Democratic incumbent Governor JB Pritzker is facing Republican challenger Darren Bailey in the 2026 Illinois governor race. Bailey recently won the Republican nomination for Illinois governor for the second consecutive time. Despite this victory, Pritker has accused Bailey of creating a "disaster" for the state. Bailey maintains this is a new race and has stated his goal is to earn the trust of voters in the Chicago area and their concerns about financial stability. Pritk's opponent, Darren Bailey, has countered by sending a mobile billboard displaying an old quote from Bailey's running mate and candidate for lieutenant governor, Aaron Del Mar, suggesting this is not the same thing.