Illinois 2026 GOP Governor Race: A Low-Key Contest with Familiar Faces
As Illinois Governor JB Pritzker seeks a third term, the Republican primary to challenge him is shaping up to be a markedly different affair than the high-spending, crowded 2022 race. Four candidates – Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner, and James Mendrick – are vying for the nomination, but with significantly less financial backing and a lower profile.
A Rematch for Bailey?
Darren Bailey, a downstate farmer and former state lawmaker, is seeking a rematch against Pritzker after losing to him by nearly 13 percentage points in 2022. He received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in his 2022 bid, but has attempted to distance himself from the former president this cycle, stating, “I am Darren Bailey and I am running for governor of Illinois alone, without any outside influence other than what exists here within this state.” Chicago Tribune
Despite personal tragedy – the loss of his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in a helicopter crash last October – Bailey has remained in the race, leaning on his faith. Chicago Sun-Times
A Shift in Funding
The financial landscape of the 2026 primary is drastically different from 2022. The $100 million spent in the previous cycle, including $35 million from Governor Pritzker to influence the Republican primary, is absent this year. Chicago Tribune Major donors like Citadel founder Ken Griffin, who spent $50 million in 2022, and Richard Uihlein, who contributed $18 million, have significantly reduced their involvement. Uihlein has contributed a comparatively modest $250,000 to Ted Dabrowski’s campaign. Chicago Tribune Pritzker has also delayed his reelection advertising, not airing his first ad until 19 days before the March 17 primary. Chicago Tribune
The Other Contenders
Ted Dabrowski, a former president of the conservative Wirepoints activist organization, frames the race as needing to fix Illinois’ problems independently of federal intervention. Chicago Tribune He has proposed using executive orders to revoke the TRUST Act and the SAFE-T Act, a legally dubious claim. Chicago Tribune
Rick Heidner, a real estate developer and video gambling firm owner, has faced scrutiny over past business ties, including connections to individuals with alleged mob affiliations. Chicago Tribune He has contributed to both Republican and Democratic campaigns, including donations to former Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Chicago Tribune
James Mendrick, DuPage County Sheriff, has taken the most combustible rhetoric on immigration, at times echoing the debunked “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory. Chicago Tribune He has also threatened to use the state police against Pritzker if elected, alleging illegal diversion of tax revenue. Chicago Tribune
Key Issues
All four candidates align with Donald Trump’s immigration policies, supporting deportation efforts and blaming the state’s sanctuary status for issues with federal immigration enforcement. Chicago Tribune They also pledge to repeal the TRUST Act. Property taxes are also a unifying issue, though none have presented a fully funded plan to address them. Chicago Tribune
A poll released by WGN-TV in January 2026 showed Darren Bailey with a significant lead, garnering 34% of the vote, while Ted Dabrowski received 8%. Illinois Review