Illinois governor’s debate tonight: JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey face off at the start of their only debate before Election Day in November 2026

CHICAGO (WLS) — Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and his Republican challenger Darren Bailey met Tuesday night for their only scheduled debate before next month’s election, a rematch of their contest four years ago. With Election Day three weeks away and early voting already underway, both candidates used the forum to present their arguments to voters.

The debate became tense less than 10 minutes later, when a discussion about high property taxes prompted the two men to argue.

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Pritzker said, “He raised property taxes 13 times, there were only 13 opportunities to vote,” while Bailey interrupted, responding, “…that’s not the proof.”

Recent crimes and state criminal justice reforms also surfaced.

Bailey argued, “And I think the biggest problem with the security law, I think we need to repeal it.” Pritzker replied: “Darren Bailey’s answer to that question is to return to a system in which the most violent criminals can buy their way out of prison.”

Throughout the night, Bailey frequently interrupted Pritzker, who accused Bailey of lying.

Bailey also questioned Pritzker’s political ambitions, saying, “I’m not running for president like JB Pritzker is. I’m running for what I can do as governor here in the state of Illinois.

Pritzker responded: “Look, I’m flattered that you think I could be elected president of the United States, but I’m running for re-election as governor. »

There has been heated disagreement over the future of the Chicago Bears.

Pritzker said, “And I believe in November we can do something to keep the Bears in the state of Illinois. But I’m not going to do it at the expense of the taxpayers.”

Bailey responded, “I’m just glad I’m not known as the governor who lost the Bears, the Bears go to Indiana.”

Independent candidate Collin Corbett, who was not qualified for the debate by WTTW’s criteria, held a virtual event beforehand. He told viewers: “It’s not really about me. It’s about the public. The public is losing the opportunity to see a substantive discussion about the issues that matter to them, to their families and to their community.”

Pritzker and Bailey also clashed over energy policy, housing, immigration and tariffs.

Pritzker has repeatedly tried to link Bailey to President Donald Trump, who supported Bailey in the race. Bailey, anticipating the attacks, asked viewers to make it a drinking game every time Pritzker mentioned Trump.