AP calls Pritzker for third term

The Associated Press called the Illinois gubernatorial race for Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker at 7:02 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The call came just two minutes after polling places closed across the state. This result secures Pritzker's third consecutive term in the office.

Pritzker, 61, first won the seat in 2018. He defeated then-incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner with 54.5 percent of the vote. In 2022, the AP called his victory seconds after polls closed. He beat Republican Darren Bailey that year with 54.6 percent of the vote against Bailey's 42.6 percent.

Before entering politics, Pritzker built a career in business and philanthropy. He co-founded Pritzker Group Private Capital. He also donated $100 million to Northwestern Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor. The institution later renamed its law school in his honor.

During this campaign, Pritzker focused on lowering the cost of living for families. He pledged to expand affordable healthcare access. He positioned himself against what his campaign website called authoritarian MAGA Republicans. Pritzker stated that raising wages and lowering housing and energy costs are key to helping working families stretch their dollars.

Republican candidate Darren Bailey, 60, ran on a platform of fiscal restraint. The third-generation farmer from Xenia served as a state representative and later a state senator. His main issues included quality education, support for law enforcement, and tax cuts. Bailey argued that Illinois has a spending problem and that government priorities are out of whack.

Bailey proposed capping property tax increases at 1 percent. He also vowed to roll back the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. That law was designed to support workers impacted by the state's transition to cleaner energy. Bailey and Pritzker debated on Oct. 13. During that event, Bailey criticized Pritzker for mentioning President Trump too often, according to Capitol News Illinois.

Independent candidate Collin Corbett, 40, also sought the governor's office. Corbett is a political strategist and small business owner from Palatine. He is high school educated and has never held elected office. Corbett described his views as center-right on fiscal policy and center-left on social issues. He planned to lower property taxes and gas taxes while building affordable housing.

Corbett told CNI he knew winning was unlikely. He said he aims to build an independent majority after the election. Pritzker now prepares to take office for his third term. Bailey and Corbett remain in the race until official certification.