Gov. J.B. Pritzker will face Republican Darren Bailey after Bailey won the GOP gubernatorial primary. Bailey, a Trump-aligned conservative and farmer, beat three rivals to claim the nomination and will seek a rematch after losing to Pritzker by more than 12 points in 2022. Pritzker was unopposed for the Democratic nod, and his rising national profile has fueled speculation about a possible 2028 presidential bid. Political observers view this contest as a potential stepping-stone for Pritzker’s national ambitions.
Pritzker Draws Darren Bailey in Illinois Governor Race as 2028 Speculation Grows
As 2028 buzz builds, Pritzker draws Republican challenger in showdown for Illinois governor
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is seeking a historic third term as Illinois governor, will face Republican former state Sen. Darren Bailey in this year’s general election after Bailey claimed the GOP nomination on Tuesday.
Former Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey, the Republican nominee who lost to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker by more than 12 points in the 2022 gubernatorial election, is running a second straight time for governor.(Getty Images)
Nomination Night and the Republican Field
Bailey, a farmer and a prominent conservative aligned with former President Donald Trump, topped a four-way Republican primary to secure the nomination, The Associated Press reported. He defeated conservative commentator Ted Dabrowski, video-gambling executive Rick Heidner (who largely self-funded his bid), and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker faces no opposition in the Democratic gubernatorial primary as he seeks a third term steering the blue-leaning Midwestern state.
Rematch From 2022
This will be a rematch of the 2022 general election, when Bailey won the GOP primary decisively but lost to Pritzker by more than 12 percentage points. Pritzker ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and easily secured his party’s nomination this cycle.
Why This Race Matters
As a member of the Pritzker family, which founded the Hyatt hotel chain, and an active investor in venture capital and startups, Pritzker’s national profile has risen in recent months. Some Democrats and political analysts view the Illinois governor’s office as a potential springboard for a 2028 presidential bid, and this year’s contest is widely framed as a bellwether for his national standing.
Contributor: Fox News’ Hannah Brennan contributed to reporting on this story.
The general election matchup is likely to highlight stark contrasts on taxes, education, public safety and economic policy as Pritzker seeks to secure a third term in a state that leans Democratic.
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