Who is running for Illinois governor in 2026? Democrat JB Pritzker faces rematch with Republican Darren Bailey. – CBS News

Who is running for Illinois governor in 2026? Democrat JB Pritzker faces rematch with Republican Darren Bailey.  CBS News

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is running for reelection in 2026, seeking to become the first Democrat ever elected to a third term in office in this state. After running unopposed in the Democratic primary, he's facing a rematch with Republican Darren Bailey, whom Pritzker defeated in the 2022 election. Independent candidate Collin Corbett also is running for governor.Here's who is on the ballot for the general election on Nov. 3Who is the incumbent, JB Pritzker?Pritzker is in his second term as governor and has long been an outspoken critic of President Trump, fueling speculation that the billionaire governor will run for president in 2028. Pritzker has repeatedly declined to say if he is running for president in 2028, saying he's happy as governor and focused on Illinois.The governor touts his efforts make Illinois more affordable by eliminating the state's sales tax on groceries, doubling the state's child tax credit, and lowering prescription drug prices in Illinois.

He also highlights his fight to oppose President Trump's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, roll back protections against climate change, and limit reproductive rights.Pritzker has a new running mate in the 2026 election, with deputy governor Christian Mitchell replacing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on the ballot, as Stratton is now running for the U.S. Senate.Mitchell, who served three terms as an Illinois