Toni Preckwinkle Wins Cook County Board President Primary

The longtime Chicago Democrat fended off a moderate challenger in the Democratic primary.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:49am

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Toni Preckwinkle, a four-term incumbent and progressive Democrat, won the Democratic nomination for Cook County Board President, defeating a more moderate challenger, Brendan Reilly, a Chicago City Council member. Preckwinkle is now heavily favored to win the general election in November.

Why it matters

The Cook County Board President oversees a $10 billion budget and key services for the Chicago metropolitan area. Preckwinkle's victory is a sign of the enduring political strength of progressives in one of the country's most Democratic counties, despite a challenge from a more moderate candidate.

The details

Preckwinkle, a former Chicago City Council member, has served as Cook County Board President since 2010. She campaigned on her administration of the county budget, declining crime rates, and her stance against cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Her opponent, Reilly, a moderate Democrat on the Chicago City Council, focused on public safety and called for more disciplined county spending. Reilly also sought to tie Preckwinkle to the liberal policies of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, but Preckwinkle's long political experience and status as Cook County Democratic Party chair proved decisive.

  • The Democratic primary election was held on March 17, 2026.
  • Preckwinkle has served as Cook County Board President since 2010.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

A four-term incumbent and progressive Democrat who has served as the President of the Cook County Board since 2010. She is also the chairwoman of the Cook County Democratic Party.

Brendan Reilly

A moderate Democrat and member of the Chicago City Council since 2007, who mounted a challenge to Preckwinkle in the Democratic primary.

Lori Lightfoot

The former mayor of Chicago, who defeated Preckwinkle in the 2019 mayoral runoff election.

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What they’re saying

“Donald Trump has declared war on blue counties, blue states and blue cities. And I'm the only candidate in this race that has the courage and the experience to stand up to him.”

— Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President (Chicago Tonight)

“The Toni Preckwinkle we have today is nothing like the one who ran for that office 15 years ago as a reformer against the machine.”

— Brendan Reilly, Chicago City Council Member (Fox 32 Chicago)

What’s next

Preckwinkle will be the heavy favorite to win the November general election and serve another four-year term as Cook County Board President.

The takeaway

Preckwinkle's victory in the Democratic primary demonstrates the continued political strength of progressives in Cook County, one of the most reliably Democratic regions in the country, despite a challenge from a more moderate candidate. Her long tenure and status as party chair have helped her withstand political headwinds.