Illinois primary election day 2026: Darren Bailey projected to win Republican primary for governor to challenge JB Pritzker

Darren Bailey is anticipated to secure the Republican nomination for Illinois Governor, positioning him for a November showdown with the incumbent, Governor JB Pritzker.

Stay tuned for the latest updates. Here is a summary of earlier developments.

Former State Senator Darren Bailey is making another run for the Republican nomination in the Illinois governor’s race. This comes four years after his previous defeat by Governor JB Pritzker.

Bailey is competing against several challengers, including Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner, and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

On Tuesday afternoon, Bailey gathered with his wife and campaign team for a moment of prayer at the Crowne Plaza Hotel ballroom in Springfield. This followed a review of his plans for election night.

“There just seems to be an upbeat mood that there’s a different day coming for Illinois,” Bailey remarked.

It is a day that Bailey hopes will see him as the Republican nominee to supplant Governor Pritzker as the Chief Executive of Illinois.

RELATED | 2026 primary elections: Voter information in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin

“Illinois cannot withstand another four years of JB Pritzker,” Bailey said. “This man is running for president on day one, if we allow him to be re-elected, and Illinois needs something different.”

One of Bailey’s competitors for the Republican nomination, Ted Dabrowski, was out casting his vote on election day, encouraging other Illinoisans to do the same. As Bailey did, he took direct aim at Governor Pritzker.

“Under Governor Pritzker, we’re a bottom five state in economic growth in job opportunity, job creation,” Ted Dabrowski “We should be a top five state, and that’s why we’re running.”

READ MORE | Our Chicago: Republican candidates for Illinois governor James Mendrick, Darren Bailey

Also on the ballot trying to earn the Republican nomination for governor is Rick Heidner, a real-estate developer from Barrington, and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. Mendrick promises a closer look at the state’s finances, saying Illinois has a spending problem, while Heidner has bashed Illinois democratic policies, specifically how businesses are taxed.

After the results come in Tuesday night, we’ll see if it’s Bailey versus Governor Pritzker again in November, or if a new face will win the republican nomination for governor.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Trump, Vance to speak at RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas

Trump and Vance Set to Address RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas

President Trump is scheduled to take center stage Wednesday night in Dallas,…
ICE officer Christian Castro pleads not guilty in Minneapolis shooting

ICE Officer Christian Castro Pleads Not Guilty in Minneapolis Shooting

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer pleaded not guilty Friday to…
‘Black widow’ allegedly attempted to murder romantic partner, 69, she met online

Alleged Black Widow Accused of Trying to Murder 69-Year-Old Partner She Met Online

A Florida woman has been jailed on an attempted murder charge after…
Ohio State University pays 2.1M settlement after researcher CK Shum China ties

Ohio State University to Pay $2.1M Settlement Over Researcher C.K. Shum’s China Ties

The Ohio State University has agreed to pay $2.1 million to settle…
Nocatee ToyTopia theft prompts bigger conversation about what teens need in the community

Nocatee ToyTopia Theft Sparks Debate on Teen Community Needs

A Nocatee toy store says a group of teenagers stole dozens of…
Zuckerberg's 2020 Election Activities Back in the Spotlight — the AG Has Been Notified

Zuckerberg’s 2020 Election Activities Face New AG Scrutiny

Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is once again drawing political scrutiny — this…
Charles Manson's granddaughter reveals moment she discovered dark family secret: 'It was devastating'

New Tapes Challenge Charles Manson’s Helter Skelter Motive in Sharon Tate Murders

For years, the accepted narrative behind the Manson murders has centered on…
California pizza joint allegedly used as meth distribution hub as illegal immigrant charged

California Pizza Shop Allegedly Served as Meth Distribution Hub; Undocumented Immigrant Charged

A California pizza restaurant is at the center of a federal drug…
YouTube star arrested for domestic violence in Florida

YouTube Star Arrested in Florida on Domestic Violence Charge

Social media personality Jack Doherty has been arrested in Florida once more,…
Michigan Senate candidate El-Sayed speaks at religious conference criticized for inviting 9/11 conspiracy theorists

Michigan Senate Candidate El-Sayed Faces Backlash Over 9/11 Conspiracy Speakers

DETROIT — Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate…
Inside California's college aid system for illegal migrant students

How California’s College Aid System Supports Undocumented Students

California is spending tens of millions of dollars to help undocumented students…
Senior immigration official and alleged moneyman caught accepting $960K in bribes for citizenship favors: prosecutors

Senior Immigration Official and Alleged Fixer Took $960K in Citizenship Bribes, Prosecutors Say

A former senior immigration official and an alleged financial middleman are accused…