Illinois Governor Primary 2026: Live election results

Who will be Illinois' next governor? Get live election results as votes are tallied in the Illinois primary election.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:05pm

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Illinois voters on Tuesday made their decision in the 2026 Primary Election for the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidate who will appear on their ballots in November. Gov. J.B. Pritzker was the only Democrat aiming for governor on the ballot, and if he retains his seat, he'll be the first Democratic governor to secure a third term in office in Illinois history. The GOP ticket was more crowded with four candidates vying for a face-off with the incumbent in November: Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner and James Mendrick.

Why it matters

The Illinois governor's race is a high-profile contest that will have significant implications for the state's political landscape and policy direction. The primary election results will determine the candidates who will compete in the general election in November.

The details

After polls close in Illinois at 7 p.m., results will be tallied and reported for the Illinois governor race. Voters can follow the live election results on NBC Chicago's website and app, which will be updated as counted votes roll in.

  • Polls close in Illinois at 7 p.m. CT on March 17, 2026.
  • Election results are expected to begin populating in the first half-hour after polls close and be updated live as counted votes roll in.

The players

J.B. Pritzker

The incumbent Democratic governor of Illinois, who is the only Democrat on the ballot aiming for governor.

Darren Bailey

One of four Republican candidates vying for the GOP nomination to face off against the incumbent governor in November.

Ted Dabrowski

One of four Republican candidates vying for the GOP nomination to face off against the incumbent governor in November.

Rick Heidner

One of four Republican candidates vying for the GOP nomination to face off against the incumbent governor in November.

James Mendrick

One of four Republican candidates vying for the GOP nomination to face off against the incumbent governor in November.

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What’s next

After the primary election, the winning Democratic and Republican candidates will advance to the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

The Illinois governor's race is a high-stakes contest that will shape the state's political landscape for the next four years. Voters will have a clear choice between the Democratic incumbent and the Republican nominee in the general election.