Gov. J.B. Pritzker is running for a third term as Illinois governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Elmhurst, Villa Park and Oakbrook Terrace residents will cast ballots in this statewide race. If elected, Pritzker would be the first Democrat ever elected to three terms as governor in Illinois history, according to NBC Chicago.
Pritzker, a Democrat, faces Republican Darren Bailey and independent Collin Corbett, according to BallotReady election data.
He is certified for the ballot.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: Illinois Governor
- Born: Jan. 19, 1965, in Palo Alto, California
- Education: High school diploma, Milton Academy; bachelor's degree in political science and government, Duke University (1987); juris doctor, Northwestern University (1993)
- Endorsements (claimed by endorsers): AFL-CIO; Citizen Action Illinois; Cook County Democrats; Chicago Federation of Labour; Equality IL; Personal PAC; Illinois NOW PAC; IBEW Local 134; IUOE Local 150; IUOE Local 399; Leadership Now Project; Jewish Democratic Council of America; United Hellenic Voters of America; St. Clair County Democrats; Gazette Chicago Editorial Board
Experience and public service
Pritzker was sworn in as the 43rd governor of Illinois on Jan. 14, 2019, according to the governor's office. He has held the office since then.
Before becoming governor, Pritzker founded and served as managing partner of Pritzker Group from 1996 to 2017, according to BallotReady. He founded 1871, a Chicago technology hub, in 2012.
Earlier in his career, Pritzker worked as a legislative staffer for U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos and U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon from 1987 to 1991, according to his BallotReady profile. He served as chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission from 2003 to 2006 and as chairman of ChicagoNEXT, the Chicago mayor's council on innovation and technology, starting in 2012. He was national co-chair of Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign.
On the issues
The positions below reflect statements Pritzker's campaign has made through CBS Chicago and his campaign website. They are the candidate's own claims.
Economy and affordability: Pritzker says he wants to tackle the affordability crisis by eliminating the state's sales tax on groceries, doubling the state's child tax credit and lowering prescription drug prices. He says increasing wages and supporting small businesses are keys to a strong economy across the state.
Federal policy: Pritzker says he is fighting to oppose President Trump's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, roll back climate protections and limit reproductive rights.
Reproductive rights: Pritzker's campaign says he has advanced equal pay, reproductive health, efforts to fight domestic violence and bodily autonomy.
Healthcare: Pritzker says he believes health care is a right, not a privilege. His campaign website lists expanding access to quality, affordable health care as a priority.
Public safety: Pritzker says protecting Illinois families is his most important job as governor.
Policy positions and candidate statements were drawn from the candidate's campaign website and responses compiled by BallotReady and CBS Chicago. The Elmhurst Beacon did not interview the candidate for this profile.
