Illinois Primary Election Day 2026: Darren Bailey Projected to Win Republican Nomination for Governor Darren Bailey is expected to secure the Republican nomination for Illinois governor, positioning him for a rematch against incumbent Governor JB Pritzker in the November general election. The projection comes after a closely watched primary race, with Bailey emerging as the leading candidate among several contenders. Bailey, a former Illinois State Senator, is running for the Republican nomination four years after he lost the gubernatorial race to Pritzker. His campaign has focused on challenging Pritzker’s leadership, with Bailey asserting that Illinois cannot endure another term under the current governor. “This man is running for president on day one,” Bailey said, warning that re-electing Pritzker would leave the state without a viable alternative. Bailey’s primary opponents included Ted Dabrowski, a former state representative; Rick Heidner, a real-estate developer from Barrington; and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. Dabrowski criticized Pritzker’s administration for failing to boost economic growth and job creation, calling Illinois a “bottom five state” in those areas. Heidner, meanwhile, criticized Democratic policies on business taxation, while Mendrick emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, citing Illinois’ spending challenges. Bailey’s campaign highlighted his determination, with the candidate taking time to pray with his wife and team at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield shortly after finalizing election night plans. “There just seems to be an upbeat mood that there’s a different day coming for Illinois,” he said, expressing optimism about his prospects.#illinois #darren_bailey #jb_pritzker #ted_dabrowski #rick_heidner
