By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/jb-pritzker-says-his-reelection-as-illinois-governor-shows-hope-is-winning-out-over-fear Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter JB Pritzker says his reelection as Illinois governor shows hope is winning out over fear Politics Nov 3, 2026 9:17 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Democrat JB Pritzker won election Tuesday as governor of Illinois, defeating Republican Darren Bailey. "It looks like maybe, just maybe, something is stirring in the conscience of America," Pritzker told his supporters after winning election to a third term. He's the first Democrat elected to a third term as governor in Illinois. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Pritzker, a billionaire businessman and an heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, is considered a potential contender for the White House in 2028. "We climbed one mountain tonight," Pritzker said. "But we are sitting at the base of another." Bailey, a former state lawmaker, also lost to Pritzker in 2022. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Democrat JB Pritzker won election Tuesday as governor of Illinois, defeating Republican Darren Bailey. "It looks like maybe, just maybe, something is stirring in the conscience of America," Pritzker told his supporters after winning election to a third term. He's the first Democrat elected to a third term as governor in Illinois. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Pritzker, a billionaire businessman and an heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, is considered a potential contender for the White House in 2028. "We climbed one mountain tonight," Pritzker said. "But we are sitting at the base of another." Bailey, a former state lawmaker, also lost to Pritzker in 2022. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now