Gov. J.B. Pritzker is seeking a third term as Illinois governor in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, general election. If elected, he would be the first Democrat ever elected to a third term as governor in Illinois history, according to NBC Chicago.
Pritzker, a Democrat, is certified for the ballot. He faces Republican Darren Bailey and independent Collin Corbett in the general election, according to BallotReady election data. Voters across DuPage County, including Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Carol Stream and Glendale Heights, will see this race on their ballots.
Candidate information
- Name: J.B. Pritzker (Jay Robert Pritzker)
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: Illinois Governor
- Born: Jan. 19, 1965, Palo Alto, California
- Education: Milton Academy (high school diploma); bachelor's degree in political science and government, Duke University (1987); juris doctor, Northwestern University (1993)
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 in the role since then.
Before taking office, Pritzker founded and served as managing partner of the Pritzker Group from 1996 to 2017, according to BallotReady. He founded 1871 in 2012. He served as chairman of ChicagoNEXT, the Chicago mayor's Council on Innovation and Technology, starting in 2012.
Pritzker chaired the Illinois Human Rights Commission from 2003 to 2006. Earlier in his career, he worked as a legislative staffer for U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos and U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon from 1987 to 1991. He served as national co-chair of Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign.
On the issues
The following positions are based on Pritzker's campaign statements and responses compiled by CBS Chicago and BallotReady. They reflect the candidate's own claims.
Economy and affordability: Pritzker said he is focused on tackling the affordability crisis. He said his priorities include eliminating the state's sales tax on groceries, doubling the state's child tax credit and lowering prescription drug prices in Illinois. He said increasing wages and supporting small businesses are key to building 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 protections against climate change and limit reproductive rights.
Reproductive rights: Pritzker 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.
Endorsements
Pritzker has received endorsements from the AFL-CIO, Citizen Action Illinois, the Chicago Federation of Labour, Personal PAC, Equality IL, Cook County Democrats, the Leadership Now Project and several other labor and advocacy organizations, according to BallotReady.
Candidate positions were drawn from campaign materials and BallotReady questionnaire responses. Glenbard Wire presents them to help voters evaluate the race and does not endorse candidates.
