Illinois primary election 2026: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle projected to win 5th term, defeats Brendan Reilly

In Cook County, Illinois, Toni Preckwinkle is on track to secure her fifth term as Cook County Board President, having clinched the Democratic nomination with no Republican challenger in the race.

In an interview with ABC7, Preckwinkle confirmed that this will be her final term, expressing a desire to conclude her political career on a high note.

Note: This is an ongoing story. Details from a previous report follow.

Recently, the Democratic campaign landscape in Cook County has been dominated by aggressive advertising, as incumbents face formidable opponents in two key races.

One of the spotlight races involves the position of Cook County Board President.

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

Although the high-profile Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate has garnered much of the public’s attention and funding, Cook County’s electoral battles are also significant. Candidate Brendan Reilly highlights that local issues resonate deeply with voters.

“You’ve seen lot of rhetoric about Donald Trump, while all Democrats running oppose his policies at the end of day it will likely decided on meat and potato issues,” Reilly said.

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

Focusing on affordability and property taxes, downtown Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly is challenging Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President. Reilly says when she first ran for office in 2010, he was a strong supporter of hers. Preckwinkle, who turns 79 years old Tuesday, is seeking her fifth term.

“We’re going to continue doing the good things that we’ve done with American rescue plan act resources, like eliminating medical debt, and we’re going to do the best to defend ourselves against the assaults of the federal government,” Preckwinkle said.

Preckwinkle is counting on voters to stay the course in her race for Cook County Board President.

READ MORE | Cook County Board President Preckwinkle and challenger Ald. Reilly make final appeals to voters

The winners of both Cook County primary races will win their respective offices Tuesday night, because there are no Republicans running for assessor or Cook County Board President.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Dolores Huerta, United Farm Workers co-founder who accused César Chavez of sex abuse, dead at 96

Dolores Huerta, United Farm Workers Co-Founder, Dies at 96

Dolores Huerta attends a film premiere in Los Angeles, California, in July.…
Jonathan Tijerina Accused of Defacing NYC 9/11 Memorial in Protest

Jonathan Tijerina Accused of Defacing NYC 9/11 Memorial in Protest

A gun-control activist was arrested after allegedly vandalizing the 9/11 Memorial Reflecting…
Faith Leaders Urge California Gov. Gavin Newsom to Join Federal School Choice Plan

Faith Leaders Urge California Gov. Gavin Newsom to Join Federal School Choice Plan

More than 100 California faith and education leaders are urging Gov. Gavin…
Trump: Peltola Shouldn't Run as 2 Dan Sullivans Join Alaska Race

Trump: Peltola Shouldn’t Run as 2 Dan Sullivans Join Alaska Race

President Trump said Democrat Mary Peltola “shouldn’t be allowed to run” in…
US Military Kills Five in Eastern Pacific Drug Vessel Strike

US Military Kills Five in Eastern Pacific Drug Vessel Strike

The U.S. military conducted a deadly strike Tuesday against a vessel it…
Deadly Spain High-Speed Train Crash Kills at Least 10 People

Deadly Spain High-Speed Train Crash Kills at Least 10 People

At least 10 people were killed Wednesday when a high-speed train crashed…
Police raid Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha houses at West Virginia University in hazing investigation

West Virginia University Police Raid Lambda Chi Alpha and Pi Kappa Alpha Houses in Hazing Investigation

Two West Virginia University fraternity houses were raided amid hazing allegations, with…
FBI Says Violent Crime Arrests Rose 67% Under Trump vs. Biden’s Final Months

FBI Says Violent Crime Arrests Rose 67% Under Trump vs. Biden’s Final Months

The FBI reported substantial gains in its efforts to combat crime and…
Marco Rubio Gives Cuban Diplomat a Lesson After Targeting Waltz Team

Marco Rubio Gives Cuban Diplomat a Lesson After Targeting Waltz Team

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signed an order directing the expulsion…
Grand Jury Declines to Indict Former Trump Aide Cassidy Hutchinson

Grand Jury Declines to Indict Former Trump Aide Cassidy Hutchinson

The Justice Department on Tuesday failed to obtain a grand jury indictment…
Rare ‘Dixie’ Map Splitting North and South Could Fetch $1.2M

Rare ‘Dixie’ Map Splitting North and South Could Fetch $1.2M

It may be one of the most consequential maps in American history—and…
Steve Hilton Storms SoCal as California’s Xavier Becerra Lays Low

Steve Hilton Storms SoCal as California’s Xavier Becerra Lays Low

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton rallied supporters in the Los Angeles area…