Pritzker Secures Historic Third Term in Illinois, Defying Trump Endorsement of Rival
JB Pritzker won a third term as Illinois governor on November 3, 2026, defeating Republican Darren Bailey in a rematch. The Associated Press called the race for Pritzker immediately after polls closed, with early data showing a 68 percent lead. This victory marks the first time a Democrat has won a third term in the state since Jim Thompson in 1982. Pritzker’s win extends his control of the governor’s office and strengthens his national profile amid speculation about a 2028 presidential run.