Illinois Primaries March 17, 2026
Living in exile in Cedar Rapids Iowa I am hearing concerns from Illinois residents as to how to choose their candidate for governor. Darren Bailey who ran before is considered by the front runner by some. There are three others, Ted Dabrowski, James Mendrick,and Rick Heidner.
There seems to be no polling data on this race. It could be they tried to poll the usual place in Illinois, Chicago, and could not find anyone admitting to being a Republican. The only ads that i have personally seen are from Darren Bailey and his message is I am not Pritzker. You can't beat Pritzker saying you are not Pritzker!
I have previously written in this forum that the governor cannot do it alone. The Governor can only sign or veto bills that get through the Illinois House and Senate.
In other forums I have written that Pritzker cannot be removed if the message is I am not "Pritzker". There has to be substance to the campaign, real substance unlike the last New York City Mayor's race. I have no idea if that candidate exists and if the y have the will to take on the whole Illinois Democratic Party.
Also keep in mind that Dick Durbin is not running again so there is a chance to pick a real Senate candidate. Whoever the Republicans run they need a candidate that can balance support for President Trump's policies and explain what is really happening in DC. Become a sound bite and you lose.
The Republicans are not perfect. I still to this day do not understand the hate that the media has for the Republicans.It would be nice for all of the races to see some rational non-soundbite discussion!