during ‘Restaurant Week’ but lately many of those restaurants have closed. We wanted to ask Chicago their thoughts about the closures.
Question 7
Restaurant Week is back—but hundreds of Chicago restaurants have closed. Why?
- 64% Rising costs—rent, labor, and supplies are too expensive
- 7% Changing dining habits—more people cooking at home or ordering delivery
- 0% Competition—too many restaurants fighting for the same customers
- 19% Economic challenges—impact from inflation and slower recovery
- 9% Staffing shortages—hard to find and keep good employees
This one wasn’t even close. Rising costs are crushing restaurants, plain and simple. Restaurant Week helps, but it’s not enough to offset rent, labor, and supply prices that keep climbing.
The Takeaway
This month’s Power Poll paints a pretty clear picture: leaders heading into 2026 are focused on accountability, safety, and economic stability with a strong dose of realism baked in. Big problems, no easy answers… and a Bears fan base that knows when to stay home.
The Serafin Power Poll sponsored by Mercury Public Affairs captures the perspectives of regional decision-makers and thought leaders in the Chicago metropolitan area. While not a scientific survey, it offers a clear and insightful gauge of prevailing sentiments, much like a reliable weathervane tracking the direction of Chicago’s winds.
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