2018 Illinois gubernatorial election

2018 Illinois gubernatorial election

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Turnout	56.15% 7.67 pp
Nominee J. B. Pritzker Bruce Rauner Party Democratic Republican Running mate Juliana Stratton Evelyn Sanguinetti Popular vote 2,479,746 1,765,751 Percentage 54.5% 38.8%
County results Pritzker:      40–50%      50–60%      70–80% Rauner:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Governor before election Bruce Rauner Republican Elected Governor J. B. Pritzker Democratic

The 2018 Illinois gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2018, to elect the Governor of Illinois. The Democratic and Republican primary elections took place on March 20, 2018^[1] and the Libertarian Party state convention was held on March 4th.^[2]

Incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner ran for re-election to a second term^[3][4] against Democrat J. B. Pritzker and Libertarian Kash Jackson.

In March 2018, the primary results concluded with J. B. Pritzker winning the Democratic nomination with Rauner winning the Republican nomination. Meanwhile, Kash Jackson won the Libertarian Party nomination during a state convention in Bloomington, IL.^[2]

Pritzker defeated incumbent Rauner in the general election by a landslide.

Republican Party

See the main article: Republican Party (United States)

Candidates

Declared

• Jeanne Ives, State Representative^[5][6]
  • Running mate: Richard Morthland, former State Representative
• Bruce Rauner, incumbent Governor^[3][4]
  • Running mate: Evelyn Sanguinetti, incumbent Lieutenant Governor

• 
  State Representative
  Jeanne Ives
  
• 
  Governor
  Bruce Rauner
  

Primary results

Republican primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Bruce Rauner (incumbent)	329,995	51.7
	Republican	Jeanne Ives	308,791	48.3
Total votes			639,804	100

Democratic Party

See the main article: Democratic Party (United States)

Candidates

Declared

• Daniel Biss, State Senator^[7]
• Running mate: Litesa Wallace, State Representative. Wallace replaced Ramirez-Rosa on September 8, 2017.^[8]
• Former running mate: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Chicago Alderman. Biss removed Ramirez-Rosa from the ticket on September 6, 2017.^[9][10]
• Bob Daiber, Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools^[11]
• Running mate: Jonathan W. Todd, social worker^[12]
• Tio Hardiman, former director of CeaseFire and candidate for Governor in 2014^[13]
• Running mate: Patricia Avery, President and CEO of the Champaign County chapter of the NAACP.^[14]
• Chris Kennedy, former Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees and member of the Kennedy family^[15][16]
• Running mate: Ra Joy, executive director of CHANGE Illinois, a government reform coalition.^[17]
• Alex Paterakis, civil engineer and business owner.^[18]
• J. B. Pritzker, venture capitalist and philanthropist^[19]
• Running mate: Juliana Stratton, State Representative^[20]

• 
  State Senator
  Daniel Biss
  
• 
  Superintendent
  Bob Daiber
  
• 
  Activist
  Tio Hardiman
  
• 
  Chair
  Christopher G. Kennedy
  
• 
  Businessman
  Alex Paterakis
  
• 
  Businessman
  J. B. Pritzker
  

Withdrawn

• Scott Drury, State Representative, withdrew on September 19, 2017. He is running for Illinois Attorney General.^[21]
• Former running mate: Alex Hirsch, political operative
• Ameya Pawar, Chicago Alderman, withdrew on October 12, 2017^[22]
• Former running mate: Tyrone Coleman, mayor of Cairo, Illinois

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Chris Kennedy	J.B. Pritzker	Daniel Biss	Kurt Summers	Tio Hardiman	Bob Daiber	Others	Undecided
We Ask America	October 17–18, 2017	1,154	± 3%	15%	39%	6%	–	1%	1%	2%	36%
Garin-Hart-Yang	June 26–29, 2017	602	± 4%	44%	38%	–	–	–	–	–	18%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner	March 2–6, 2017	500	± 4.4%	44%	11%	–	7%	–	–	4%	34%

Primary results

Democratic primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Daniel Biss	204,043	26.44%
	Democratic	Bob Daiber	7,825	1.01%
	Democratic	Chris Kennedy	190,208	24.64%
	Democratic	Robert Marshall	8,251	1.07%
	Democratic	J. B. Pritzker	348,101	45.10%
	Democratic	Tio Hardiman	13,391	1.73%
Total votes			771,819	100%

Libertarian Party

See the main article: Libertarian Party (United States)

Candidates

Winner

• Kash Jackson, Navy Veteran and activist^[23][24]

Failed

• Jon Stewart, retired professional wrestler, Republican candidate for the State House in 1998 and Republican candidate for IL-05 in 2009^{[23] [25]}

• 
  Activist
  Kash Jackson
  
• 
  Retired professional wrestler
  Jon Stewart
  

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report[26]	Lean D	September 14, 2018
Rothenberg Political Report[27]	Lean D	September 14, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball[28]	Likely D	September 20, 2018
Real Clear Politics[29]	Likely D	September 19, 2018
Daily Kos Elections[30]	Likely D	September 17, 2018
Governing[31]	Lean D	September 19, 2018
Politico[32]	Likely D	September 19, 2018
Fox News[33]	Lean D	September 19, 2018

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bruce Rauner (R)	J. B. Pritzker (D)	Kash Jackson (L)	Sam McCann (C)	Other	Undecided
Research America Inc.	September 5–13, 2018	1,024	± 3.1%	27%	44%	4%	6%	0%	14%
Marist College	August 12–16, 2018	734	± 4.4%	30%	46%	6%	4%	2%	13%
Victory Research	August 12–14, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	30%	41%	2%	9%	–	18%
(C-McCann)	July 25–29, 2018	800	± 3.5%	29%	42%	6%	11%	1%	10%
Illinois Public Opinion (D)	July 12, 2018	423	± 5.0%	26%	39%	1%	10%	–	23%
Victory Research	June 26–28, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	30%	45%	2%	5%	–	18%
We Ask America	June 9–11, 2018	600	± 4.0%	27%	36%	–	–	26%	11%
Victory Research	May 22–24, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	32%	47%	–	–	–	–
Victory Research	April 18–21, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	31%	49%	–	–	–	19%
Ogden & Fry	March 23, 2018	667	± 3.9%	28%	46%	–	–	–	26%
Southern Illinois University Archived 2018-02-28 at the Wayback Machine	February 19–25, 2018	1,001	± 3.0%	35%	50%	–	–	–	15%
Public Policy Polling (D-Biss)	February 5–6, 2018	600	± 3.3%	35%	48%	–	–	–	17%
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	30%	47%	–	–	–	23%

with Jeanne Ives and J. B. Pritzker

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Jeanne Ives (R)	J. B. Pritzker (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	20%	40%	40%

with Bruce Rauner and Chris Kennedy

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bruce Rauner (R)	Chris Kennedy (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	28%	41%	31%

with Bruce Rauner and Daniel Biss

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bruce Rauner (R)	Daniel Biss (D)	Undecided
Paul Simon Institute Archived 2018-02-28 at the Wayback Machine	February 19–25, 2018	1,001	± 3.0%	34%	48%	18%
Public Policy Polling (D-Biss)	February 5–6, 2018	600	± 3.3%	30%	47%	23%

with Bruce Rauner and generic Democrat

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bruce Rauner (R)	Generic Democrat	Undecided
Normington Petts (D-DGA)	July 18–20, 2017	600	± 4.0%	37%	49%	14%
Anzalone Lizst Grove (D)	February 15–20, 2017	800	± 3.5%	32%	47%	21%
Normington Petts (D-DGA)	January 3–5, 2017	600	± 4.0%	35%	45%	20%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Kyle McCarter (R)	J. B. Pritzker (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	22%	42%	36%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Kyle McCarter (R)	Chris Kennedy (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	21%	42%	37%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Dan Proft (R)	J. B. Pritzker (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	25%	42%	33%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Dan Proft (R)	Chris Kennedy (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	23%	43%	34%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Brady (R)	J. B. Pritzker (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	26%	42%	32%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Brady (R)	Chris Kennedy (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	25%	42%	33%

with Jeanne Ives and Chris Kennedy

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Jeanne Ives (R)	Chris Kennedy (D)	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC) Archived 2018-03-15 at the Wayback Machine	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	19%	38%	43%

with Bruce Rauner and Dick Durbin

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bruce Rauner (R)	Dick Durbin (D)	Undecided
We Ask America Archived 2018-12-15 at the Wayback Machine	July 26, 2016	824	± 3.5%	35%	44%	22%

|}

References

1. The Green Papers: Illinois 2018 General Election
2. [e-mail], Julia Evelsizer. "Libertarian party selects governor candidate in Bloomington". pantagraph.com.
3. "Rick Pearson on Twitter: #ILGov Rauner tells Tribune editorial board he will run again. Says he's said it before, but don't recall that". Twitter. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
4. "Rauner quietly confirms re-election bid". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2016. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
5. Hinz, Greg. "Did Rauner just uncork a challenge from the right?", Crain's Chicago Business, September 29, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
6. Miller, Rich (October 28, 2017). "It's an Ives-Morthland ticket". Capitol Fax. Retrieved October 28, 2017.
7. Pearson, Rick (20 March 2017). "State Sen. Daniel Biss announces Democratic bid for governor". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
8. Miller, Rich (September 8, 2017). "Biss formally announces Litesa Wallace as new running mate". Capitol Fax. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
9. Byrne, John (August 31, 2017). "Biss selects freshman Chicago alderman as running mate". Chicago Tribune.
10. Pearson, Rick (September 6, 2017). "Dem gov hopeful Biss drops running mate Ramirez-Rosa over Israel views". The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
11. Koziatek, Mike (February 10, 2017). "Madison County school superintendent to run for governor". Belleville News-Democrat. Belleville, Illinois. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
12. Miller, Rich (October 13, 2017). "Daiber names social worker as running mate". Capitol Fax. Springfield, Illinois. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
13. Vlahos, Nick (June 5, 2017). "Nick in the AM: Tio Hardiman to run again for Illinois governor". Peoria Journal Star. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
14. Miller, Rich (August 9, 2017). "Hardiman selects running mate". Capitol Fax. Springfield, Illinois. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
15. Sneed, Michael (February 8, 2017). "Chris Kennedy Announces Run For Governor". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
16. Will Connors (February 8, 2017). "Chris Kennedy, Son of RFK, Running for Illinois Governor". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
17. Sfondeles, Tina. "Kennedy chooses running mate: Ra Joy, who lost son to gun violence Archived 2017-09-20 at the Wayback Machine", Chicago Sun-Times, September 14, 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
18. Schuba, Tom (January 31, 2017). "Meet the 29-Year-Old Suburban Democrat Running for Governor". NBC 5 Chicago. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
19. Pearson, Rick (April 6, 2017). "J.B. Pritzker joins Illinois governor race, facing big Democratic field to take on Rauner". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
20. Miller, Rich (August 9, 2017). "Pritzker to pick Rep. Stratton". Capitol Fax. Springfield, Illinois. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
21. Geiger, Kim (19 September 2017). "Drury drops governor bid to run for attorney general". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
22. Miller, Rich (October 12, 2017). "Pawar ends his campaign, cites money". NBC 5 Chicago. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
23. Janssen, Kim (June 21, 2017). "Former pro-wrestler with ties to Kellyanne Conway seeks Illinois governor nod". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
24. "Navy Vet On Cross-Country Mission For Parental Equality". 4 September 2016.
25. Aquarianagrarian (8 March 2017). "The Aquarian Agrarian: Libertarian Party of Chicago Vets Illinois Governor Candidates".
26. "2018 Governor Race ratings | The Cook Political Report". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved 2018-03-22.
27. "Gubernatorial Ratings | Inside Elections". insideelections.com. Retrieved 2018-03-22.
28. "2018 Governor". Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball. University of Virginia Center for Politics. Retrieved 2018-05-13.
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30. "Daily Kos Elections 2018 race ratings". Daily Kos. June 5, 2018.
31. "Tracking the 2018 Governors Races". Archived from the original on July 15, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
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