Cook County Board President Candidates to Debate Live on Fox Chicago

Longtime incumbent Toni Preckwinkle faces challenge from Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The two Democratic candidates for Cook County Board President, incumbent Toni Preckwinkle and challenger Brendan Reilly, will participate in a live debate on Fox Chicago on February 17th. Preckwinkle has held the top county government position since 2010, while Reilly has represented parts of downtown Chicago as an alderman since 2007. Viewers can submit questions for the candidates to Parisonpolitics@fox.com, with select questions to be answered live during the debate.

Why it matters

The Cook County Board President serves as the CEO of the county and oversees the Board of Commissioners, which votes on local legislation and the county government budget. This debate will provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on the major issues facing Cook County ahead of the March 17th primary election.

The details

The live debate will air on February 17th at 6pm on Fox Chicago, Fox32Chicago.com, and the FOX LOCAL app. It will be moderated by Fox Chicago's Political Editor Paris Schutz. Viewers can submit questions for the candidates to Parisonpolitics@fox.com, and select questions may be answered live on air during the debate.

  • The debate will air live on February 17, 2026 at 6pm.
  • Early voting for the March 17, 2026 primary election begins this month across Illinois.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

The longtime incumbent Cook County Board President who has held the position since 2010.

Brendan Reilly

The Chicago Alderman who has represented parts of the city's downtown area since 2007 and is challenging Preckwinkle in the Democratic primary.

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What they’re saying

“Viewers can have their voices heard and help shape the conversation by submitting questions to ask the candidates.”

— Paris Schutz, Fox Chicago Political Editor (fox32chicago.com)

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 debate will be an important opportunity for Cook County voters to hear directly from the candidates on the key issues facing the county ahead of the primary election, and to have their questions addressed live on air.