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Bailey Wins GOP Nomination for Illinois Governor
Former state senator to face off against incumbent Pritzker in November election
Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:34am
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Former State Sen. Darren Bailey has won the Republican nomination for governor of Illinois, setting up a rematch against incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in the November general election. Bailey previously ran against Pritzker in 2022 but was defeated.
Why it matters
The Illinois gubernatorial race is expected to be one of the most closely watched and high-profile elections in the country, with the winner helping to shape the political landscape in a key swing state. Bailey's victory in the GOP primary sets the stage for a rematch between the two candidates, who hold vastly different political views and policy positions.
The details
Bailey, a conservative Republican, defeated a crowded field of primary challengers to secure the GOP nomination. He will now face off against Pritzker, the incumbent Democratic governor, in the November general election. The two candidates previously faced off in 2022, with Pritzker emerging victorious.
- Darren Bailey won the Republican nomination for Illinois governor on March 17, 2026.
- The general election between Bailey and Pritzker is scheduled for November 2026.
The players
Darren Bailey
A former state senator who has won the Republican nomination for Illinois governor, setting up a rematch against incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker.
JB Pritzker
The incumbent Democratic governor of Illinois, who previously defeated Bailey in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
What they’re saying
“I'm honored to have the support of Republicans across Illinois and I'm ready to take on Pritzker again in November.”
— Darren Bailey, Republican Nominee for Illinois Governor
What’s next
The general election between Bailey and Pritzker is scheduled for November 2026, with the winner set to serve a four-year term as Illinois governor.
The takeaway
The Illinois gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle between two candidates with vastly different political ideologies, with the outcome potentially having significant implications for the state's policies and direction.
