Several Illinois counties are investigating the potential adjustment of the Iowa-Illinois border, with plans to join the Hawkeye State. A bill currently before the Iowa Legislature proposes forming a committee to examine whether transferring one or more Illinois counties along the Mississippi River would align better with Iowa’s interests.
Earl Thompson, owner of Galena Roasters, noted that “a lot of stuff really does match Iowa more than Illinois.” Property taxes and representation in state government have emerged as key drivers for the boundary adjustment proposal.
The legislation, House File 2141 introduced by Rep. Taylor Collins (R-Mediapolis), would establish an “Iowa-Illinois boundary adjustment committee” to assess potential shifts. Collins emphasized his district’s proximity to both the Mississippi River and the border, stating: “As somebody that represents really a district that’s right along the border and along the Mississippi River, I know many folks on both sides of the river… They would love to be Iowa residents.”
The proposal follows Indiana’s recent move in 2025 when Gov. Mike Braun signed legislation creating a commission to explore annexing parts of Illinois after over 30 Illinois counties voted on nonbinding referendums seeking separation from Chicago-led Democratic governance. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker previously criticized Indiana’s effort as a “stunt.”
A similar initiative during Iowa’s last legislative session aimed to secure nine southern Minnesota counties but stalled in subcommittee. The current bill has yet to be considered by the legislature, and even if signed into law, it would require concurrent action from Illinois lawmakers.
