Governor of Illinois · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in the Illinois governor's race?
JB Pritzker has the strongest record in the Illinois governor's race. JB Pritzker scores 61 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Darren Bailey at 59 and Collin Corbett at 56, as of October 9, 2026. JB Pritzker's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Darren Bailey's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Republican
Darren Bailey
Running mate: Aaron B. Del Mar
59 / 100
Public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 70
- Performance
- 50
Independent
Collin Corbett
Running mate: Carolyn Schofield
56 / 100
Public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 60
- Performance
- NR
Democratic · incumbent
Strongest record
JB Pritzker
Running mate: Christian Mitchell
61 / 100
Public evidence on 14 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 45
- Qualifications
- 85
- Performance
- 50
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Darren Bailey
- On the record2026-10-05
Former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, who served with him in Springfield, endorsed his Democratic opponent on Oct. 5, 2026.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, Oct. 5, 2026
- On the record2024-06
In 2024 the State Board of Elections dismissed a Democratic Party official's complaint alleging his 2022 campaign illegally coordinated with Dan Proft's independent expenditure PAC.
Sources: WCIA (Nexstar), 2024, Capitol News Illinois via WTTW, June 12, 2024
- On the record2022-07-04
Hours after the July 4, 2022 Highland Park parade shooting, said on Facebook Live to pray for justice and then move on and celebrate; he apologized the same day.
Sources: Shaw Local News Network, July 5, 2022, WGN-TV (The Hill), July 5, 2022
- On the record2021-01
Signed a letter asking an Illinois member of Congress to object on Jan. 6, 2021 to certifying the 2020 presidential result, per CNN; he cast no recorded vote on certification.
Source: CNN via KVIA, Aug. 2022
- On the record2020-04-27
Sued Gov. Pritzker in April 2020 over the extended COVID-19 stay-at-home order; Clay County Judge Michael McHaney granted a restraining order exempting Bailey, which the state appealed.
Sources: Capitol News Illinois, CBS Chicago, April 2020
- On the record2020-05-20
The Illinois House voted in May 2020 to remove him from the chamber for a day after he refused to wear a mask under the chamber's rules.
Sources: WBEZ via NPR Illinois, Sept. 30, 2022, Wikipedia, Darren Bailey
- Credit2019 to 2022
Chief sponsor of two enacted laws: higher fines for illegally passing school buses as a House member and a firefighter recruitment law as a senator; WBEZ ranked his Senate output lowest in his caucus.
Collin Corbett
- On the record2026-05-26
Left his Republican consulting firm Cor Strategies after the March 2026 primary and filed 37,000 signatures on May 26, 2026 to run for governor as an independent.
Source: Capitol News Illinois via Northern Public Radio, May 27, 2026
- On the record2026-06-23
An objection to his nominating petitions filed by Republican lieutenant governor nominee Aaron Del Mar was withdrawn on June 23, 2026, leaving him on the November ballot.
JB Pritzker
- Mark against2026-09
The Auditor General's compliance examination of the Office of the Governor for fiscal 2024 and 2025 gave a modified opinion with seven findings, five repeated, including material weaknesses on board appointments.
- Mark against2018-09-28
A Sept. 28, 2018 Cook County inspector general report said $331,432 in property tax breaks on a Pritzker mansion rested on affidavits with false representations; Pritzker repaid the sum in October 2018.
Sources: NBC Chicago, Oct. 10, 2018, Chicago Sun-Times, April 2019
- Unresolved2019-04-24
WBEZ reported in April 2019 that federal authorities opened an investigation in October 2018 into the property tax appeal on the Pritzkers' mansion; Pritzker said he had no concerns.
Where it stands: No charges were reported in the sources opened, and no public closure of the inquiry was found. A news sweep on Oct. 9, 2026 found no charges, closure or later reporting.
Sources: WBEZ, April 24, 2019, Chicago Sun-Times, April 2019
- On the record2025-08-15
Vetoed Senate Bill 246 in August 2025, a nonprofit investment pool sought by Democratic Treasurer Michael Frerichs, saying it could let extremist groups use state services.
- On the record2021-08-18
A 2018 federal suit by 12 field organizers alleging racial harassment and discrimination by his campaign ended Aug. 18, 2021, when a judge granted summary judgment to the campaign on all claims.
Source: U.S. District Court, N.D. Illinois, Little v. JB Pritzker for Governor, opinion of Aug. 18, 2021
- On the record2017-12 to 2025-10
PolitiFact has rated four of his statements False and one Pants on Fire, from December 2017 to October 2025, among 21 statements checked.
Sources: PolitiFact, JB Pritzker scorecard, PolitiFact, JB Pritzker statements rated False
- Credit2026-10-05
Former Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin endorsed his reelection on Oct. 5, 2026 over the Republican nominee.
Sources: NPR Illinois, Oct. 5, 2026, FOX 32 Chicago, Oct. 5, 2026
- Credit2025-10-23
Moody's raised Illinois to A2 in October 2025, the state's 10th credit upgrade since he took office, citing rising reserves; Moody's issued an 11th upgrade in August 2026.
Sources: Bloomberg via Insurance Journal, Oct. 24, 2025, Capitol News Illinois, Aug. 2026
- Credit2019-06-28
Signed the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan on June 28, 2019, funded by a 19-cent gas tax increase, a $1 cigarette tax increase and expanded gambling.
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Darren Bailey. Committee Bailey for Illinois is active with reports on file at the State Board of Elections. In 2024 the Board dismissed a Democratic Party official's complaint alleging his 2022 campaign coordinated with Dan Proft's PAC.
Sources: Illinois State Board of Elections, Bailey for Illinois (committee 34092), WCIA (Nexstar), 2024
Collin Corbett. Committee Collin for Illinois, created May 1, 2026, is active with reports on file at the State Board of Elections. No ethics, court or campaign finance finding found.
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections, Collin for Illinois (committee 41172)
JB Pritzker. A Sept. 28, 2018 Cook County inspector general report said his family received $331,432 in property tax breaks based on affidavits with false representations; he repaid it.
Sources: NBC Chicago, Oct. 10, 2018, Chicago Sun-Times, April 2019
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Darren Bailey. In an October 2026 interview said of President Trump's Iran war and tariff costs that the pain lasted longer than expected and "we want President Trump to wind this up."
Source: Capitol News Illinois via NPR Illinois, Oct. 7, 2026
Collin Corbett. Left his Republican consulting firm, Cor Strategies, after the March 2026 primary, citing concerns that the party supports violent immigration raids, and ran as an independent.
Sources: Capitol News Illinois via Northern Public Radio, May 27, 2026, WGN-TV, May 2026
JB Pritzker. In August 2025 vetoed Senate Bill 246, a nonprofit investment pool backed by Democratic Treasurer Michael Frerichs and passed by the Democratic legislature; Capitol News Illinois called such vetoes somewhat rare for a governor of the majority party.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Darren Bailey. Took part in the Aug. 10, 2026 agricultural candidate forum near Bloomington and gave an on-record interview to Capitol News Illinois in October 2026.
Sources: Capitol News Illinois via NPR Illinois, Aug. 11, 2026, Capitol News Illinois via NPR Illinois, Oct. 7, 2026
Collin Corbett. Took reporters' questions after filing petitions on May 26, 2026 and gave an on-record interview to Capitol News Illinois in September 2026.
Sources: Capitol News Illinois via Northern Public Radio, May 27, 2026, Capitol News Illinois via WTTW, Sept. 22, 2026
JB Pritzker. Took moderated questions at the Aug. 10, 2026 Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable candidate forum with Darren Bailey, and held a five-day statewide bus tour in August 2026 with press interviews.
Sources: Capitol News Illinois via NPR Illinois, Aug. 11, 2026, Capitol News Illinois, Aug. 2026
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Darren Bailey. Four years in the legislature and service on the North Clay school board with no formal censure, reprimand or conduct finding found. His May 2020 removal from the House floor for refusing to wear a mask is in the Record.
Source: Ballotpedia, Darren Bailey
Collin Corbett. No public record found.
JB Pritzker. Governor since January 2019 and earlier chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, with no formal censure, reprimand or conduct finding found.
Source: Ballotpedia, JB Pritzker
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Darren Bailey. Sworn state representative and senator, 2019 to 2023, with no recorded vote or legal filing to reject certified results. CNN reported he signed a letter asking an Illinois member of Congress to object to the 2020 certification.
Sources: CNN via KVIA, Aug. 2022, Ballotpedia, Darren Bailey
Collin Corbett. No public record found.
JB Pritzker. Sworn governor since Jan. 14, 2019 with no official finding of misuse of office and no action to reject certified election results found.
Source: Ballotpedia, JB Pritzker
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Darren Bailey. Two terms in the Illinois legislature: House District 109, 2019 to 2021, and Senate District 55, 2021 to 2023. Farm owner and former North Clay school board member.
Source: Ballotpedia, Darren Bailey
Collin Corbett. Founded the political consulting firm Cor Strategies, which worked for Republican campaigns, and works as a pollster. No government service found.
Source: Capitol News Illinois via Northern Public Radio, May 27, 2026
JB Pritzker. Governor of Illinois since 2019, two full terms. Earlier ran the private equity firm Pritzker Group and chaired the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
Source: Ballotpedia, JB Pritzker
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Darren Bailey. Proposes a 1% cap on property tax bills paid for by reprioritizing state spending, abolishing the Illinois Tollway and a DOGE-style spending review. Was minority spokesperson on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Sources: Capitol News Illinois via NPR Illinois, Oct. 7, 2026, Wikipedia, Darren Bailey
Collin Corbett. Published positions in general terms, including shifting sales taxes from basics to higher-end services to lower property taxes and diversifying road funding.
JB Pritzker. Sitting governor seeking a third term. Says his agenda is more school funding, a stronger state financial position and universal preschool statewide.
Source: Capitol News Illinois, Aug. 2026
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Darren Bailey. Two channels documented: campaign issue pages and a candidate forum. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
Source: Ballotpedia, Darren Bailey
Collin Corbett. Three channels documented: completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey, a published platform on his campaign site, and video and podcast series.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Collin Corbett, Collin for Illinois, home page
JB Pritzker. Three channels documented: completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey, a candidate forum with moderated questions, and a statewide bus tour with press interviews.
Sources: Ballotpedia, JB Pritzker, Capitol News Illinois via NPR Illinois, Aug. 11, 2026
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Darren Bailey. Born and lives in Louisville, Illinois; Xenia farmer. In-state share of contributions not available from the sources opened.
Source: Ballotpedia, Darren Bailey
Collin Corbett. Palatine native who lives in Palatine. In-state share of contributions not available from the sources opened.
Sources: WGN-TV, May 2026, Capitol News Illinois via Northern Public Radio, May 27, 2026
JB Pritzker. Born in Atherton, California; moved to Chicago at age 12 and has lived and worked there since. In-state share of contributions not available; his campaign is largely self-funded.
Sources: Wikipedia, JB Pritzker, Capitol News Illinois via NPR Illinois, Oct. 7, 2026
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Darren Bailey. Owns Bailey Family Farm and has worked in trucking and excavating. Committee Bailey for Illinois, created 2017, is active with reports on file; no Board fine found in the sources opened.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Darren Bailey, Illinois State Board of Elections, Bailey for Illinois (committee 34092)
Collin Corbett. Founded and ran Cor Strategies. Filed 37,000 petition signatures for ballot access; committee reports on file at the State Board of Elections.
Sources: Capitol News Illinois via Northern Public Radio, May 27, 2026, Illinois State Board of Elections, Collin for Illinois (committee 41172)
JB Pritzker. Has headed the Illinois executive branch since 2019 and earlier ran Pritzker Group. His committee, JB for Governor, has filed quarterly reports with the State Board of Elections; no Board fine found in the sources opened.
Sources: Illinois State Board of Elections, JB for Governor (committee 32762), Ballotpedia, JB Pritzker
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Darren Bailey. Chief sponsor of two enacted laws in four years: higher fines for illegally passing school buses (House) and firefighter recruitment (Senate). WBEZ found no 2021 Senate Republican had fewer enacted chief-sponsored bills.
Collin Corbett. No public record found.
JB Pritzker. Signed the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan in June 2019. Illinois received its 10th credit rating upgrade of his tenure from Moody's in October 2025 as the state paid down more than $16 billion in unpaid bills.
Sources: Associated Press via WCBU, June 28, 2019, Bloomberg via Insurance Journal, Oct. 24, 2025
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Darren Bailey. No public record found.
Collin Corbett. No public record found.
JB Pritzker. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Darren Bailey. No public record found.
Collin Corbett. No public record found.
JB Pritzker. The Office of the Governor offers an online constituent assistance request. No published casework totals found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Darren Bailey. No public record found.
Collin Corbett. No public record found.
JB Pritzker. Endorsed on Oct. 5, 2026 by former Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin.
Sources: NPR Illinois, Oct. 5, 2026, Chicago Sun-Times, Oct. 5, 2026
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Darren Bailey. No public record found.
Collin Corbett. No public record found.
JB Pritzker. The Auditor General's compliance examination of the Office of the Governor for the two years ended June 30, 2025 gave a modified opinion with material weaknesses and seven findings, five repeated. Moody's cited his conservative budgeting in a 2026 upgrade.
Sources: Illinois Auditor General, Office of the Governor compliance examination, two years ended June 30, 2025, Capitol News Illinois, Aug. 2026
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 9, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Illinois governor's race?
JB Pritzker has the strongest record in the Illinois governor's race. JB Pritzker scores 61 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Darren Bailey at 59 and Collin Corbett at 56, as of October 9, 2026. JB Pritzker's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Darren Bailey's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Illinois governor's race in 2026?
Darren Bailey (Republican), Collin Corbett (Independent), JB Pritzker (Democratic, incumbent). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Darren Bailey a good candidate for Governor?
Darren Bailey scores 59 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 70 of 100, performance 50 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Collin Corbett a good candidate for Governor?
Collin Corbett scores 56 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 60 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is JB Pritzker a good candidate for Governor?
JB Pritzker scores 61 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 14 of 15 criteria: character 45 of 100, qualifications 85 of 100, performance 50 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Illinois race scored, and the Illinois 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.