Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, is seeking a third term as Illinois governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. If elected, he would be the first Democrat ever elected to a third term as governor in Illinois history, according to NBC Chicago.
Pritzker faces Republican Darren Bailey and Independent Collin Corbett in the race. He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.
Candidate information
- Full name: Jay Robert Pritzker (known as J.B.)
- Party: Democratic
- Born: Jan. 19, 1965, in Palo Alto, California
- Education: High school diploma, Milton Academy; bachelor's degree in political science and government, Duke University (1987); juris doctor, Northwestern University (1993)
- Endorsements (claimed by endorsers): AFL-CIO, Citizen Action Illinois, Personal PAC, Equality IL, Cook County Democrats, Chicago Federation of Labour, IBEW Local 134, IUOE Local 150, IUOE Local 399, Leadership Now Project, Jewish Democratic Council of America, Illinois NOW PAC, Gazette Chicago Editorial Board, among others
Experience and public service
Pritzker was sworn in as the 43rd governor of Illinois on Jan. 14, 2019, according to the governor's office. He has held the office since then.
Before entering elected office, Pritzker worked as a legislative staffer in the U.S. House and Senate for Rep. Tom Lantos and Sen. Alan Dixon from 1987 to 1991. He founded and served as managing partner of Pritzker Group, a private business venture, from 1996 to 2017.
Pritzker served as chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission from 2003 to 2006. He founded 1871 in 2012 and held that role through 2016. He chaired ChicagoNEXT, the Chicago mayor's Council on Innovation and Technology, starting in 2012. He also served as national co-chair of Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign beginning in 2007.
On the issues
The following positions are based on the candidate's own campaign statements and responses, as reported by CBS Chicago and the candidate's campaign website via BallotReady. They reflect the candidate's claims, not independently verified facts.
Economy and affordability: Pritzker said he is focused on tackling the affordability crisis. He said his priorities include eliminating the state's sales tax on groceries, doubling the state's child tax credit and lowering prescription drug prices. He said increasing wages and supporting small businesses are keys to a strong economy across the state.
Federal policy: Pritzker said he is fighting to oppose President Trump's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, roll back protections against climate change and limit reproductive rights.
Reproductive rights: Pritzker said he has worked to advance equal pay, reproductive health, efforts to fight domestic violence and bodily autonomy.
Healthcare: Pritzker said he believes health care is a right, not a privilege.
Public safety: Pritzker said protecting Illinois families is his most important job as governor.
Candidate issue responses were collected through BallotReady and the candidate's campaign materials. The Wheaton Sentinel presents this profile as a voter resource and does not endorse candidates.
