Illinois General Election · November 3, 2026 · General Election
The 2026 Illinois governor’s race is a rematch between Democratic incumbent JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey, who lost to Pritzker by 13 points in 2022. Independent candidate Gary Pierce is also on the ballot. The general election is November 3, 2026.
The Candidates
JB Pritzker — Democrat
Running mate: Christian Mitchell
Background: Billionaire businessman and heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune. Serving his second term as governor. Won in 2018 (+15.6%) and 2022 (+12.5%).
Campaign focus: Affordability, reproductive rights, clean energy, opposing Trump administration policies.
Darren Bailey — Republican
Running mate: Aaron Del Mar
Background: Downstate farmer and former state senator from southern Illinois. Lost to Pritzker in 2022. Running a repositioned, affordability-focused campaign.
Campaign focus: Property tax relief, repealing the SAFE-T Act, cutting state spending, immigration enforcement.
Quick Voter Summary
- Property taxes: Both candidates say taxes are too high. Pritzker wants to increase state education funding to relieve local property taxes. Bailey wants to cut and cap property taxes directly.
- Public safety: Pritzker supports the SAFE-T Act which eliminated cash bail. Bailey wants to repeal it entirely.
- Immigration: Pritzker has resisted federal ICE operations in Illinois. Bailey supports stricter immigration enforcement and opposes sanctuary laws.
- Energy: Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act phasing out carbon energy by 2045. Bailey wants to repeal the zero-emissions mandate calling it too costly.
- Abortion: Pritzker has pledged to protect abortion access in Illinois. Bailey has softened his opposition noting state law provides strong protections.
Issue-by-Issue Comparison
| Issue | Pritzker (D) | Bailey (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy & Taxes | Eliminated state grocery tax, doubled child tax credit, lowered prescription drug prices. Wants to increase state education funding to reduce local property taxes. | Wants to cut and cap property taxes, reduce utility bills, and establish a DOGE-style program to cut state government spending. |
| Public Safety | Supports the SAFE-T Act eliminating cash bail. Focuses on systemic reforms alongside law enforcement investment. | Wants to repeal the SAFE-T Act and restore stricter bail policies. Running on a strong law-and-order platform. |
| Immigration | Has resisted federal ICE operations in Illinois. Established the Illinois Accountability Commission to document potential federal overreach. | Supports stricter immigration enforcement and opposes sanctuary laws. Has opposed federal ICE operations specifically in Cook County. |
| Energy & Environment | Signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act phasing out carbon-emitting power by 2045. Strong clean energy record. | Wants to repeal the zero-emissions energy mandate arguing it drives up energy costs for Illinois residents. |
| Reproductive Rights | Pledged to protect abortion access in Illinois. Has framed Bailey as a threat to reproductive rights. | Has softened his abortion rhetoric this cycle noting state law provides strong protections he has limited ability to change. |
| Minimum Wage | Raised minimum wage from $8.25 to $15 per hour. Supports maintaining or building on this increase. | Has not made minimum wage a central campaign issue. Pritzker has accused Bailey of wanting to lower the minimum wage. |
Key Facts
- Election date: November 3, 2026
- Primary completed: March 17, 2026
- 2022 result: Pritzker defeated Bailey 55% to 42%
- Term limits: Illinois has no gubernatorial term limits
- Historic note: A Pritzker win would make him the first Democrat elected to three consecutive terms as Illinois governor
Voter Resources
Register to vote or confirm your registration at the Illinois State Board of Elections at ilsos.gov. Early voting and mail-in ballot options are available. General election: November 3, 2026.
Content on this page is sourced from official campaign websites, public statements, and verified news reporting. WhereTheyStandUSA.org is a nonpartisan voter information resource and does not endorse any candidate. Last updated: April 2026.