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Wilmette Today
By the People, for the People
Dabrowski Loses to Bailey in Illinois GOP Governor Primary
Stratton wins Democratic Senate nomination; Preckwinkle dominates in Cook County President race
Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:48am
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In the Illinois Republican gubernatorial primary, Wilmette resident Ted Dabrowski, a vocal critic of the state's Democratic leadership, lost to Darren Bailey, who won with 53.8% of the vote. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat, and incumbent Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle easily won the Democratic nomination for her position.
Why it matters
The results of these key primary races will shape the general election landscape in Illinois, with the gubernatorial and Senate contests being particularly high-profile. Dabrowski's loss is seen as a setback for more conservative voices in the state, while Stratton and Preckwinkle's victories solidify the power of the Democratic establishment.
The details
Dabrowski, a founder of the conservative media outlet Wirepoints, had positioned himself as a challenger to the state's Democratic leadership. However, he was unable to overcome Bailey, who ran on a platform of opposing COVID-19 restrictions and criticizing current Governor JB Pritzker. In the Senate race, Stratton, the current Lt. Governor, prevailed over Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and former Congresswoman Robin Kelly. And in the Cook County President race, the incumbent Toni Preckwinkle easily defeated Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly.
- The Associated Press called the Republican gubernatorial primary race at 8:35 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
- The Democratic and Republican U.S. Senate primaries also took place on March 17, 2026.
The players
Darren Bailey
The winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary, who ran on a platform of opposing COVID-19 restrictions and criticizing the current Democratic governor.
Ted Dabrowski
A Wilmette resident and the founder of the conservative media outlet Wirepoints, who lost the Republican gubernatorial primary to Darren Bailey.
Juliana Stratton
The current Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, who won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat.
Toni Preckwinkle
The incumbent Cook County President, who easily won the Democratic nomination for her position.
What they’re saying
“To every voter who showed up tonight—whether I was your first choice or not—I want you to know I hear you and I will fight for you. Illinois is our home. It's worth saving and we're going to do it together. And we start by firing JB Pritzker.”
— Darren Bailey
What’s next
The general election for Illinois governor, U.S. Senate, and Cook County President will take place on November 5, 2026.
The takeaway
The results of these key primary races highlight the continued political divide in Illinois, with the Republican gubernatorial primary showcasing the influence of more conservative voices, while the Democratic victories in the Senate and Cook County President races demonstrate the strength of the party's establishment. The general election will be a crucial test for both sides as they vie for control of the state's top offices.
