You Won’t Believe Who’s Throwing Their Hat in the Ring for Illinois Governor—2026 Could Change Everything!

Staff

3 months ago · Updated 3 months ago

As Illinois gears up for the 2026 gubernatorial election, current Governor JB Pritzker is aiming to make history. If he wins reelection, he will become the first Democrat to serve three consecutive terms in this state. Pritzker is currently running unopposed in the Democratic primary, but several Republicans are preparing to challenge him in the general election scheduled for November.

With the primary elections set for March 17, here's a closer look at the candidates vying for the governor's office in Illinois.

The Democratic Candidate

At the helm of the Democratic side is Governor JB Pritzker, who has recently appointed Christian Mitchell as his running mate, replacing former Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who is now pursuing a seat in the U.S. Senate. Pritzker’s administration has focused on making Illinois more affordable, including measures such as eliminating the state's sales tax on groceries, doubling the child tax credit, and pushing for lower prescription drug prices.

In defending his tenure, Pritzker highlights his opposition to President Trump's policies that would have dismantled vital institutions like the Department of Education, reversed progress on climate change, and restricted reproductive rights. Meanwhile, Mitchell, who has served as a deputy governor since 2019 and previously spent three terms as an Illinois state representative, champions initiatives aimed at expanding clean energy and banning assault weapons.

For more information, visit jbpritzker.com.

On the Republican side, several candidates are stepping up, including Darren Bailey, who previously lost to Pritzker in the 2022 general election. This time, he has partnered with Aaron Del Mar, the Cook County Republican Party Chairman, replacing conservative radio host Stephanie Trussell. Bailey, a farmer and founder of a private Christian school, gained notoriety during the COVID-19 pandemic for his vocal opposition to Pritzker's executive orders requiring masks.

Bailey's campaign is centered on reducing taxes and government spending while also addressing public safety issues, particularly voicing criticism of the SAFE-T Act, which abolished cash bail in Illinois. Del Mar brings his experience as an entrepreneur and former village councilman in Palatine to the ticket, having previously run for lieutenant governor.

For further details, check out baileyforillinois.com.

Other Republican contenders include:

Ted Dabrowski, a newcomer to public office, previously led the conservative research group Wirepoints. He aims to audit state spending, cap property taxes, and repeal laws protecting undocumented immigrants. His running mate, Dr. Carrie Mendoza, is an emergency medicine physician opposing recent legislation allowing terminally ill patients to seek assistance in ending their lives.

Rick Heidner, a real estate developer and owner of Gold Rush Gaming, prioritizes property tax relief and improving the state's business environment. His running mate, Christina Neitzke-Troike, is the mayor of Homer Glen and has a solid track record in local governance.

Lastly, James Mendrick, the DuPage County Sheriff, also seeks to repeal the SAFE-T Act and audits of state agencies to improve efficiency. His partner, Dr. Robert Renteria, a U.S. Army veteran and nonprofit chairman, is committed to educational outreach for at-risk youth.

For more information about Dabrowski, visit tedforillinois.com; for Heidner, see rickforillinois.com; and for Mendrick, go to mendrick4governor2026.com.

As the election approaches, the stakes are high in Illinois, and voters will soon have the opportunity to weigh the candidates' visions for the future of the state. Whether it's Pritzker's efforts to maintain his office or the Republican challengers' promises for change, the upcoming election will undoubtedly shape the narrative for Illinois politics in the years ahead.