2026 Gubernatorial Hopefuls Challenge Pritzker

Three men had already announced campaigns for governor when J.B. Pritzker launched his bid for a third term last week, but the field of candidates is expected to grow.

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor in February. Lake Forest businessman and former 10th Congressional District candidate Joe Severino joined the GOP field in April. Phil Perez, a mechanic and member of the Posen Park District Commission, is also running.

Pritzker is a billionaire incumbent with widespread support in the Democratic Party and will likely have a massive financial edge over any potential opponent for governor. He has not ruled out a run for President in 2028.

Mendrick said Pritzker is offering Illinoisans more of the same and might not finish his term.

“For him, an election is like, ‘Hey, can I buy that election on aisle three because I want to buy a different election on aisle four in a couple years.’ It’s just fast food, pay-to-play politics,” Mendrick told The Center Square.

Severino has criticized other Republicans and said the GOP nominee must not be someone who has helped shield Democrats.

“We have to draw a distinction between the Republican agenda and ideologies and values versus what we’ve had for the last six-and-a-half years. I think when there’s a stark contrast rather than blurring the lines with these pseudo-Republicans, people will shake off the voter fatigue and show up at the ballot box and it will favor the Republicans,” Severino told The Center Square.