Pritzker vs. Bailey: What to know about the 2026 Illinois governor race
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Gov. JB Pritzker (L) and Darren Bailey at the Illinois State Fair in August. Photos: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
The race for the governor's mansion is in its final month, and Democrats and Republicans are ramping up their attacks.
Why it matters: Gov. JB Pritzker is seeking a third term that would further cement Democratic control in Springfield, while Republican Darren Bailey is promising a sharp change in direction.
Context: Pritzker and Bailey are facing off for the second time. Pritzker defeated Bailey by nearly 13 percentage points in 2022.
- Independent Collin Corbett is also on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The latest: In a blow to Republicans, former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin announced he's backing Pritzker, crossing party lines to oppose Bailey.
What they're saying: "Bailey stands for exclusion over inclusion, and his politics are of subtraction over addition," Durkin said in a Pritzker campaign video. "Frankly, he cannot be trusted to lead our state."
The other side: Republicans quickly dismissed Durkin as part of the GOP's old guard.
- "Jim Durkin says he wants a stronger Republican Party, then endorses JB Pritzker," Republican lieutenant governor candidate Aaron Del Mar tells Axios. "That's surrender dressed up as leadership."
State of play: Bailey and Del Mar are hammering Pritzker over taxes, public safety and corruption. They argue his eight years in office have made Illinois less affordable for working families.
Zoom in: President Trump endorsed Bailey last month, giving Pritzker an immediate line of attack.
- Pritzker has spent heavily, portraying Bailey as too conservative for Illinois, particularly on social issues.
- The campaign also ties Bailey closely to Trump, who has lost Illinois by double digits three times.
Yes, but: Bailey has tried to keep some distance from Trump, saying after the endorsement that "that's not what this race is about."
Between the lines: Trump is looming over both campaigns. Bailey has to energize Trump's Republican base while winning suburban voters who rejected him four years ago.
- Pritzker, meanwhile, has increasingly used the race to attack Trump as he continues to fuel speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run.
Where they differ: Bailey is campaigning on cutting state spending, tougher criminal justice and greater cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Pritzker is defending his fiscal record while emphasizing abortion rights, gun restrictions, clean energy and opposition to the Trump administration.
The bottom line: Illinois voters are getting a rematch — but this time, Trump and the future direction of both state parties are playing an even bigger role.