Who Is Running for Governor of Illinois in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
J.B. Pritzker
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJ.B. Pritzker has outlined plans to address economic issues, including housing, electricity, and healthcare costs in Illinois, aiming to make life more affordable for families. He proposed a $56.1 billion budget with minimal new spending and has opposed broad tax increases. Pritzker has also criticized policies he states make life harder and less affordable for working families and small businesses, urging businesses to raise wages.
Immigration
HighJ.B. Pritzker supports expanded protections for immigrants, signing legislation that requires Illinois hospitals, public universities, community colleges, and day care facilities to establish procedures for federal immigration agent encounters. The law also permits individuals subject to civil arrest to sue law enforcement officers for constitutional violations. He advocates for an approach to immigration rooted in empathy and solidarity, as expressed in his 2026 State of the State address.
Healthcare
HighJ.B. Pritzker advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare, emphasizing cost reduction for families. He recently facilitated the elimination of $1 billion in medical debt for over 500,000 Illinois residents. He also joined a coalition of governors to urge Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits, stating families shouldn't choose between having healthcare and putting food on the table, and aims to rein in price gouging.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | J.B. Pritzker |
|---|---|
| Economy | J.B. Pritzker has outlined plans to address economic issues, including housing, electricity, and healthcare costs in Illinois, aiming to make life more affordable for families. He proposed a $56.1 billion budget with minimal new spending and has opposed broad tax increases. Pritzker has also criticized policies he states make life harder and less affordable for working families and small businesses, urging businesses to raise wages. High |
| Immigration | J.B. Pritzker supports expanded protections for immigrants, signing legislation that requires Illinois hospitals, public universities, community colleges, and day care facilities to establish procedures for federal immigration agent encounters. The law also permits individuals subject to civil arrest to sue law enforcement officers for constitutional violations. He advocates for an approach to immigration rooted in empathy and solidarity, as expressed in his 2026 State of the State address. High |
| Healthcare | J.B. Pritzker advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare, emphasizing cost reduction for families. He recently facilitated the elimination of $1 billion in medical debt for over 500,000 Illinois residents. He also joined a coalition of governors to urge Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits, stating families shouldn't choose between having healthcare and putting food on the table, and aims to rein in price gouging. High |
| Climate & Energy | J.B. Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act on January 8, 2026, which aims to lower utility bills, strengthen the grid, and expand cost-saving clean energy resources. He also joined the US Climate Alliance, stating a commitment to preserving Illinois' natural resources like forests, farms, rivers, and wetlands. Pritzker believes that all Illinoisans deserve a healthy environment with clean air and water. He has criticized federal actions for contributing to rising energy costs. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | J.B. Pritzker supports abortion and reproductive rights, launching the Prairie State Access Fund to expand access in Illinois and nationally. He signed the Birth Equity Act (HB 5142), which mandates comprehensive abortion coverage in Illinois health insurance, with the goal of ensuring all families receive care regardless of income level. Pritzker aims to fortify Illinois as a haven for reproductive health, believing the state trusts women to make their medical decisions. High |
| Foreign Policy | J.B. Pritzker opposes federal military deployment plans, characterizing them as a tactic to influence the 2026 elections and normalize military involvement in civilian matters. He also criticized federal tariffs, stating they negatively impacted farmers, caused issues with allies, and were unconstitutional. He demanded billions in refunds for Illinois residents due to these tariffs. High |
| Education | J.B. Pritzker proposes increased funding for education in his FY2026 budget, including a $350 million increase for Evidence-Based Funding and $1.3 million for Career and Technical Education. He aims to improve student-teacher ratios and outcomes for children. Additionally, he supports initiatives for streamlined postsecondary admissions and a ban on cellphones in classrooms, proposing a new social media fee to raise $200 million for education expenses. High |
| Gun Policy | J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 8, the Safe Gun Storage Act, in July 2025, taking effect in 2026. This legislation requires gun owners to store firearms securely in locked containers to prevent access by minors or prohibited individuals, with violations carrying fines up to $10,000. He also advocates for universal background checks, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, viewing gun violence as a public health epidemic. Medium |
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