Chicago Weighs Faith, Politics, and the Cost of Daily Life 

As summer begins to wind down, Chicago’s civic and political conversations are showing no signs of slowing with questions surrounding politics, government accountability and the everyday pressures facing residents. Also, the possibility of a hometown pope returning to Chicago has offered a distinctly local point of excitement. This month’s Power Poll asks civic, business and community leaders to weigh in on the issues shaping public life and personal priorities across the region.

1 – If Pope Leo XIV were to visit Chicago for a special public event or mass in 2027, would you attend?

25% – Definitely yes 

25% – Probably yes 

21% – Probably no 

12% – Definitely no 

17% – Depends on time and location 

 

The prospect of Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV hosting a Mass or event in the city generated considerable interest among our Power Poll respondents. A combined 50% indicated that they would be inclined to attend, while 17% said their decision would depend on the event’s time and location. The remaining 33% expressed less interest in attending, with 21% saying they probably would not attend a 12% saying they definitely would not.  

2 – A new Washington Post–Ipsos poll found that only 39% of all American voters would consider voting for a presidential candidate who identifies as a Democratic Socialist. 55% would not. How would you have answered that question?

31% – Yes, I’d consider voting for a Democratic Socialist 

60% – No, I would not consider voting for a Democratic Socialist 

9% – Unsure 

Our Power Pollers mirrored opinions of the Washington Post respondents with the majority of our respondents answering that they would not consider voting for a candidate described as a Democratic Socialist. While the 60% majority are opposed to supporting a Democratic Socialist, over 30% of respondents answered that they would, in fact, consider supporting a more left leaning candidate. Although 9% of our pollers remain unsure, the results suggest a continued divide within the Democratic party, and the types of candidates voters would consider supporting.  

3 – Controversy has erupted in the Illinois House of Representatives over how it handles complaints of sexual misconduct involving elected officials and staff. How would you rate the current process in the Illinois House for receiving, reviewing, and acting on those complaints?

1% – Very effective 

2% – Somewhat effective 

27% – Needs improvement 

64% – Needs significant improvement 

6% – Unsure 

A plurality of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current Illinois House process for receiving, reviewing, and addressing allegations of sexual misconduct involving elected officials and staff. Overall, 91% of respondents indicated that the process needs improvement. However, there is a slight variation regarding the amount of improvement the process needs, with 27% saying the process needs some improvement and 64% saying it requires significant improvement. By contrast, fewer than 3% of respondents viewed the current process for handling sexual misconduct as effective.  

4 – Indiana has suspended its state gas tax, saving drivers approximately 60 cents per gallon. Illinois continues to collect fuel taxes to support transportation funding. Would you support or oppose Illinois adopting a similar temporary gas tax suspension?

46% – Strongly support 

19% – Somewhat support 

9% – Somewhat opposed 

19% – Strongly opposed 

7% – Unsure 

With Indiana suspending its state gas tax, our Power Pollers show considerable interest in Illinois following suit. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, 65%, strongly or somewhat support a temporary suspension, including 46% who strongly support the idea. By comparison, 28% are opposed and just 7% remain unsure. The results suggest that immediate relief at the pump holds strong appeal, even as Illinois relies on fuel taxes to support transportation funding. For respondents weighing those competing priorities, lowering costs for drivers appears to carry greater urgency. 

5 – Which three of the following would most improve your quality of life right now?

• More financial security 

• Less stress and anxiety 

• A better work-life balance  

• Feeling safer in my community  

• More time with family and friends 

• Better health 

• A stronger relationship or marriage  

• Other  

• Stronger religious faith  

• Finding love  

• Unsure 

Please choose 3 and rank in order, with 1 being the most important: 

1st: More financial security 

2nd: Less stress and anxiety 

3rd: More time with family and friends 

When asked what would most improve their quality of life, our Power Pollers put financial security at the top of the list, followed by less stress and anxiety and more time with family and friends. Better health and work-life balance followed behind those top three priorities. Taken together, the rankings paint a picture that extends beyond finances alone. Economic stability may lead the list, but respondents are also placing considerable value on reducing day-to-day pressure and having more time for the people closest to them. 

The Takeaway 

This month’s Power Poll moves between some of Chicago’s biggest public conversations and concerns that are much closer to home. The possibility of Pope Leo XIV returning to Chicago generated considerable enthusiasm, while questions about Democratic Socialism and the handling of sexual misconduct complaints revealed sharper political and institutional divides. On pocketbook issues, respondents were much more aligned, with nearly two-thirds supporting a temporary Illinois gas tax suspension and financial security ranking as the top factor that would improve their quality of life. 

Taken together, the results suggest Chicago’s decision-makers are thinking about institutions and everyday life through a similar lens: what is working, what needs to change, and what would make life a little better. Whether that means greater accountability in Springfield, relief at the gas pump, or simply less stress and more time with family and friends, this month’s responses point toward a desire for greater stability and confidence, both in public life and at 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.