Democrat J.B. Pritzker is running for a third term as Illinois governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. If elected, he would be the first Democrat ever elected to three terms as governor in Illinois history, according to NBC Chicago.

Pritzker faces Republican Darren Bailey and independent Collin Corbett in the race, according to BallotReady election data. He is certified for the ballot.

For his third-term campaign, Pritzker said he is focused on tackling the affordability crisis, opposing federal efforts he says threaten education, protections against climate change and reproductive rights, according to CBS Chicago.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Office sought: Illinois Governor
  • Born: Jan. 19, 1965, in Palo Alto, California
  • Education: Milton Academy (high school diploma); bachelor's degree in political science and government, Duke University (1987); juris doctor, Northwestern University (1993)
  • Endorsements (claimed by endorsers): AFL-CIO; Cook County Democrats; Citizen Action Illinois; Personal PAC; Equality IL; Chicago Federation of Labour; IBEW Local 134; IUOE Local 150; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399; Leadership Now Project; Jewish Democratic Council of America; Illinois NOW PAC; Gazette Chicago Editorial Board; United Hellenic Voters of America; St. Clair County Democrats

Experience and public service

Pritzker was first 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 for U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos and U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon from 1987 to 1991, according to Wikipedia. He founded the Pritzker Group in 1996 and served as its managing partner until 2017, according to BallotReady.

Pritzker served as chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission from 2003 to 2006, according to Wikipedia. He founded 1871 in 2012 and served as chairman of ChicagoNEXT, the Chicago mayor's council on innovation and technology, that same year, according to Wikipedia and BallotReady. He was national co-chair of Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign, according to Wikipedia.

On the issues

Economy and affordability: Pritzker said he wants to tackle the affordability crisis by eliminating the state's sales tax on groceries, doubling the state's child tax credit and lowering prescription drug prices in Illinois. He said increasing wages, supporting small businesses and growing jobs across the state are keys to a strong economy.

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 advanced 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.

Policy positions above are the candidate's own statements. Evanston Wire presents them for voter information and does not endorse any candidate.