As 2028 buzz builds, Pritzker draws Republican challenger in showdown for Illinois governor

As 2028 buzz builds, Pritzker draws Republican challenger in showdown for Illinois governor

Former state Sen. Darren Bailey will take on the Democratic incumbent

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. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

Republican gubernatorial candidates Ted Dabrowski, from left, James Mendrick and Rick Heidner debate at WFLD-Channel 32 in Chicago on Feb. 24, 2026. Previous GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey, who is running again, wasn't present. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker faces no opposition in the Democratic gubernatorial primary as he seeks a third term steering the blue-leaning Midwestern state. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)