Preckwinkle and Reilly Battle in Cook County Board President Race

Proxy fight between Chicago Democratic party's business and progressive wings plays out

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The race for Cook County Board president between incumbent Toni Preckwinkle and challenger Brendan Reilly has become a bitter proxy battle between the business and progressive wings of the Chicago Democratic party. Reilly, backed by a pro-business campaign team, has attacked Preckwinkle's tax-raising record, while Preckwinkle has accused Reilly of being a "Trump enabler." The race is seen as a test of the popularity of Mayor Brandon Johnson's left-wing politics, as Preckwinkle was an early supporter while Reilly endorsed Johnson's opponent.

Why it matters

The Cook County Board president race is a high-profile contest that will shape the direction of Chicago politics. Preckwinkle, a longtime fixture, represents the progressive wing, while Reilly, with his pro-business campaign team, represents the more moderate, corporate-friendly faction. The outcome could indicate the strength of the left-wing movement spearheaded by Mayor Johnson.

The details

Reilly's first negative ad accused Preckwinkle of breaking promises on taxes, while Preckwinkle's response ad painted Reilly as a "Trump enabler" for his votes on immigration and development issues. The race has become a proxy battle between the two wings of the Chicago Democratic party, with Reilly's campaign manager Greg Goldner having a history of fighting progressives and supporting more business-friendly policies.

  • The race is for the 2026 Cook County Board president election.
  • Reilly's first negative ad aired in early 2026.
  • Preckwinkle responded with her own attack ad shortly after.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

The incumbent Cook County Board president, representing the progressive wing of the Chicago Democratic party. She has served in the position since 2010 and is seeking a fifth term.

Brendan Reilly

The alderman of Chicago's 42nd Ward, representing the business-friendly faction of the Democratic party. He is challenging Preckwinkle for the Cook County Board president seat.

Greg Goldner

Reilly's campaign manager, with a history of fighting progressives and supporting more corporate-friendly policies within the Democratic party.

Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago, elected on a left-wing platform. Preckwinkle was an early supporter, while Reilly endorsed Johnson's opponent.

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What they’re saying

“We're very supportive of Rahm and what he wants to accomplish and want to continue to drive and push him to follow through — and help move those same agenda items through the City Council.”

— Greg Goldner, Former campaign manager for Andrew Cuomo (Chicago Tribune)

“This mayor routinely pits Chicagoans against Chicagoans. We made the case this is the wrong policy for the city.”

— Greg Goldner (WTTW)

What’s next

The primary election for Cook County Board president will be held in March 2026. Polls currently show Preckwinkle leading Reilly, but the race is expected to tighten as the negative ads continue to air.

The takeaway

The battle between Preckwinkle and Reilly reflects the broader ideological divisions within the Chicago Democratic party, with Preckwinkle representing the progressive wing and Reilly the more business-friendly faction. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the future direction of Chicago politics.