Illinois Primaries Show Political Power of Pritzker, Limits for Outside Spending and More Takeaways

Illinois primaries show political power of Pritzker, limits for outside spending and more takeaways

Illinois' heavily Democratic tilt means statewide candidates and those in the Chicago area and its suburbs are favored to win in November.

Pritzker–Bailey rematch: What’s different in the 2026 Illinois governor’s race

Bailey has shifted his approach in ways that could broaden his appeal in a Democratic-leaning state. Is it enough to beat Pritzker in November?

Illinois primary tees up Pritzker-Bailey rematch; Stratton wins Senate nod

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will face Republican Darren Bailey in November, setting up a rematch of the 2022 governor’s race, while Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. Pritzker, a Democrat seeking a third term, was unopposed in the primary. Bailey, a farmer from southern Illinois and former state lawmaker, won the Republican nomination after losing to Pritzker by 13 p…

Stratton vs. Tracy in Illinois U.S. Senate race, Bailey/Pritzker rematch for governor

Voters across the Land of Lincoln voted to nominate candidates for federal and state government offices, including the high-profile race for the U.S. Senate, in Tuesday’s Illinois Primary.

Election 2026: Pritzker To Face Bailey — Again, Stratton Wins Senate Primary And More

Early, unofficial numbers had voter turnout at about 25 percent. That's expected to rise somewhat as final vote-by-mail and provisional ballots come in.

Gov. Pritzker after primary election: 'This is the fight of our lives'

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker didn’t have any competition in the Illinois primary election, but now he knows his challenger for the November midterm. Speaking from a campaign event Tuesday night, Pritzker won an uncontested race to become the Democratic candidate for governor, but the night still held plenty of weight for the governor eyeing a possible presidential run. He is the first governor to seek a third term since the 1980s. “It has been a lo…