2026 Illinois General Election Preview

Click here for a complete listing of the statewide, congressional, and state House and Senate races taking place in the November 3, 2026, general election. Under Illinois law, early voting can begin as early as 40 days before the election, meaning early voting began on September 24. There are several races to watch throughout the state, including the gubernatorial election, which will determine whether Gov. JB Pritzker is reelected to a third term; the U.S. Senate election, in which Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin; and all 17 of Illinois’ congressional seats, which are up for election. All 118 seats in the state House of Representatives will also be on the ballot, along with 39 of the 59 state Senate seats.

While the national political environment is currently viewed as favorable to Democrats, Illinois is not expected to see significant changes in its overall partisan composition. Democrats already hold supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, all statewide elected offices, 14 of the state’s 17 congressional seats, and both U.S. Senate seats. As a result, the 2026 election is likely to be more significant for individual races, open seats, and changes within the existing partisan majorities than for a broader shift in party control across the state.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

November 3 – Illinois General Election

November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1

December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2

In the News

Trump administration denies Illinois’ request for disaster relief — again – Capitol News Illinois, October 8, 2026

President Donald Trump’s administration denied Illinois’ request on Thursday for federal disaster relief in eight counties after days of severe weather hit the state in August.

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel won’t decide on potential 2028 presidential campaign until after 2026 midterms – CBS News, October 8, 2026

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said on Thursday that he won’t make a decision on a possible run for president in 2028 until after the upcoming midterm elections.

Analyzing Pritzker’s campaign promises, misses impacting businesses – The Courier, October 8, 2026

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is attempting to become the first governor to serve three terms since Gov. Jim Thompson.

Illinois governor’s race: Collin Corbett, an ex-GOP strategist, hopes to find votes from those in the middle – Chicago Tribune, October 8, 2026

After Illinois Democrats trounced Republicans in the last midterm election, political consultant Collin Corbett had a message for fellow members of the GOP.

J.B. Pritzker Urges Arizona Democrats to Regulate Data Centers, Reform Immigration and Rebuild Transportation – Larry Bodine, October 7, 2026

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker urged Arizona Democrats to win elections decisively, defend reproductive rights and resist what he described as increasingly extreme Republican politics during a Friday appearance in Tucson.

Illinois Republicans seek attorney general’s help after Champaign County ballot errors – Capitol News Illinois, October 7, 2026

The Illinois Republican Party is asking the state attorney general’s office to intervene in Champaign County’s election process after the county clerk distributed hundreds of ballots that mislabeled General Assembly districts.

Bailey trying to stay on message as attacks from Pritzker mount – Capitol News Illinois, October 7, 2026

Last summer, Republican Darren Bailey had no plans to make a second run for governor after a 12-point loss to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022.

On the Record: Illinois independent makes case to become next governor – Central Illinois Proud, October 6, 2026

One man is looking to tap into a growing group of independent voters who’ve grown disillusioned on the two-party system.

Illinois Democrats accuse Darren Bailey of failing to disclose who provides rent-free Chicago apartment – Chicago Tribune, October 6, 2026

The Illinois Democratic Party has accused Darren Bailey, the Republican nominee for governor, of violating state campaign disclosure law by failing to publicly reveal who is providing him with a rent-free downtown Chicago apartment, where he has been staying since the spring.

Illinois Republican and Democratic Party Chairs talk election outlook – WGN9, October 6, 2026

One month from today, Illinois voters will pick a U.S. Senator, Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller and Treasurer.

Illinois AG asked to probe 24 taxing bodies’ referendum campaigns – The Center Square, October 6, 2026

Americans for Prosperity Illinois is asking Attorney General Kwame Raoul and four county state’s attorneys to investigate whether 24 local taxing bodies used taxpayer resources to campaign for more taxpayer money.

Former Illinois House GOP Leader Jim Durkin crosses party line to endorse Gov. JB Pritzker over Darren Bailey– Chicago Sun-Times, October 5, 2026

Former Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin on Monday endorsed Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s reelection bid over GOP firebrand Darren Bailey, who Durkin said is “not cut out for the job.”

Former House GOP leader endorses Pritzker, Bailey critical of retired top-dog – The Center Square, October 5, 2026

One month from election day, Gov. J.B. Pritzker received an endorsement from a former top Springfield Republican who served over Pritzker’s opponent during his time in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin endorses Democrat JB Pritzker over Republican Darren Bailey – Chicago Tribune, October 5, 2026

Accentuating the schisms that have helped make Republicans the superminority political party in Illinois, former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin said he is endorsing Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker for a third term over Republican nominee Darren Bailey in the Nov. 3 general election.

Meet the secretary of IL’s newest state agency – Capitol City Now, October 5, 2026

The time has come for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. It launched July 1 under the leadership of Secretary Teresa Ramos (pictured). “We have learned more in the last decade about this brain science in those earliest years,” said Ramos, “how important those earliest years of life are to all future success in school, lifetime success, and. across the state, all these services were organized differently.”

Illinois Republican Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey – Capitol City Now, October 4, 2026

Recently, WTAX’s Dave Dahl interviewed Darren Bailey, Republican candidate for Governor, at the Capitol Media Group studios. Portions of the interview aired on the WTAX Morning Newswatch. The vast majority of the interview aired on WTAX’s “Focus” program. Here is the full unedited interview.

Illinois Senate race: Republican Don Tracy, a onetime Democrat, makes long-shot bid against Juliana Stratton– Chicago Tribune, October 4, 2026.

Addressing supporters at an evening fundraiser off Lake Decatur in July, Republican U.S. Senate nominee Don Tracy offered one reason he thinks he has a shot in the general election, despite Democrats winning every statewide contest for more than a decade.

Illinois 45th Senate district race pits Berning against Chesney – Telegraphic Herlad, October 3, 2026

A retired agricultural feed consultant from Galena is challenging the incumbent in the race for the state Senate seat representing northwestern Illinois.

Newly appointed Chicago inspector general wants city to put AI to work for City Hall – Chicago Sun Times, October 8, 2026

City Inspector General David Glockner said Thursday he is determined to identify ways for cash-strapped Chicago to use artificial intelligence to deliver city services better, faster, and at a lower cost.

Mayor Johnson doubles down on his tax-the-rich mantra as budget deadline nears – Chicago Sunt Times, October 7, 2026

Two weeks before unveiling what could be his final city budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson is determined to go down fighting by taxing corporations he claims are “making a killing” — and doubling down on his technology taxes.

Brandon Johnson: My fiscal case for a second term – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 7, 2026

Last week, my administration completed one of the largest tax enforcement actions in Chicago history, recouping $32.2 million in underpaid taxes from two of the largest corporations operating in the city. This historic recovery is a direct result of our investments in strengthening collection efforts and enforcement to ensure we are holding those with means responsible to the people of Chicago.

Preckwinkle taps reserves to avoid layoffs, new taxes in $9.69B budget — but sets up tougher 2028 – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 8, 2026

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle will unveil a $9.69 billion budget today that avoids layoffs and new taxes by tapping reserves and long-term financial cushions in what she says is the most difficult fiscal maneuver she’s faced.

Amazon’s Chicago Expansion To Continue With Same-Day Delivery Hub Near Goose Island – Block Club Chicago, October 6, 2026

Amazon has acquired a multi-story distribution warehouse located between Goose Island and the Kennedy Expressway that has sat empty since it was completed two years ago.

Criminal Records Can Follow Chicagoans For Years. A New Law Aims To Help – Block Club Chicago, October 6, 2026

The Clean Slate Act changed eligibility and waiting periods this year, while Illinois is moving toward automatically sealing some eligible records. Cook County officials will help residents navigate the process Saturday.

Finance committee advances $260M global settlement for Guevara-related reverse conviction cases – The Daily Line, October 6, 2026

The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday approved the second global police misconduct settlement reached by the law department in a little over a year and millions in tax increment financing (TIF) and bond assistance for school and economic development projects, although some city financial assistance advanced by the committee may not receive a final vote at City Council next week.

In Chicago Mayor’s Race, Candidates Turn To Influencers Hoping To Go Viral With Voters– Block Club Chicago, October 5, 2026

When Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared in a video last month doing a robot-style dance, lip-syncing to Kiesza’s “Hideaway” and surrounded by online influencers, it wasn’t what you’d expect in a traditional campaign launch.

Meet The Social Media Influencers Spreading Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Message – Block Club Chicago, October 5, 2026

As the Chicago mayoral race heats up, social media is becoming a major player in capturing voters’ attention, especially through content creators.