Cook County Board President Race Heats Up as Incumbent Preckwinkle Faces Challenger Reilly

Preckwinkle seeks fifth term, Reilly criticizes her record on technology and budgets

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle seeks her fifth term, she faces a challenge from Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly. Preckwinkle touts her record of balanced budgets and modernizing the county, while Reilly criticizes her handling of a major technology contract and accuses her of bloated budgets. The race is expected to be competitive, with Preckwinkle seen as having the edge due to her long tenure and position as chair of the Cook County Democratic Party.

Why it matters

The Cook County Board President oversees a massive budget and operations for the second largest county in the country. This race will determine the leadership and direction of Cook County government for the next four years.

The details

Preckwinkle has served as Cook County Board President for the past 16 years. She is touting her record of balanced budgets and modernizing the county's operations. However, Reilly is criticizing her handling of a major technology contract with Tyler Technologies, which he says has resulted in delayed property tax bills and cost school districts millions in interest payments. Reilly is also accusing Preckwinkle of bloated budgets during her tenure.

  • Preckwinkle is seeking her fifth term as Cook County Board President in the 2026 election.
  • The Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 2026.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

The incumbent Cook County Board President, who has held the position for the past 16 years.

Brendan Reilly

A Chicago Alderman who is challenging Preckwinkle for the Cook County Board President position.

Tyler Technologies

The technology company that was awarded a major contract by Cook County to update the county's computer systems, which Reilly has criticized as being poorly handled.

Chicago Public Schools

The school district that had to take out payday loans to cover operating costs due to the delayed property tax bills, according to Reilly.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've had balanced budgets for 15 years. We haven't raised property taxes. I think that's a great record.”

— Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President (abc7chicago.com)

“11 years and millions of dollars later, it still doesn't work.”

— Brendan Reilly, Chicago Alderman (abc7chicago.com)

“They had to go out and take payday loans to cover their operating costs to the tune of $120 million in interest, and that's basically a new property tax increase on homeowners next year, paying for the interest, because county couldn't do it, basic job of getting bills out on time.”

— Brendan Reilly, Chicago Alderman (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 2026, where voters will decide between Preckwinkle and Reilly. The winner of the primary will face off against the Republican nominee in the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

This race highlights the importance of effective leadership and management in county government. Voters will have to weigh Preckwinkle's long tenure and record against Reilly's criticisms of her handling of key issues like technology contracts and budgets. The outcome will shape the future direction of Cook County.