Illinois voters are preparing to head to the polls on March 17th for the state’s primary elections, with the race for governor taking center stage. The upcoming election presents a potential turning point for the state, as current Governor J.B. Pritzker seeks a third term – a feat that would make him the first Democrat in Illinois history to achieve such a milestone. While speculation swirls about Pritzker’s potential ambitions for a presidential run in 2028, his immediate focus remains on securing reelection and continuing the work of his first two terms.
Early voting is already underway, offering Illinois residents the opportunity to cast their ballots before election day. Voting centers in downtown Chicago and some suburbs have been open since early February, and additional early voting locations will open across all 50 Chicago wards and various suburbs on Monday, March 2nd. The gubernatorial race features a unique dynamic: Pritzker faces no Democratic challengers, while a field of Republican candidates are vying for the opportunity to challenge him in November. Understanding the candidates and their platforms is crucial for informed voters as they prepare to make their choice.
Democratic Ticket: Pritzker and Mitchell
Governor J.B. Pritzker is running for a third term, outlining a platform focused on building upon the progress made during his first two years in office. According to his campaign website, key priorities for a potential third term include addressing the state’s affordability crisis, continuing to protect reproductive healthcare access in Illinois, and investing in education. Pritzker’s campaign website details these commitments and provides further information on his policy proposals.
Joining Pritzker on the Democratic ticket is Christian Mitchell, who is running for Lieutenant Governor. Mitchell previously served as a State Representative for the 26th District from 2013 to 2019 and as Lieutenant Governor alongside Pritzker from 2019 to 2023. During his time as Lieutenant Governor, Mitchell spearheaded initiatives to ban assault weapons, position Illinois as a leader in clean energy, and create jobs through infrastructure projects, according to his campaign biography.
Republican Candidates: A Diverse Field
The Republican primary features a more crowded field, with several candidates competing for the chance to challenge Pritzker in the general election. Each candidate brings a distinct background and set of priorities to the race.
Ted Dabrowski and Dr. Carrie Mendoza
Ted Dabrowski, a resident of Wilmette, is running with Dr. Carrie Mendoza as his running mate. Dabrowski previously served as president of Wirepoints, a media organization specializing in conservative economic policies and financial data. From 2011 to 2017, he held roles as spokesperson and vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute, a right-leaning reckon tank. Dabrowski, a first-time candidate for public office, is advocating for property tax reductions and limitations, a veto of any tax increases, and the repeal of Illinois’ sanctuary laws and zero-emissions energy policy, as outlined on his campaign website. He states, “We must return power to the people, remove barriers to prosperity, embrace educational freedom, reduce political power to its lowest level, and restore the rule of law.”
Dr. Carrie Mendoza, a Chicago native with over 25 years of experience as a physician, is running for Lieutenant Governor alongside Dabrowski. Like Dabrowski, Mendoza has no prior experience in elected office. Her campaign biography highlights her motivation stemming from “innovation and a passion for justice.”
James Mendrick and Dr. Robert Renteria
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick is as well seeking the Republican nomination for governor, focusing his campaign on public safety initiatives. Elected Sheriff in 2018, Mendrick has partnered with the DuPage County Health Department to provide medication-assisted treatment for inmates struggling with opioid addiction and has advocated for the apply of drug deactivation bags to protect individuals and the state’s waterways, according to his campaign website. He is committed to ending “policies of indifference to crime,” defending parental rights, and providing quality education for all children in the state.
Dr. Roberta Renteria, a U.S. Army veteran, author, and activist, is running as Mendrick’s Lieutenant Governor. Her campaign biography states she uses her personal story, business acumen, and leadership skills to address bullying, gangs, violence, drugs, suicide, and school dropout rates. Her books and programs are reportedly implemented in 25 countries, and she has delivered numerous TED Talks.
Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar
Former State Senator Darren Bailey, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022, is making another bid for the office. A third-generation farmer from southern Illinois, Bailey’s campaign centers on reducing government spending, cutting taxes, and combating crime, according to his campaign website. He and his wife, Cindy, also founded a private Christian school. While in the Illinois House of Representatives and later the State Senate, Bailey opposed government spending, tax increases, and sanctuary state policies.
Aaron Del Mar, an entrepreneur and the youngest-ever village trustee in Palatine, Illinois, at age 29 in 2016, is Bailey’s running mate. He oversees public safety and infrastructure and guides community organizations, according to his campaign biography.
Rick Heidner and Christina Neitzke-Troike
Businessman Rick Heidner, who has never held public office, is also vying for the Republican nomination. Heidner has led several prominent companies, including Gold Rush Gaming, Ricky Rocket’s Fuel Centers, Prairie State Energy, and Heidner Properties, according to his campaign website. He is campaigning on a platform to make Illinois safe, affordable, and full of opportunity.
Christina Neitzke-Troike, the current mayor of Homer Glen and a veteran of nearly two decades in elected office, is running for Lieutenant Governor alongside Heidner. She aims to bring her “unparalleled knowledge of how state mandates affect local budgets, property taxes, and public services” to Springfield, according to her campaign biography.
As Illinois voters prepare to cast their ballots, understanding the candidates and their platforms is essential for making an informed decision. The primary elections on March 17th will set the stage for the general election in November, where the future direction of the state will be determined.
This article was originally published in English on NBC News. Click here to read it.
This story was translated from English with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will ultimately decide who will lead Illinois for the next four years. Voters are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the democratic process.
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