Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will once again face Republican Darren Bailey in the upcoming general election, following the results of the primary held on March 18. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton secured the Democratic nomination for Senate, defeating Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi in a closely contested race.
The primary saw voter turnout at about 25 percent, with numbers expected to rise as final vote-by-mail and provisional ballots are counted. This turnout is slightly higher than the 22 percent recorded in the 2022 primary but remains below the nearly 33 percent seen in 2018. Spokesperson Max Bever said Tuesday was “a bit of a slower Election Day,” but noted that voters are becoming more comfortable with early voting and voting by mail.
Governor Pritzker ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and will now prepare for a rematch against Bailey, whom he defeated in the contentious 2022 gubernatorial race. Pritzker has gained national attention for his leadership during the pandemic and is considered a progressive figure who has been mentioned as a potential presidential contender for 2028. Bailey, known for challenging pandemic restrictions and criticizing Chicago, continues to position himself as an opponent to Pritzker’s policies.
In other key races, Stratton emerged victorious from a crowded Democratic field for Senate after Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement. She received strong support from Pritzker and is viewed as representing a more progressive stance compared to Krishnamoorthi’s moderate approach. “Together, we’ve confronted one of the most frightening moments of our lifetimes,” Stratton said in prepared remarks. “But despite the fear, we never lost sight of what was most important: courage. Courage inspired me to run. Courage powered this campaign. And courage will bring this fight straight to Donald Trump’s door.” Stratton will face Republican Don Tracy in November.
Other notable outcomes include Toni Preckwinkle retaining her position as president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners after defeating Alderman Brendan Reilly with about 68 percent of votes counted so far. In congressional races, Donna Miller won the Democratic primary for the Second District seat; Mike Quigley won for the Fifth District; La Shawn Ford prevailed in a crowded Seventh District contest; and Daniel Biss claimed victory in a competitive Ninth District race.
For Cook County Assessor, incumbent Fritz Kaegi conceded to challenger Pat Hynes, who has pledged greater equity and transparency in property tax assessments. In the state comptroller’s race, Margaret Croke leads with over one-third of counted votes but Karina Villa has not yet conceded due to close margins.
