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

Screenshot 2026-02-18 at 2.33.24 PM

Litchfield Board Reviews SCI Center Growth, Weighs Future Funding Model

Litchfield Board of Education Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board received a comprehensive update on the South Central Illinois (SCI) Regional Workforce Training and Innovation...
State lawmakers offer partisan responses to Pritzker’s budget address

State lawmakers offer partisan responses to Pritzker’s budget address

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are offering mixed reviews of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address. Following the governor’s State of...
Illinois Quick Hits: Data Center group concerned over pause

Illinois Quick Hits: Data Center group concerned over pause

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Data Center Coalition says Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed two-year pause on new data center tax credits...
Pritzker proposes $54.8 billion budget, down from $55.2 billion in 2026

Pritzker proposes $54.8 billion budget, down from $55.2 billion in 2026

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed a budget for fiscal year 2027 that is smaller than the...
WATCH: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers state budget address

WATCH: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers state budget address

By The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers his State of the State and Budget Address at noon Wednesday in front of a...
Union faces federal worker’s suit over seized dues

Union faces federal worker’s suit over seized dues

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – National Right to Work Foundation Vice President Patrick Semmens is calling out AFSCME Council 31 union...
Illinois Quick Hits: Feds order state to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs

Illinois Quick Hits: Feds order state to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has found that nearly one in five...
montgomery county Graphic Logo.3

Board Authorizes New Patrol Vehicles and Sheriff’s Office Equipment

Montgomery County Board Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The board approved the purchase of two new Dodge Durangos and necessary technical equipment for the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff's Office Purchases...
Judge: ‘Boneless wings’ suit vs Buffalo Wild Wings has no legs

Judge: ‘Boneless wings’ suit vs Buffalo Wild Wings has no legs

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Buffalo Wild Wings can't be sued for selling "boneless wings" that are actually oversized, sauced chicken nuggets, because "reasonable" customers shouldn't expect...
Illinois group pushes drug pricing bill opposed by business groups

Illinois group pushes drug pricing bill opposed by business groups

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An effort is underway to work at controlling prescription drug prices in Illinois, but there is a...
IL lawmaker intros bill to regulate third-party lawsuit investing

IL lawmaker intros bill to regulate third-party lawsuit investing

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Amid a growing push nationwide for new laws to regulate the booming business of third-party lawsuit investing, a state lawmaker has introduced...
Illinois senator offers 401(k)-style option to escape $145 billion pension crisis

Illinois senator offers 401(k)-style option to escape $145 billion pension crisis

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator is pushing a sweeping but voluntary change to the state’s pension system...
Pasadena, Altadena continue recovery after 2025 Eaton Fire

Pasadena, Altadena continue recovery after 2025 Eaton Fire

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Many people in the Pasadena area are going to need more time to recover from last year's devastating Eaton Fire. Rick Cole, a Pasadena City...
Minneapolis seeks federal aid as Operation Metro Surge ends

Minneapolis seeks federal aid as Operation Metro Surge ends

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square As Operation Metro Surge is expected to wind down in the coming week, the City of Minneapolis is seeking financial assistance from the federal government...
Ongoing smuggling operations continue at U.S.-Canada border

Ongoing smuggling operations continue at U.S.-Canada border

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Ongoing smuggling operations continue at the U.S.-Canada border. After alleged offenders are arrested and charged by federal immigration officers, they are being indicted and prosecuted....