Overview
- The lone scheduled debate between Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican Darren Bailey took place on Oct. 13 and featured frequent interruptions and sharp exchanges on property taxes, the SAFE‑T Act criminal‑justice reforms, immigration and energy policy.
- Pritzker used the forum to tie Bailey to President Donald J. Trump and to defend his record on fiscal stability and public programs, while Bailey focused on affordability and public safety and urged repeal or change to the SAFE‑T Act.
- Independent candidate Collin Corbett, who qualified for the November ballot, was excluded from the WTTW forum and criticized the decision while holding a virtual event to press his policy proposals to suburban and moderate voters.
- Commentators and former Illinois GOP officials judged Pritzker to have come across as more governor‑like in the debate and said the hour produced no clear breakout moment that would change the trajectory of the race.
- The outcome of the forum leaves attention on early voting and campaign spending, with Pritzker’s multiyear self‑funding and policy record — including a $45 billion capital plan, a $15 minimum wage and expanded abortion protections — framing the choice voters will make on Nov. 3.