Cook County Board President Race Heats Up

Longtime incumbent Toni Preckwinkle faces challenge from Ald. Brendan Reilly in Democratic primary

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The race for Cook County Board President is heating up, with longtime incumbent Toni Preckwinkle facing a challenge from Ald. Brendan Reilly in the March 17 Democratic primary. Preckwinkle, who has held the office since 2010, is known for her progressive values and political influence, while Reilly is a self-proclaimed 'independent voice' on the Chicago City Council who has focused on transparency and accountability.

Why it matters

The Cook County Board President is a powerful position that oversees a $10 billion budget, a vast court system, a large public health system, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the direction of the county's policies and priorities.

The details

Preckwinkle, who turns 79 on the day of the primary, was a history teacher and longtime Chicago alderperson before being elected county board president in 2010. She has used her political influence to shape the county's spending with a focus on equity. Reilly, 54, has represented Chicago's downtown 42nd Ward on the City Council since 2007 and is known as a more conservative voice who has clashed with recent mayors over issues like the development of a Chicago casino.

  • The March 17 Democratic primary will determine the nominee for Cook County Board President.
  • Preckwinkle has held the office since 2010.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

The incumbent Cook County Board President since 2010, known for her progressive values and political influence as head of the Cook County Democratic Party.

Ald. Brendan Reilly

The Chicago alderman for the 42nd Ward since 2007, who is challenging Preckwinkle in the Democratic primary and is known as a more conservative voice on the City Council.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The March 17 primary will determine the Democratic nominee for Cook County Board President, who will then face the Republican nominee in the general election.

The takeaway

This race will be a test of Preckwinkle's progressive leadership and influence against Reilly's more conservative approach, with the outcome shaping the direction of Cook County's policies and priorities for years to come.