SPRINGFIELD - Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker won a third term leading Illinois on Tuesday, defeating Republican Darren Bailey in a rematch of their 2022 contest as he pledged to pursue health care changes, campaign finance reform and lower costs for working families.
The Associated Press called the race at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, 2026 With an estimated 56% of votes counted as of 9:24 p.m., Pritzker had 1,519,321 votes, or 60%, compared with Bailey’s 931,452 votes, or 36.8%. Independent Collin Corbett had 80,143 votes, or 3.2%.
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Pritzker, a billionaire businessman and heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, is considered a potential contender for the White House in 2028. His victory over Bailey, a former state lawmaker, gives him another term alongside Lt. Gov.-elect Christian Mitchell.
“Governor Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor-elect Christian Mitchell are honored that voters have entrusted them to lead Illinois,” campaign manager Chris Shallow said in a statement released by the campaign in Chicago.
In remarks prepared for delivery on election night, Pritzker outlined priorities for the years ahead, including changes to the health care system that would put doctors and patients ahead of insurers and profits. He also called for campaign finance reform and greater accountability for technology industry leaders.
“It is simply unacceptable that both the essentials and the joys of living life have moved out of reach for almost every working-class American,” Pritzker said in the prepared remarks.
Pritzker pointed to what he described as accomplishments during his first two terms, including raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, providing paid leave, protecting reproductive health care and banning assault weapons. He also cited eight balanced budgets and 12 state credit upgrades.
His prepared remarks combined criticism of President Donald Trump with an appeal to embrace hope rather than fear.
Pritzker also offered a conciliatory message to Bailey.
“To my opponent, Darren Bailey, who ran hard and gave it his all, despite our differences, I know that we both love Illinois,” Pritzker said in the prepared remarks. “MK and I want to wish you and Cindy the blessings of peace in the days ahead.”
Looking toward another term, Pritzker urged supporters to remain engaged.
“Tonight is a good night. But the work does not end, tonight,” he said in the prepared remarks.
Results from Election Night are considered unofficial until all votes have been certified by election authorities.
