2026 State Politics and Policy Conference
The 250th anniversary of American independence offers a moment to reflect on how the states have shaped—and been shaped by—two and a half centuries of democratic development. We invite paper submissions that examine where we have been and where we are now in the study and practice of state politics, including work on institutions, representation, policy innovation, federal–state relations, political behavior, and the evolving challenges facing state governments. By looking backward to assess enduring legacies and forward to envision new paths, this conference aims to foster a scholarly dialogue about the role of the states in sustaining and advancing American democracy for the next 250 years.
Where: Loyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus -- 111 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
When: Thursday, June 4th - Saturday June 6th
Sponsored by the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the UIC Dept. of Political Science, Loyola College of Arts and Sciences, the Loyola Dept. of Political Science, the Institute for Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois, and the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Contact email: statepolitics2026@gmail.com
Organizers:
- Eric Hansen
- G. Agustin Markarian
- Alexandra Filindra
Registration and Submission Information
The deadline for proposal submissions has passed.
Presenters, non-presenting co-authors, section members, and invited guests should register for the conference by filling out the following form: https://luc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5njDlvjsTr7mZ26
Transportation Information
Chicago offers excellent public transit options! From O’Hare International Airport, take the Blue Line train downtown (into the Loop) and transfer to the Red Line. From Midway Airport, ride the Orange Line downtown (into the Loop) and then transfer to the Red Line. In both cases, get off at the Chicago & State stop on the Red Line, which is just a short walk to The Whitehall Hotel. Taxis and ride-shares are also available at both airports, with travel times typically 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
For those driving, The Whitehall Hotel offers convenient on-site paid parking at $56 per day. Other parking options at lower costs may be available at lower cost via Parking.com or SpotHero.com.
SPPC 2026 Preliminary Program
Access the preliminary program here: SPPC 2026 Preliminary Program
SPPC 2026 Schedule of Events at a Glance
Thursday, June 4
5:00 pm – Meet at Navy Pier
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Reception on Water Cruise (Warning: participants arriving late will be unable to join unless they are up for a long swim.)
Friday, June 5
Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 am
Panel Session 1 9:00 – 10:30 am
Panel Session 2 10:45 am –12:15 pm
Lunch 12:15 – 1:45 pm
Panel Session 3 1:45 – 3:15 pm
Panel Session 4 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Poster Session & Reception 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Dinner & Awards 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Saturday, June 6
Breakfast & Business Meeting 8:30 – 9:30 am
Panel Session 5 9:30 – 11:00 am
Panel Session 6 11:15 am – 12:45 pm
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago has plenty to do, eat, and drink from delicious street food to top of the line museums. Here are some of our favorites:
Entertainment
Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Link – A guided 90-minute cruise on the Chicago River that highlights the city’s iconic buildings and architectural history. A perfect option in case you did not get enough time on a boat in Chicago with the reception!
Chicago History Museum – Link – A museum exploring Chicago’s story and its role in American history through dynamic exhibitions. Its really cool and pretty close to the conference hotel.
Field Museum – Link – One of the world’s great natural history museums, showcasing ancient cultures, fossils, and scientific discoveries. A bit further from the hotel, but well worth it.
Art Institute of Chicago – Link – A world-renowned fine arts museum located downtown (a short ride/taxi away) noted for its Impressionist, modern, and contemporary collections. Some say its the best art museum in the US!
Food
Lou Malnati’s – Link – Classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza legend near the conference hotel.
Sushi‑San – Link – Delicious, trendy Japanese joint with fresh sushi and grilled plates. Some of the best sushi I have had in the US.
Portillo’s – Link – Iconic Chicago spot for Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs, and chocolate cake. Pretty cheap too!
Quartino Ristorante – Link – More of a lively Italian spot offering small plates and house-made pastas. It also open late-night!
Drinks
Spin Chicago – Link – Want to be remembered at the best State Politics and Policy ping-pong player? Great spot to challenge a colleague to a game over a few drinks in downtown Chicago.
Starbucks Reserve® Chicago Roastery – Link – The world-largest Starbucks location on Michigan Avenue. Yes, its a Starbucks, but its a cool Starbucks.
Café Crème – Link – Need a quite place to finish up those slides? This spot near the hotel is a relaxing spot with great coffee or pastries.
The Berkshire Room – Link – Fancy-pants craft-cocktail lounge in River North known for its “Dealer’s Choice” bespoke drink experience.
State Politics at 250 Years of Independence
Hosted by Loyola University Chicago and the University of Illinois Chicago
The 250th anniversary of American independence offers a moment to reflect on how the states have shaped—and been shaped by—two and a half centuries of democratic development. We invite paper submissions that examine where we have been and where we are now in the study and practice of state politics, including work on institutions, representation, policy innovation, federal–state relations, political behavior, and the evolving challenges facing state governments. By looking backward to assess enduring legacies and forward to envision new paths, this conference aims to foster a scholarly dialogue about the role of the states in sustaining and advancing American democracy for the next 250 years.
Where: Loyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus -- 111 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
When: Thursday, June 4th - Saturday June 6th
Sponsored by the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the UIC Dept. of Political Science, Loyola College of Arts and Sciences, the Loyola Dept. of Political Science, the Institute for Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois, and the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Contact email: statepolitics2026@gmail.com
Organizers:
- Eric Hansen
- G. Agustin Markarian
- Alexandra Filindra
Registration and Submission Information
The deadline for proposal submissions has passed.
Presenters, non-presenting co-authors, section members, and invited guests should register for the conference by filling out the following form: https://luc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5njDlvjsTr7mZ26
Conference Hotel
There is a room block at The Whitehall Hotel, offering an affordable 4-star hotel option, a five-minute walk from the conference. Discounted rates are no longer available.
Transportation Information
Chicago offers excellent public transit options! From O’Hare International Airport, take the Blue Line train downtown (into the Loop) and transfer to the Red Line. From Midway Airport, ride the Orange Line downtown (into the Loop) and then transfer to the Red Line. In both cases, get off at the Chicago & State stop on the Red Line, which is just a short walk to The Whitehall Hotel. Taxis and ride-shares are also available at both airports, with travel times typically 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
For those driving, The Whitehall Hotel offers convenient on-site paid parking at $56 per day. Other parking options at lower costs may be available at lower cost via Parking.com or SpotHero.com.
SPPC 2026 Preliminary Program
Access the preliminary program here: SPPC 2026 Preliminary Program
SPPC 2026 Schedule of Events at a Glance
Thursday, June 4
5:00 pm – Meet at Navy Pier
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Reception on Water Cruise (Warning: participants arriving late will be unable to join unless they are up for a long swim.)
Friday, June 5
Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 am
Panel Session 1 9:00 – 10:30 am
Panel Session 2 10:45 am –12:15 pm
Lunch 12:15 – 1:45 pm
Panel Session 3 1:45 – 3:15 pm
Panel Session 4 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Poster Session & Reception 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Dinner & Awards 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Saturday, June 6
Breakfast & Business Meeting 8:30 – 9:30 am
Panel Session 5 9:30 – 11:00 am
Panel Session 6 11:15 am – 12:45 pm
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago has plenty to do, eat, and drink from delicious street food to top of the line museums. Here are some of our favorites:
Entertainment
Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Link – A guided 90-minute cruise on the Chicago River that highlights the city’s iconic buildings and architectural history. A perfect option in case you did not get enough time on a boat in Chicago with the reception!
Chicago History Museum – Link – A museum exploring Chicago’s story and its role in American history through dynamic exhibitions. Its really cool and pretty close to the conference hotel.
Field Museum – Link – One of the world’s great natural history museums, showcasing ancient cultures, fossils, and scientific discoveries. A bit further from the hotel, but well worth it.
Art Institute of Chicago – Link – A world-renowned fine arts museum located downtown (a short ride/taxi away) noted for its Impressionist, modern, and contemporary collections. Some say its the best art museum in the US!
Food
Lou Malnati’s – Link – Classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza legend near the conference hotel.
Sushi‑San – Link – Delicious, trendy Japanese joint with fresh sushi and grilled plates. Some of the best sushi I have had in the US.
Portillo’s – Link – Iconic Chicago spot for Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs, and chocolate cake. Pretty cheap too!
Quartino Ristorante – Link – More of a lively Italian spot offering small plates and house-made pastas. It also open late-night!
Drinks
Spin Chicago – Link – Want to be remembered at the best State Politics and Policy ping-pong player? Great spot to challenge a colleague to a game over a few drinks in downtown Chicago.
Starbucks Reserve® Chicago Roastery – Link – The world-largest Starbucks location on Michigan Avenue. Yes, its a Starbucks, but its a cool Starbucks.
Café Crème – Link – Need a quite place to finish up those slides? This spot near the hotel is a relaxing spot with great coffee or pastries.
The Berkshire Room – Link – Fancy-pants craft-cocktail lounge in River North known for its “Dealer’s Choice” bespoke drink experience.