Graphic by Logan McQuaid, Graphic Design Intern
By Jonah Marshall, Staff Writer
Prepare for the onslaught of political ads just beginning to ramp up as the Illinois primary is just seven weeks away. There are several offices that are up for election in 2026, and The Glacier is starting a series on election coverage to inform our readers of what is at stake this year.
Graphic by Logan McQuaid, Graphic Design Intern
The Candidates
Governor JB Pritzker is running for an unopposed third term. There are four Republicans running to unseat him. The Governor is the chief executive of the state.
A Democratic Governor has never won three consecutive terms in Illinois. JB Pritzker is currently the longest serving Democrat Governor at two consecutive terms. Jim Thompson was the longest-serving Illinois Governor at 14 years, serving the State from 1977 until 1991.
When is the election
The Illinois primary will be held on March 17, 2026. Early voting and vote by mail will start on February 17.
What is a primary and why is it important
A primary is when you pick your party’s nominee to face the other party’s nominee in the November general election.
A primary is a way to make your voice heard on your satisfaction or dissatisfaction on who is the face of your party or who you want to represent your party going forward. Primaries also narrow the field of candidates to one from each major party. Only Democrat and Republican primaries are held, and a voter in Illinois must declare either Democrat or Repbulican to select the primary ballot at the polling place. The Illinois primary is considered closed as a result. Voters who consider themselves Independent may vote in the primary, but again, must choose either a Democrat or Republican ballot.
Who is running for the Democratic nomination
- Current Governor JB Pritzker
Governor Pritzker is running for a third term as Governor. Pritzker has marked the last year of his term by being a fierce critic of President Trump, most notably on Trump’s immigration crackdown and use of the National Guard. Pritzker called Trump’s use of the National Guard illegal in the past, and the State of Illinois sued the federal goernment over the issue.
Pritzker has also fired back against Trump’s support of ICE agents in Illinois. “They’re the ones who are tossing tear gas when people are peacefully protesting. ICE is the one who’s going into neighborhoods where they, frankly, are causing fear among people who live in those neighborhoods, work in those neighborhoods, so they need to back off,” Pritzker said back in October.
Pritzker has also signed two controversial bills into law recently: the “Clean Slate Act” and the “Medical Aid in Dying” Bill. He is also expected to face push back from his Republican challenger over speculation that he will resign his third term and run for President in 2028.
Pritzker, according to his campaign website, is running for a third term to continue to tackle the affordability crisis. He also has a new running mate as Lieutenant Governor, Christian Mitchell who is a former State Representative and Deputy Governor to Pritizker. His current Lt. Governonr, Juliana Stratton, is running for US Senate to replace retiring Senator, Dick Durbin. Pritzker last won election in 2022 by a 54.9% to 42.3% over Republican Darren Bailey.
For more information go to Pritzker’s campaign website
Who is running for the Republican nomination.
- Darren Bailey
Darren Bailey is a farmer and former Illinois state house member and state Senator serving from 2020-2023, and was the Republican nominee for Governor in 2022. His campaign was marked by criticism over a comment related to abortion where he made an unsavory comparison to the Holocaust.
Bailey also recently lost four of his family members in a helicopter crash in October of 2024. He was endorsed by President Trump during his last run for Governor.
Policy Initiatives: Bailey according to his campaign website is a strong supporter of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) the organization formerly run by Elon Musk to cut Government waste for the Trump administration. The department closed in 2025. HIs running mate is Aaron Del Mar, an entrepreneur and former councilman for the village of Palatine.
Bailey is the front runner in the Republican primary polls by over 20 points. For more information go to Darren Bailey’s campaign website.
- Ted Dabrowski
Dabrowski is the leader of a conservative organization called Wirepoints.org and was also the vice President for Illinois Policy Institute. He has also raised $1.2 million.
Policy inititives: cutting property taxes, repealing the state’s renewable energy initatives and zero emmision policies, repeal sactuary laws and the SAFE-T ACT, veto any DEI initatives and a 1 percent property tax cap according to his campaign website.
Running mate: Carrie Mendoza, a physician.
- James Mendrick
Mendrick is the current Sheriff for Western Dupage county. Mendrick has made lowering the crime rate a top priority.
Policy inititives: repealing the SAFE-T Act and cutting taxes for busineses, work with ICE to tackle immigration, expand on rehabilitation programs for prisoners.
Running mate: Robert Renteria, an author and army veteran.
For more information go to Mendrick’s campaign website
- Rick Heidner
Heidner is a real estate developer and company founder of a video game tycoon.
Heidner recently had to apologize to Republicans for having donated to Democratic campaigns for people such as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle.
Policy inititives: propose two term limit for Governor, supports school vouchers that give families a choice in their child’s education, repeal the SAFE-T ACT.
Running mate: Christina Neitzke-Troike, current mayor of Homer Glen and Moraine Valley graduate.
For more information go to Heidner’s campaign website
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