Gov. J.B. Pritzker is seeking a third term as Illinois governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. If elected, he would be the first Democrat ever elected to three terms as governor in state history, according to NBC Chicago.
Pritzker, a Democrat, faces Republican Darren Bailey and independent Collin Corbett on the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.
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); J.D., Northwestern University (1993)
- Endorsements (claimed by endorsers): AFL-CIO; Cook County Democrats; Citizen Action Illinois; Chicago Federation of Labour; Personal PAC; Equality IL; IBEW Local 134; IUOE Local 150; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399; Jewish Democratic Council of America; Leadership Now Project; Illinois NOW PAC; Gazette Chicago Editorial Board; among others
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 served since 2019.
Before taking office, Pritzker founded and served as managing partner of Pritzker Group from 1996 to 2017, according to BallotReady. He also founded 1871 in 2012.
Earlier in his career, Pritzker worked as a legislative staffer in the U.S. House and Senate for Rep. Tom Lantos and Sen. Alan Dixon from 1987 to 1991. 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 following positions are based on statements Pritzker's campaign has made through CBS Chicago and his campaign website via BallotReady. All claims below are the candidate's own.
Economy and affordability: Pritzker said he is focused on tackling the affordability crisis. He has highlighted eliminating the state's sales tax on groceries, doubling the state's child tax credit and lowering prescription drug prices. He said increasing wages and supporting small businesses are keys to a strong economy across the state.
Federal policy: Pritzker said he is fighting to oppose President Trump's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, roll back climate-change protections and limit reproductive rights.
Reproductive rights: Pritzker's campaign said he has advanced equal pay, reproductive health, efforts to fight domestic violence and bodily autonomy.
Healthcare: Pritzker said he believes health care is a right, not a privilege.
Public safety: Pritzker said protecting Illinois families is his most important job as governor.
Candidate positions were drawn from campaign materials and BallotReady questionnaire responses. The Park Ridge Wire presents this profile as voter information and does not endorse candidates.
