The counties surrounding Chicago have been reliably Republican for most of the last century. But that could be shifting as demographics change and political boundaries move. WBEZ’s Becky Vevea talks with reporters Carrie Shepherd and Dave McKinney to understand what is happening in some key suburban areas and why it matters for the future of politics in the region. 

Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week’s big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.