Tribune Editorial Board Endorses Candidates for 2026 Illinois Primary

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board shares its endorsements for key races in the upcoming Illinois primary election.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:47am

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The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board has released its endorsements for the 2026 Illinois primary election. The board has carefully considered candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties, offering its recommendations for U.S. House, Illinois statehouse, Cook County, and other local races. While the board is prohibited from endorsing candidates in the Illinois U.S. Senate and Republican gubernatorial primary races, it plans to share its opinions on those candidates as well.

Why it matters

As the largest newspaper in Illinois, the Tribune's endorsements carry significant weight and influence with voters across the state. The board's choices could sway the outcomes of these important primary races, which will set the stage for the general election in the fall.

The details

The Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed a number of candidates, including Brendan Reilly for Cook County Board President, Fritz Kaegi for Cook County Assessor, and Margaret Croke for Illinois Comptroller. The board has also endorsed multiple candidates for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. While the board is prohibited from endorsing candidates in the Illinois U.S. Senate and Republican gubernatorial primary races, it plans to share its opinions on those candidates as well.

  • The 2026 Illinois primary election will take place on March 17, 2026.

The players

Brendan Reilly

The Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed Brendan Reilly for Cook County Board President.

Fritz Kaegi

The Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed Fritz Kaegi for Cook County Assessor.

Margaret Croke

The Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed Margaret Croke for Illinois Comptroller.

Beth McElroy Kirkwood

The Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed Beth McElroy Kirkwood for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

Precious Brady-Davis

The Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed Precious Brady-Davis for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda

The Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“As the largest newspaper in Illinois, read throughout the Land of Lincoln, we are making endorsements in races both for the U.S. House of Representatives and the Illinois statehouse, as well as in county-specific races involving Cook County. We make our choices carefully and consult a variety of sources.”

— The Editorial Board (chicagotribune.com)

“A corporate edict from Tribune Publishing prevents us from making formal endorsements in the Illinois races for U.S. Senate and the Republican gubernatorial primary. Nonetheless, we plan on offering our frank opinions on the policies and qualifications of those candidates at the conclusion of our process, as we always do.”

— The Editorial Board (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Illinois primary election will take place on March 17, 2026. Voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the candidates endorsed by the Tribune Editorial Board, as well as other candidates in the race.

The takeaway

The Tribune Editorial Board's endorsements carry significant weight in Illinois politics, and its choices could sway the outcomes of these important primary races. Voters should carefully consider the board's recommendations as they make their decisions at the ballot box.