Pritzker Vs. Bailey: What To Know As Illinois Votes

Four years after their first matchup, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican Darren Bailey face voters again Tuesday in a race shaped by taxes, affordability, public safety and President Donald Trump.

Pritzker is seeking a third four-year term. Bailey, a southern Illinois farmer and former state legislator, is making his second attempt to unseat the governor.

Independent Collin Corbett is also on the ballot, running with lieutenant governor candidate Carolyn Schofield.

Polls will be open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting ends Monday, Nov. 2.

RELATED: Illinois 2026 Voter Guide: Pritzker Vs. Bailey Rematch, Other Hot Races To Watch

What Happened In 2022?

Pritzker defeated Bailey with 54.91 percent of the vote to Bailey's 42.37 percent, according to official state election results.

Both candidates have different running mates this year. Pritzker is running with Christian Mitchell, a former state representative and deputy governor. Current Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.

Bailey's running mate is Aaron Del Mar, a former Palatine village council member.

Where The Candidates Stand

Pritzker has emphasized his administration's fiscal record, education investments, abortion rights protections and opposition to Trump's policies.

Bailey has campaigned on lowering taxes, reducing government spending, supporting law enforcement and changing the direction of state government.

During their October forum on WTTW, Bailey argued that Pritzker should take responsibility for Illinois' problems after nearly eight years in office. Pritzker defended his record and argued that federal decisions threatened services Illinois residents rely on.

Bailey has pledged to suspend Illinois’ gas tax for six months. His announcement did not specify the legal authority for doing so by executive order or how lost transportation revenue would be replaced.

Trump endorsed Bailey in September, while Pritzker has made challenging the president a central part of his political message.

What Does Polling Show?

An ActiVote poll released Oct. 22 put Pritzker ahead 58.7 percent to Bailey's 41.3 percent, a 17.4-percentage-point advantage.

The survey included 400 likely midterm voters and was conducted Oct. 2–22. ActiVote reported an average expected error of 4.9 percentage points.

The poll uses self-selected app users, with responses weighted to reflect the electorate. It is one snapshot of the race, rather than a prediction of the final result.

A Different Campaign For Bailey

Bailey has sought to improve his standing in Chicago after repeatedly calling the city a "hellhole" during his 2022 campaign. In an April campaign video, he expressed regret over those comments.

His campaign has also unfolded amid personal loss. Bailey's son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren died in an October 2025 helicopter crash in Montana. He paused campaigning before deciding to remain in the race.

Near the anniversary, Bailey thanked supporters and discussed his family’s grief in a video released on social media.

How To Vote

Eligible residents who missed regular registration deadlines can still register and vote through grace-period registration. Two forms of identification are required, including one showing the voter's current address, and residents must vote when registering.

Use the Illinois State Board of Elections’ voter resources to find your local election authority and polling information.

Anyone in line when polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday can still vote.