Illinois Election Endorsements and Turnout Strategy
President Donald Trump issued an Illinois-focused get-out-the-vote directive on social media, endorsing four Republican candidates while omitting Don Tracy in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The October social media posts urged voters to swamp the electorate with massive turnout and cast ballots by mail or in-person before early voting concludes.
The endorsements include Darren Bailey for governor, alongside U.S. House incumbents Mike Bost in the 12th Congressional District, Mary Miller in the 15th district, and Darin LaHood in the 16th district. Trump previously backed Bailey during the 2022 gubernatorial cycle, where Democratic incumbent JB Pritzker secured victory by more than 500,000 votes. Bailey launched a week-long tour starting in downstate communities including Effingham, Salem, Marion, and Collinsville. Pritzker countered the Republican momentum by appearing at a Democratic get-out-the-vote event in Springfield alongside U.S. Dick Durbin and Lieutenant Juliana Stratton.
U.S. Senate Race Dynamics and Omission of Don Tracy
The primary endorsement list notably excluded Don Tracy, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat. Tracy faces Democratic Lieutenant Juliana Stratton in a race where national prognosticators including RealClearPolitics and the Cook Political Report classify the contest as safely within the Democratic column. Tracy previously stated at the Illinois State Fair over the summer that he would welcome the president’s endorsement though he was not actively seeking it, according to Capitol News Illinois.
TO THE GREAT PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS, GET OUT AND VOTE FOR: – Darren Bailey for Governor – Mike Bost for U.S. Congress (IL-12)– Mary Miller for U.S. Congress (IL-15)– Darin LaHood for U.S. Congress (IL-16) These Great Patriots have my Complete and Total Endorsement — They will…
No Republican has won a statewide election in Illinois since former Bruce Rauner secured victory in 2014. Nonpartisan election forecasters view the gubernatorial contest and all 14 Democratic congressional seats as solid holds for the incumbent party, alongside the three Republican-held U.S. House seats in downstate districts.
Early Voting Deadlines and Fuel Price Pressures
Voters in Illinois can cast early ballots in person through November 2, with the president explicitly urging supporters to utilize mail-in voting methods. Simultaneously, economic factors impacted the state as average regular unleaded fuel prices reached $4.89 per gallon, marking a 22-cent increase over a single week according to AAA data. The surge stemmed from operational issues at the BP refinery in Joliet following a previous September power outage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Illinois Midterms
Who did Donald Trump endorse in the Illinois 2026 midterm elections?
Trump endorsed Darren Bailey for governor and three Republican U.S. House members: Mike Bost, Mary Miller, and Darin LaHood. The list left off U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy.
Thank you, Mr. President.
What is the status of early voting in Illinois?
In-person early voting runs through November 2, with the president urging mail-in ballot returns immediately.
How are forecasters rating the Illinois gubernatorial and Senate races?
Both the Cook Political Report and RealClearPolitics categorize the governor’s race and the open U.S. Senate seat as solid Democrat.
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