Illinois election 2026: Key races for governor, Senate, Congress and Chicago school board – FOX 32 Chicago

Illinois election 2026: Key races for governor, Senate, Congress and Chicago school board  FOX 32 Chicago

Illinois voters are heading to the polls in an election that could shape the state’s political future for years to come, from who leads Springfield to who represents the state in Washington and how Chicago’s public schools are governed. CHICAGO – Illinois voters are heading to the polls in an election that could shape the state’s political future for years to come, from who leads Springfield to who represents the state in Washington and how Chicago’s public schools are governed. While several races appear largely decided, others have drawn significant spending, political controversy and questions about the next generation of leadership. Gov. JB Pritzker is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term in modern Illinois politics, facing Republican Darren Bailey in a rematch of their 2022 contest.

The U.S. Senate race is another contest to watch as Democratic Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton seeks to succeed longtime Sen. Dick Durbin, who is retiring. In Chicago, voters face a historic decision over the leadership of the city’s public schools. For the first time, the entire Chicago Board of Education will be elected, with a closely watched presidential race drawing millions of dollars in political spending and sharp disagreements over school funding, enrollment and the possibility of closing under-enrolled schools. The congressional race to succeed U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia in the 4th District