Politics in Illinois never really sleeps. Even though the actual voting doesn't happen until the primary in March 2026, the race is basically already in full swing right now in 2025. People are constantly asking who is running for governor in Illinois 2025, and honestly, the answer is a mix of "the usual suspects" and some fresh faces looking to shake things up.
If you've lived in the Land of Lincoln for more than five minutes, you know how this goes. The money starts flowing, the TV ads start getting annoying way too early, and everyone is trying to figure out if Governor JB Pritzker is actually going to stay put or if he’s got his eyes on a bigger office in D.C.
The big question: Is JB Pritzker running again?
Basically, yes. JB Pritzker officially announced he is seeking a third term. If he wins, he’d be the first Illinois governor since Jim Thompson back in the 80s to pull off three consecutive terms. He's leaning hard into his record—balanced budgets, credit upgrades, and those big social policy wins like legalizing weed and protecting reproductive rights.
But there is a twist this time around. His long-time partner on the ticket, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, isn't running with him. She’s busy gunning for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin. So, Pritzker has tapped Christian Mitchell to be his new running mate. Mitchell is a former state rep and was Pritzker's deputy governor for a while, so they're already pretty tight.
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The Republican challengers lining up
On the GOP side, things are a lot more crowded. It’s a bit of a scramble to see who can actually take on the Pritzker machine.
- Darren Bailey: You probably remember him from 2022. He's back. He still has a very strong base in Southern Illinois, though his campaign has been under a bit of a cloud recently due to some tragic personal losses in his family. Whether he stays the course or pivots remains to be seen, but he's currently the biggest name in the Republican primary.
- Ted Dabrowski: He’s the president of Wirepoints, a conservative policy site. He’s running on a platform of fiscal reform—basically saying the state is still a financial mess despite what the current administration says.
- James Mendrick: The DuPage County Sheriff. He’s focusing heavily on crime and law enforcement, which is usually a big winner for Republicans in the collar counties around Chicago.
- Rick Heidner: A real estate developer and gaming mogul. He’s the "outsider" candidate with a business background, hoping that voters are tired of career politicians.
There are a few others too, like Joseph Severino and Greg Moore, but the primary is where the real bloodletting will happen.
Why the 2026 race matters so much in 2025
You might think it’s too early to care about who is running for governor in Illinois 2025, but the "invisible primary" is happening right now. This is when the donors decide who to back. In Illinois, where Pritzker can basically self-fund his way to the moon, any Republican who wants a shot needs to start raising millions yesterday.
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There’s also the "Trump factor." The Illinois GOP is currently split. Some want to go all-in on the Trump brand to turn out the rural vote, while others are terrified that will alienate the suburban voters in Lake and DuPage counties who actually decide statewide elections.
Key dates you actually need to know
- March 17, 2026: This is the big one. The Primary Election. This is when we find out if the GOP has settled on a consensus candidate or if they’re going into the general election bruised and battered.
- November 3, 2026: The General Election.
- Late 2025: Expect the petition challenges. In Illinois, candidates love to try and kick each other off the ballot by finding errors in their signature papers. It’s a local tradition.
What voters are actually worried about
Kinda depends on who you ask. In Chicago, it’s mostly about crime and the cost of living. Downstate, it’s more about taxes and the feeling that Springfield ignores them. Pritzker is betting that voters want "stability," while the Republicans are betting that voters are fed up with "one-party rule."
Honestly, the race is Pritzker's to lose. The "Solid Democratic" ratings from places like the Cook Political Report aren't just for show. Illinois is blue, and it’s getting bluer in the areas that count. But a lot can happen in a year. If the economy dips or if there’s a major scandal, that "Safe D" rating could start looking a lot shakier.
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What you should do next
If you want to have a say in who makes it to the finish line, now is the time to start paying attention to the smaller events.
- Check your registration: Make sure your voter registration is up to date, especially if you’ve moved recently. You can do this easily on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
- Follow the money: Keep an eye on the quarterly filing reports. If a candidate isn't raising money by the end of 2025, they probably won't make it to the March primary.
- Look past the ads: The TV commercials are going to be brutal. Try to find local town halls or "meet the candidate" events where you can actually ask a question without a script.
The field is set for now, but in Illinois politics, there's always room for one more surprise entry before the filing deadlines really lock everything in. Keep your eyes on the news cycles as we head into the winter months.