Pritzker, Bailey Clash Over Trump, Taxes And Bears At Chicago Forum

CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey repeatedly accused each other of lying Tuesday as they clashed over taxes, public safety, President Donald Trump and whether Illinois can keep the Chicago Bears from moving to Indiana.

The WTTW forum, moderated by Brandis Friedman, brought the candidates together three weeks before the Nov. 3 election. Pritzker is seeking a third term against the former state senator he defeated in 2022. Their discussion frequently turned into overlapping arguments, with Friedman stepping in to move them to the next question.

Bailey argued that Pritzker should take responsibility for Illinois' problems after nearly eight years in office with Democratic legislative supermajorities. Pritzker defended his record and repeatedly tied Bailey to Trump's policies.

"It's time for Gov. Pritzker to own the failures and the problems of Illinois," Bailey said during the opening exchange about hospital funding.

Pritzker countered that Bailey had not pushed back against federal cuts affecting Illinois residents.

The exchange reflected a central divide throughout the evening: Bailey blamed state leadership for rising costs and strained services, while Pritzker argued that federal decisions have made those problems worse.

Trump Looms Over Illinois Race

Bailey opened by telling viewers he planned to count how often Pritzker mentioned Trump, suggesting they take a drink of water, iced tea or lemonade each time.

Pritzker soon criticized federal Medicaid and food assistance cuts, saying they threatened hospitals and vulnerable families. Bailey said Illinois needed to prioritize spending and eliminate waste.

RELATED: Trump Endorses Darren Bailey In Illinois Governor's Race

Later, asked how he would work with the White House, Bailey said he would cooperate with whoever is president to secure the best outcome for Illinois. Pritzker accused him of failing to challenge policies that hurt the state.

Trump endorsed Bailey last month, adding another point of conflict with Pritzker, who has made opposition of the president a prominent part of his campaign.

Spending, Taxes And Schools

Bailey called for a forensic audit of the state budget and said his running mate, Aaron Del Mar, would help identify spending to cut. He criticized expenditures on services for undocumented immigrants and argued that more money does not necessarily produce better results.

Pritzker defended his administration's budgets, credit rating improvements and increased education spending. He said pension payments are obligations to state workers that Illinois must honor.

RELATED: 'Do Not Leave Our Schools Behind' — Union Urges Pritzker To Reject Vouchers

The candidates also sparred over property taxes. Pritzker accused Bailey of repeatedly voting to raise them while serving on a school board. Bailey disputed the accusation.

On education, Bailey called for stronger accountability and greater local control, while Pritzker said additional state funding helps schools hire teachers and reduce pressure on property taxpayers.

Asked about Chicago Public Schools' request for additional funding, Pritzker emphasized the need to manage the state budget responsibly rather than promise money whenever an individual district requests it. A recorded question from WSIU's Brian Sapp also pressed the candidates on underfunded schools in Jackson County.

The discussion came amid teachers union leader Stacy Davis Gates’ call for Pritzker to reject a federal scholarship tax-credit program and focus on closing Illinois' public school funding gap. Del Mar has supported Illinois’ participation in that program.

Bears Stadium Dispute

Pritzker maintained that taxpayers should not build a stadium for the Bears, while saying Illinois can support infrastructure associated with a project.

"A billionaire family owning a $9 billion valued team does not need us to buy them or build them a stadium," he said.

He identified roads, bridges and underground utilities as infrastructure the state could help provide.

RELATED: Pritzker Meets With NFL Commissioner In Push To Keep Bears In Illinois

Bailey argued that Illinois had waited too long and asserted that the Bears were headed to Indiana. Pritzker maintained that negotiations were continuing and expressed optimism about legislative action in November.

The governor met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Bears minority owner Pat Ryan and legislative leaders Oct. 1. The Bears own the former Arlington Park property in Arlington Heights, though the team has publicly emphasized plans for Hammond, Indiana.

Pritzker had previously criticized the team’s shifting stadium plans and said a special legislative session was possible if lawmakers reached an agreement.

Public Safety And Immigration

Bailey called for repealing the SAFE-T Act, arguing that the elimination of cash bail and problems with electronic monitoring have allowed dangerous defendants to remain in the community.

Pritzker defended a system in which judges assess whether defendants pose a danger rather than determine release based on their ability to pay. He also pointed to investments in policing, violence prevention and mental health treatment.

RELATED: 1 Year After Operation Midway Blitz, Pritzker, IL Democrats Renew Calls For Accountability

The candidates disagreed over Illinois' TRUST Act and immigration enforcement. Bailey argued that sanctuary policies impede cooperation with federal authorities. Pritzker criticized federal agents' tactics and said immigration enforcement had swept up U.S. citizens and people who had not committed violent crimes.

That disagreement followed renewed calls from Pritzker and Illinois Democrats for accountability over Operation Midway Blitz, the federal immigration operation launched in Chicago and the suburbs in September 2025.

Utility Bills, Tolls And Agriculture

Bailey criticized the state's transition away from fossil fuels and argued that reliable energy sources were being phased out too quickly. Pritzker defended the state’s energy policies and said new data centers should bring their own clean energy and use closed water systems.

Both acknowledged that electricity bills are too high.

On transportation, Bailey criticized toll increases, while Pritzker defended infrastructure spending as necessary to maintain roads and bridges and help businesses move goods.

Bailey's position follows his pledge to suspend Illinois’ gas tax for six months. His campaign’s earlier announcement did not specify the legal authority for doing so by executive order or how lost revenue would be replaced.

RELATED: Bailey Says He'd Suspend Illinois Gas Tax For 6 Months As Governor

Recorded questions from WTVP's Mark Welp addressed the Farm Bill and tariffs. Bailey emphasized relief from Illinois estate taxes for family farms, while Pritzker discussed food assistance, farm financing and the costs of federal trade policies.

The candidates also disagreed over plans for Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center. Bailey emphasized keeping services near Southern Illinois families; Pritzker cited abuse at the facility and defended changes intended to protect patients.

Pritzker Pressed On National Ambitions

Asked whether voters could trust his commitment to Illinois amid speculation about a 2028 presidential run, Pritzker said his national campaigning was aimed at electing a Democratic Congress that would check Trump’s administration.

Bailey repeatedly argued that the governor should focus on Illinois’ problems.

Voters will decide the rematch Nov. 3. Early voting is underway, with more locations opening in some counties Oct. 19. Patch’s Illinois voter guide includes information on the candidates, registration and voting options.

For full coverage of the 2026 election in Illinois, go here.