Illinois 2026 Governor Primary Set Up Rematch Between Pritzker and Winner
The 2026 Illinois governor primary results have set up a rematch between Governor J.B. Pritzer and his former opponent Darrell Bailey after CBS News projects that the GOP nominee will be secured by him in this contested race, which saw four candidates vying for their shot to take on Gov JB Prizker In November While The Democratic Primary Was Already Decided By Christian Mitchell Running After Lt Governor Juliana Stratton Launched Her Campaign.
Key Points
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1CBS and NBC projects indicate that former Illinois State Senator Darren Bailey has won the Republican primary.
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2Darren Bailey's victory sets up a rematch between him for governor against incumbent Governor JB Pritzker in November 2026.
Developments
CBS News projects that Darren Bailey has won the 2026 GOP primary to face incumbent Governor JB Pritzker's unopposed Democratic victory and his third-term bid. While running with Christian Mitchell, who replaced Juliana Stratton in her Senate campaign against Dick Durbin, both candidates have focused their efforts on opposing President Trump amid recent violence during Operation Midway Blitz protests in Chicago.
CBS News projects that Darren Bailey has won the 2026 GOP primary to face incumbent Governor JB Pritzker after unopposed victories by both candidates set up their rematch. While running with Christian Mitchell, President Trump's vocal critic and former Democratic challenger Juliana Stratton launched her Senate campaign against him; meanwhile, Cook County Chairman Aaron Del Mar joined Bailey as his vice presidential candidate in the Republican ticket this year
CBS News projects that Darren Bailey has won the Republican primary to challenge Governor JB Pritzker's bid at re-election. While unopposed, Gov. Pritzker is seeking his third term and remains a vocal critic of President Trump following Illinois' recent protests against federal immigration enforcement operations in Chicago.
Former State Senator Darren Bailey is projected to win his bid for the Republican nomination in an attempt to challenge Governor JB Pritzker four years after losing re-election. His campaign focuses on economic stagnation and President Trump's potential return if elected again, while competing against other candidates including Ted Dabrowski who also criticized state performance under current leadership.