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15h ago

Illinois 2026 Primary Filing Opens as Top Contenders Submit Petitions

The one-week window runs to Nov. 3, then lotteries, followed by objections, will shape the March ballot.

Gov. JB Pritzker and his running mate for lieutenant governor, Christian Mitchell, answer media questions on July 2, 2025, at Peach’s Restaurant in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
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Cook County political candidates, including County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, arrive with petitions after lining up early Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the county clerk’s office to submit nominating petitions for the March primary election. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Filing opened Monday with more than 400 candidates reportedly submitting petitions and early lines forming to qualify for top ballot placement.
  • Gov. J.B. Pritzker and running mate Christian Mitchell filed in Springfield for a third term bid.
  • Republican Darren Bailey did not file in person as running mate Aaron Del Mar submitted paperwork on his behalf following a family helicopter-crash tragedy.
  • Cook County saw high-profile early filings, including Board President Toni Preckwinkle versus Ald. Brendan Reilly and Assessor Fritz Kaegi versus Pat Hynes, with Preckwinkle estimating about 40,000 signatures.
  • The filing deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 3, after which a preliminary ballot will be published and a one-week objection period will begin; the state primary is set for March 17, 2026.