Four Republicans certified for primary to take on Pritzker

Four Republicans certified for primary to take on Pritzker

(The Center Square) – The Republican primary election for who will take on Gov. J.B. Pritzker in November is set.

Democrats and Republicans will go to the polls March 17 to select who they want to be their party’s nominee for offices up and down the ballot.

In the governor’s race, Pritzker is unchallenged in the Democratic primary. Opponent Patricia Tillman is listed on the Illinois State Board of Elections website as “Active,” but a board spokesperson said she withdrew.

Republicans have four candidates to choose from. Former GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey looking for a rematch.

“We’ve got our own unique problems and situations, and it’s time that we stop this political divisiveness,” Bailey said during a recent news conference. “And I want to show people what a Republican leader can truly do to get Illinois back on track. And I know Chicago is ready for that.”

Pritzker beat Bailey in 2022, 55% to 43%.

“You know what? People may not like the brand and they may not like the name, but I guarantee you they’re going to love the results,” said Aaron Del Mar, Bailey’s running mate.

Also on the March ballot is former Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski. He said Pritzker has failed.

“We still continue to have deficits. We’ve had more and more tax hikes. We’ve had more and more population shrinkage,” Dabrowski said during a separate news conference. “All those things that are going wrong for Illinois have happened in those seven years.”

Also on the ballot for Republicans is DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. His campaign website focuses on public safety issues.

“For too long, crime has surged, budgets have spiraled out of control, businesses have fled, and our children’s education has suffered,” Mendrick’s website said. “Springfield politicians have prioritized political ambition over the well-being of the people they serve.”

Rick Heidner is also on the ballot. An email or phone contact for Heidner’s campaign was not available via campaign disclosure documents.

Event Calendar

[pdem_events format="calendar" size="xlarge" layout="stacked" exclude_category="sports,library" limit="22" debug="no"]

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Lawmakers discuss budget, spending, tax credits as Illinois Senate returns

Lawmakers discuss budget, spending, tax credits as Illinois Senate returns

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee chair says greater federal scrutiny of state government spending will not change...
IL lawmakers push discount drug legislation to prevent restricted access

IL lawmakers push discount drug legislation to prevent restricted access

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are pushing an amendment to ban restrictions or interference with a federal discount drug program....
ag

Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting to Focus on Cattle Markets and Soil Health

Article Summary: The annual Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting is scheduled for February 10 in Taylorville, offering producers updates on cattle profitability, market outlooks, and agricultural research. Dudley Smith Winter...
Chicago downtown office space vacancy rate ends year at record high levels

Chicago downtown office space vacancy rate ends year at record high levels

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Wirepoints Executive Editor Mark Glennon warns Chicago’s dwindling business community could be riding into high-gear after...
Ex-Illinois candidate sides with Vance after Duckworth–Rubio clash

Ex-Illinois candidate sides with Vance after Duckworth–Rubio clash

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, is facing fresh criticism after Vice President J.D. Vance likened her...
Illinois Quick Hits: Judge rules Cook County misspent $243M

Illinois Quick Hits: Judge rules Cook County misspent $243M

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A circuit court judge has ruled that Cook County spent $243 million in violation of the Illinois...
On behalf of the Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders, Steve Pickerill presented Sheriff Holshouser with a donation to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The funds will be used in support of operations at the Sheriff's Office.

Montgomery Sheriff Donation

On behalf of the Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders, Steve Pickerill presented Sheriff Holshouser with a donation to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The funds will be used in support of...

Principals Highlight “Success Days” and Data-Driven Incentives

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: Litchfield school principals presented updates to the Board of Education regarding recent professional development focusing on data analysis and new...
Litchfield Fire personnel practiced ice rescue techniques at Walton Park this week. Residents are reminded that frozen bodies of water can have many hidden dangers. Please refrain from walking or riding recreational vehicles on any ice without experience or checking the ice thickness beforehand. Refrozen holes could be significantly thinner and give way under weight.

Ice Rescue Training

Litchfield Fire personnel practiced ice rescue techniques at Walton Park last week. Residents are reminded that frozen bodies of water can have many hidden dangers. Please refrain from walking or...
Chicago FOP boss: Mayor’s ICE on Notice order is 'piece of toilet paper'

Chicago FOP boss: Mayor’s ICE on Notice order is ‘piece of toilet paper’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order directing members of the city’s police department to...
Litchfield Fire Department has a loaner fire engine one of the engines is out for an emergency repair. Firefighters ensured it’s equipped and ready to serve with little to no interruption in service.

Loaner Fire Engine

Litchfield Fire Department has a loaner fire engine one of the engines is out for an emergency repair. Firefighters ensured it’s equipped and ready to serve with little to no...
Lawmaker, officer: 'Blue Envelope" could help navigate autism during stops

Lawmaker, officer: ‘Blue Envelope” could help navigate autism during stops

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker who also serves in law enforcement says proposed legislation creating a “Blue Envelope”...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Litchfield for January 22, 2026

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 The Litchfield City Council met on Thursday, January 22, 2026, to address infrastructure projects, property management, and lake operations. The meeting was...

M.A.K.E.-I.T. Program Hits Capacity, Announces “Diggin’ It” Summer Theme

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary:The Litchfield School District’s M.A.K.E.-I.T. program reported a successful end to the calendar year with enrollment at full capacity and a...
food

Pana Community Hospital Hosting Interactive Protein and Heart Health Class

Article Summary: LiveWell at Pana Community Hospital will host an educational and hands-on cooking workshop focused on protein and heart health in mid-February. Protein Health Class Key Points: The class...