Longtime Cook County Board President Faces Primary Challenge

Toni Preckwinkle, a 30-year veteran of Chicago and Cook County politics, is running for a fifth term as board president against Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Toni Preckwinkle, the longtime president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, is facing a serious primary challenge from Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly in the 2026 election. Preckwinkle, who has served in the role since 2010, is touting her record of improving the county's fiscal standing, implementing criminal justice reforms, and overseeing the nation's largest public health system. However, Reilly has criticized the growing county budget and rising property tax bills under Preckwinkle's leadership. A Libertarian candidate, Michael Murphy, is also running for the position.

Why it matters

The Cook County Board president is a powerful position that oversees a $7 billion budget and key county institutions like the Cook County Jail and Stroger Hospital. The outcome of this primary race could have significant implications for the future direction of Cook County government.

The details

Preckwinkle, who is 79, is seeking a fifth term leading the county's legislative body. While she has easily won re-election in recent cycles, Reilly, a 54-year-old alderman representing parts of downtown Chicago, is challenging her in the Democratic primary. Reilly has criticized the growing county budget and rising property tax bills under Preckwinkle's tenure, while Preckwinkle has touted her fiscal management, criminal justice reforms, and oversight of the county's public health system.

  • The Illinois primary election is on March 17, 2026, with early voting beginning in early February.
  • Preckwinkle easily fended off a primary challenge in 2022 against former County Commissioner Richard Boykin.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

The president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners since 2010, Preckwinkle is a longtime leader in Democratic politics in Chicago and Cook County. She has a long record of public service and progressive legislative accomplishments.

Brendan Reilly

A Chicago alderman representing the 42nd Ward since 2007, Reilly is challenging Preckwinkle in the Democratic primary. He has positioned himself as an "independent" voice opposed to tax hikes and critical of the growing county budget under Preckwinkle's leadership.

Michael Murphy

A Libertarian candidate for Cook County Board president, Murphy has a background in information technology and systems management and is focused on transit reform, housing accessibility, and food security.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.