Illinois Governor's Race Among Top 10 In U.S.: Washington Post

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A heated political climate since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017 has many wondering if a so-called "Trump effect" could help or hurt his party's control of Congress in 2018. Republican control of governor's mansions nationwide could also be at stake — and Illinois' gubernatorial race could be one for the record books.

The Washington Post named Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's bid to hold onto his office as the No. 4 gubernatorial race nationwide.

"Going into 2018, Republicans control a near-record high of 33 governor's mansions, including a number in blue and swing states," according to the Post. "Democrats, meanwhile, hold a near-record low. Which means in 2018, the only place to go may be up for Democrats."

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2nd Women's March On Chicago To Draw Attention To Mid-Term Elections

A year after the Women's March on Washington and "sister marches" across the nation, including in Illinois, anniversary events are scheduled to draw attention to the 2018 elections. The March to the Polls in Chicago is intended to draw attention to the upcoming mid-term and gubernatorial elections across the United States, including Illinois.

The 2018 race has Rauner — dubbed the "Worst Republican Governor In America" by conservative magazine National Review — facing a large field of Democrats, as well as a challenge from fellow Republican state Rep. Jeanne Ives, a U.S. Army veteran and former Wheaton city councilwoman.

Several high-profile Democrats have also thrown their hats into the ring, including businessman Chris Kennedy, son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, and one of the state's richest men, billionaire venture capitalist J.B. Pritzker.

"What happens when two billionaires clash?" the Washington Post asked, noting that Illinois is one of the bluest states in the Midwest, and Pritzker has already donated $50 million to his own campaign. "(Pritzker) has said if he wins the nomination ... he'll spend whatever it takes to win the general election. "

Indeed, the governor's race is shaping up to be the most expensive states election in history.

In addition to Rauner, Ives, Pritzker and Kennedy, these Democrats are also running in the March primary: Evanston Sen. Daniel Biss, Madison County Regional Office of Education Superintendent Bob Daiber, organizer Tio Hardiman and Burr Ridge doctor Robert Marshall.

Photo: Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File