Overview
- Reilly formally announced his bid on Sept. 10 for the March 17, 2026 Democratic primary, setting up a high-profile intraparty contest.
- He centers his campaign on public safety, rising property taxes and county spending, citing a budget increase from about $3.6 billion in 2010 to nearly $10 billion and criticizing a troubled tech upgrade.
- Positioning himself to Preckwinkle’s right on crime, Reilly says he would increase resources for State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke and Sheriff Tom Dart.
- Reilly says his team has already gathered enough petition signatures to secure a ballot spot and signals forthcoming endorsements.
- Preckwinkle’s camp highlights her record on health care expansion and $659 million in medical debt relief as she leverages her role as county party chair and longstanding union support.