Pritzker Wins Third Term As Illinois Governor, Defeating Bailey Again: AP

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker won a third term Tuesday, defeating Republican Darren Bailey in a rematch of Illinois' 2022 gubernatorial election, according to The Associated Press.

In his election-night remarks, Pritzker thanked supporters for maintaining their resolve through difficult years and urged them to carry that energy beyond the election.

"Tonight is a good night, but the work does not end tonight," Pritzker said. "Tomorrow we wake up with hope rewarded and purpose renewed."

He then asked the crowd whether it was ready for the fight.

"Then go out there with hope and courage and fight like hell for what’s next," Pritzker said.

AP called the race before most votes were reported, according to The New York Times’ results page.

Polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday. As of approximately 8:15 p.m., NYT displayed the following unofficial totals, with 22 percent of votes reported:

Pritzker, first elected governor in 2018, secured another four-year term. He defeated Bailey in 2022 with approximately 55 percent of the vote to Bailey’s 42 percent.

With Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton running for U.S. Senate, Pritzker chose former deputy governor and state Rep. Christian Mitchell as his running mate. Mitchell will succeed Stratton as lieutenant governor.

During his remarks, Pritzker praised both running mates and asked supporters to applaud Mitchell.

"One of the true delights of running for governor is getting to choose a partner and a leader to run with as lieutenant governor," Pritzker said. "And if I do say so myself, I’ve hit it out of the park twice now."

He also thanked his wife, first lady MK Pritzker, describing her as an advocate for vulnerable people and a defender of those whose rights are under attack.

"Governor Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor-elect Christian Mitchell are honored that voters have entrusted them to lead Illinois," campaign manager Chris Shallow said in a statement.

Shallow credited Pritzker with working to lower costs, expand health care access and protect workers' and reproductive rights. He framed the victory as a rejection of the Trump administration.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, also congratulated Pritzker in a statement Tuesday night.

"Congratulations to Governor JB Pritzker on being re-elected governor of Illinois and becoming the first Democratic governor to win three terms in the state," Beshear said.

Beshear credited Pritzker with lowering prescription drug costs, protecting reproductive rights, raising wages and securing 12 state credit rating upgrades. He said the association looks forward to working with Pritzker on health care, education and infrastructure.

Pritzker campaigned on his administration’s record, including education funding, fiscal improvements and protections for reproductive rights. He also emphasized opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration.

Bailey, a farmer and former state legislator from downstate Louisville, ran alongside former Palatine Village Council member Aaron Del Mar. His campaign emphasized affordability, lower taxes, government spending and public safety.

The Republican pledged to suspend Illinois’ gas tax for six months if elected. Trump endorsed Bailey during the campaign.

The candidates clashed over Trump, taxes and the Chicago Bears’ stadium search during an October forum in Chicago.

Independent candidate Collin Corbett also appeared on the ballot, running with Carolyn Schofield.

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Election results are unofficial until certified by election authorities.