2018 Illinois gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:	2018 Illinois gubernatorial election
Country:	Illinois
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2014 Illinois gubernatorial election
Previous Year:	2014
Next Election:	2022 Illinois gubernatorial election
Next Year:	2022
Turnout:	56.15% 7.67 pp
Image1:	File:J.B. Pritzker Candidate for Governor State of Illinois Traditional Workers May Day Rally and March Chicago Illinois 5-1-18 1319 (40052212680) (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	J. B. Pritzker
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate1:	Juliana Stratton
Popular Vote1:	2,479,746
Percentage1:	54.53%
Nominee2:	Bruce Rauner
Running Mate2:	Evelyn Sanguinetti
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	1,765,751
Percentage2:	38.83%
Governor
Before Election:	Bruce Rauner
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)
After Election:	J. B. Pritzker
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

The 2018 Illinois gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2018, to elect the governor of Illinois, concurrently with the 2018 Illinois general election and other midterm elections. Incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner ran for re-election to a second term in office,^[1] but was defeated by Democratic nominee J. B. Pritzker. This was one of eight Republican-held governorships up for election in a state that Hillary Clinton won in the 2016 presidential election.

This was the second consecutive Illinois gubernatorial election in which the incumbent unsuccessfully sought re-election, and was also the first time that two consecutive governors have been elected without prior public office experience. Rauner was one of two incumbent Republican governors to be defeated for re-election in 2018, the other being Scott Walker in neighboring Wisconsin, who had lost narrowly to Tony Evers. In addition, Rauner had the worst defeat for an incumbent governor in any state since Ernie Fletcher's defeat in Kentucky's 2007 election. Rauner's 38.8% of the vote was the worst performance for an incumbent Illinois governor since 1912; he also received the lowest raw percentage of the vote for a Republican nominee since 1912. Pritzker flipped fifteen counties that had previously voted for Rauner in 2014.

Ultimately, Rauner lost in the most lopsided gubernatorial election since Jim Edgar was reelected in 1994. With Pritzker winning by a margin of 15.7%, this was the biggest gubernatorial margin of victory for a Democrat since 1932. This was the first gubernatorial election in the state since 2002 where the Democrat won a majority of the vote. Pritzker only won 16 out of Illinois's 102 counties. However, those counties account for more than half of the state's total population. Pritzker won the traditionally Democratic Cook County which includes the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Pritzker won in all but one of Chicago's collar counties, which used to be more of a tossup in years prior. He was the first Democrat to carry DuPage County since 1932; meanwhile, Kane and Kendall counties had not been carried by a Democrat once during the 20th century. DeKalb County voted Democratic for the first time since 1972.

Pritzker also did well in other cities such as East Saint Louis and Champaign, and narrowly won in Peoria. Rauner did well in most rural areas of the state, but it was not enough to put a dent into Pritzker's lead.

Election information

The primaries and general elections coincided with those for federal congressional races and those for other state offices. The election was part of the 2018 Illinois elections. Primary elections were held on March 20.

Turnout

For the primary election, turnout was 25.76%, with 2,046,710 votes cast.^{[2] [3]} For the general election, turnout was 56.15%, with 4,547,657 votes cast.^{[4] [3]}

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominated

• Bruce Rauner, incumbent governor^[1]
  • Running mate: Evelyn Sanguinetti, incumbent lieutenant governor

Eliminated in primary

• Jeanne Ives, State Representative^{[5] [6] [7]}
  • Running mate: Richard Morthland, Rock Island County board member and former state representative

Withdrew

• William J. Kelly, radio host and perennial candidate (running as an independent)^{[8] [9]}
  • Running mate: Brian Leggero, candidate for Mayor of Rockford in 2017^[10]
  • Former running mate: Ray Tranchant, immigration activist^{[8] [11]}

Campaign

A November 2017 Capitol Fax/We Ask America poll found that 83% of Republican voters have never heard of Ives.^[12] Ives' campaign's fourth-quarter fundraising totals were around $500,000.^[13] On February 28, 2018, Ives' campaign released a new book entitled The Governor You Don't Know: The Other Side of Bruce Rauner, authored by Chicago GOP chairman and Ives campaign chairman Chris Cleveland with a foreword by conservative State Representative Tom Morrison.^[14]

Rauner and Ives held their first and only scheduled forum on January 29, before the Chicago Tribune editorial board."^[15] Rauner largely ignored his opponent and focused on attacking Speaker Mike Madigan, comparing him to his likely Democratic challenger, J. B. Pritzker. Ives, on the other hand, attacked Rauner for being an ineffective governor and alienating social conservatives.^[16] Shortly after the debate, conservative Lake Forest businessman Richard Uihlein donated $500,000 to Ives' campaign.^[17]

Rauner and Ives were invited by the University of Illinois Springfield to debate a second time; Rauner declined the invitation.^[18]

Ives released an ad titled "Thank You, Bruce Rauner" on February 3, 2018, in an attempt to challenge her opponent's commitment to conservative values. Her ad featured actors outfitted to portray a transgender woman, an anti-fascist protester wearing a hood and a bandana over his face, a member of the Chicago Teachers Union and a Women's March activist. After Ives' ad made its rounds on the internet, advocacy groups, some Republicans and Democrats lashed out against Ives, calling her video bigoted and offensive.^{[19] [20]} The ad increased Ives's profile and name recognition.^[21] Three Chicago-area newspaper editorial boards came out against the ad: the Chicago Tribune said "The portrayals are demeaning;"^[22] the Daily Herald said that Ives should take down the ad, which "attacks people of Illinois, not opponent",^[23] and the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, "Jeanne Ives goes for the bully vote with her TV ad."^[24]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bruce Rauner	Jeanne Ives	Undecided
Ogden & Fry (R-Ives)	March 14, 2018	787	± 3.5%	align=center	42%	35%	23%
Southern Illinois University	February 19–25, 2018	259	± 6.0%	align=center	51%	31%	18%
We Ask America	January 14–16, 2018	1,026	± 3.1%	align=center	65%	21%	15%
We Ask America	October 25–29, 2017	1,064	± 3.0%	align=center	64%	19%	16%
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC)	October 12, 2017	495	± 4.5%	align=center	59%	14%	28%

Results

Despite a 14% decrease in Republican primary votes cast, Rauner increased his overall vote total by 9% compared to the 2014 primary. In 2018, he managed to capture a narrow majority of the votes, with 51.5%, in his victory over conservative Ives. By comparison, in 2014 Rauner only received 40.2% of the primary vote in his narrow win victory over Kirk Dillard, Bill Brady, and Dan Rutherford.

In 2018, Rauner did well in central Illinois compared to the Republican primary four years earlier, when he managed 30% in the downstate region and finished 2nd to Kirk Dillard. In 2018, he carried the region with 52%.

However, the result was still considered surprisingly close, and indicated widespread dissatisfaction with Rauner's governorship among more conservative Republicans.^[25]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominated

• J. B. Pritzker, venture capitalist^[26]

• Running mate: Juliana Stratton, State Representative^[27]

Eliminated in primary

• Daniel Biss, state senator^[28]

• Running mate: Litesa Wallace, state representative^[29]

• Former running mate: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Chicago Alderman
• Bob Daiber, Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools^[30]

• Running mate: Jonathan W. Todd, social worker^[31]
• Tio Hardiman, former director of CeaseFire and candidate for governor in 2014^[32]

• Running mate: Patricia Avery, president and CEO of the Champaign County chapter of the NAACP.^[33]
• Chris Kennedy, former chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees and member of the Kennedy family^{[34] [35]}

• Running mate: Ra Joy, nonprofit executive^[36]
• Robert Marshall, physician and perennial candidate^[37]

• Running mate: Dennis Cole

Removed from ballot

• Terry Getz, corrections officer (filed on November 29, 2017, but did so without a running mate or submitting any signatures)^[38]

Withdrew

• Scott Drury, state representative (running for Attorney General^[39])

• Running mate: Alex Hirsch, political operative
• Alex Paterakis, civil engineer and business owner^{[40] [41]}
• Ameya Pawar, Chicago Alderman^[42]

• Running mate: Tyrone Coleman, mayor of Cairo

Declined

• Cheri Bustos, U.S. representative^[43]
• Arne Duncan, former United States Secretary of Education^{[44] [45]}
• Dick Durbin, U.S. senator^{[46] [47] [48]}
• Mike Frerichs, Illinois Treasurer^{[49] [50]}
• Valerie Jarrett, former Senior Advisor to the President^[51]
• Robin Kelly, U.S. representative^{[52] [53] [54]}
• Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General^[55]
• Andy Manar, state senator^{[56] [57]}
• Barack Obama, former President of the United States and U.S. senator^[58]
• Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States^{[59] [60]}
• Penny Pritzker, former United States Secretary of Commerce^[61]
• Pat Quinn, former governor of Illinois (Ran for Attorney General)^{[62] [63]}
• Heather Steans, state senator^[64]
• Kurt Summers, Chicago city treasurer^[65]

Forums

The Illinois LGBTQ Forum: The Democratic Candidates for Governor^[66] was held on December 6, 2017, and organized by Affinity Community Services, the Association of Latinos/as Motivating Action (ALMA), the Equality Illinois Institute, and Pride Action Tank. Candidates who attended included Daniel Biss, Tio Hardiman, Ameya Pawar, J. B. Pritzker, and Chris Kennedy.

Whitney Young High School hosted the first student-run gubernatorial debate in the United States on October 4, 2017. All 7 then current candidates attended, meaning Daniel Biss, Bob Daiber, Tio Hardiman, Chris Kennedy, Alex Paterakis, Ameya Pawar, and J. B. Pritzker.^[67]

The Illinois chapter of progressive advocacy organization Our Revolution sponsored a forum at the Chicago Teacher's Union headquarters on October 8, 2017. Candidates voiced similar opinions on single-payer health care, gun control, and the minimum wage, but differed on a hypothetical state deal with Amazon and relationships with powerful Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan.^[68]

The Democratic candidates held their first televised debate on January 23.^[69] All six candidates met again a week later on January 30. The debate was not televised but was uploaded to WSIL-TV's YouTube channel.^[70]

Another debate was held on February 21, which was hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield. Chris Kennedy did not attend due to a back injury, although all five other candidates participated.^[71] Another major debate took place on March 1. It involved issues such as gun control, Blagojevich's tapes, sexual harassment, and relatability.^[72] Another debate took place the next day in Springfield. The topics involved Madigan, sexual harassment, among other issues. The spotlight remained on the top contenders: Chris Kennedy, J.B Pritzker, and Daniel Biss.^[73]

Pritzker was criticized for refusing to commit to attend the only live-television debate planned outside the Chicago media market, prompting the debate's cancellation.^[74] Biss and Kennedy gathered petition signatures to encourage the debate's continuation, and Biss commented that "JB is borrowing a page from the billionaire playbook, avoiding debates and shunning reporters who ask tough questions."^[75] Another debate took place on March 14, revolving around topics including Pritzker's newly reported offshore holdings, Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, and education. Kennedy and Biss both attacked Pritzker on the offshore businesses, Kennedy "saying it's like a job interview, and Pritzker lying to get the job", and Biss saying "Pritzker did that to avoid taxes".^[76]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Daniel Biss	Chris Kennedy	J. B. Pritzker	Other	Undecided
Victory Research	March 13–16, 2018	1,204	± 2.8%	22%	26%	align=center	32%	–	16%
We Ask America	March 7–9, 2018	1,029	± 3.1%	15%	16%	align=center	35%	1%^[77]	31%
Southern Illinois University	February 19–25, 2018	472	± 4.5%	21%	17%	align=center	31%	6%^[78]	25%
Global Strategy Group (D-Pritzker)	February 9–13, 2018	802	± 3.5%	21%	23%	align=center	37%	–	–
ALG Research (D-Biss)	February 6–11, 2018	500	± 4.4%	24%	24%	align=center	32%	4%^[79]	16%
Victory Research	February 6–7, 2018	1,209	± 2.8%	24%	17%	align=center	27%	5%^[80]	align=center	28%
Global Strategy Group (D-Pritzker)	February 1, 2018	801	± 3.5%	22%	16%	align=center	41%	–	21%
	32%	–	align=center	52%	–	16%
We Ask America	January 29–30, 2018	811	± 3.4%	17%	12%	align=center	30%	3%	align=center	38%
We Ask America	October 17–18, 2017	1,154	± 3%	6%	15%	align=center	39%	2%^[81]	36%
ALG Research (D-Biss)	July 2017	–	–	5%	23%	align=center	30%	2%^[82]	align=center	35%
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-Kennedy)	June 26–29, 2017	602	± 4%	–	align=center	44%	38%	–	18%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (D-Summers)	March 2–6, 2017	500	± 4.4%	–	align=center	44%	11%	7%^[83]	34%

Results

Pritzker won 98 of Illinois' counties. Kennedy and Biss both won two counties each.

Third parties and independents

In order to qualify as an established party in Illinois, a candidate for said party must earn at least 5% of the vote in a statewide election. This last occurred in 2006, when Rich Whitney won 10% of the vote, allowing the Illinois Green Party to achieve such status. Established party status comes with benefits. For example, candidates of an established party needs only 5,000 voter signatures on its petitions to gain ballot access. For non-established parties this number is approximately 25,000.^{[84] [85]}

For the 2018 election, non-established parties do not need to run a full slate in order to qualify for ballot access.^[86]

Conservative

Sam McCann, a longtime intraparty opponent of Bruce Rauner, resigned from the Republican Caucus to run for governor as a member of the newly created Conservative Party.^[87]

Candidates

• Sam McCann, state senator^[87]
  • Running mate: Aaron Merreighn, activist and United States Marine Corps veteran^[87]

Libertarian

Kash Jackson was the Libertarian nominee. Libertarian nominees for governor, other statewide offices, and the General Assembly were chosen by the Libertarian Party of Illinois at a state convention on March 3, 2018, in Bloomington, Illinois.^[88] Jackson appeared on the ballot.^[89]

Candidates

• Kash Jackson, navy veteran and activist^{[90] [91] [92]}
  • Running mate: Sanj Mohip^[93]

Unsuccessful

• Matthew C. Scaro, entrepreneur and Libertarian activist
• Jon Stewart, retired professional wrestler, Republican candidate for the state house in 1998 and Republican candidate for IL-05 in 2009^[94]

Independents

Removed from ballot

• Mary Vann-Metcalf^{[95] [96]}
• Gregg Moore^{[95] [97]}
  • Magistrale Morgan
• Dock Walls, perennial candidate^{[98] [99]}
  • Jim Tobin, founder of Taxpayers United of America

Withdrew

• William J. Kelly, radio host and perennial candidate (subsequently ran on Constitution Party ticket, then withdrew)
  • Running mate: Brian Leggero, candidate for Mayor of Rockford in 2017

Constitution

Nominee

William J. Kelly was nominated for governor and Chad Koppie, a member of the Kane County Regional Board of School Trustees, were chosen to run as the gubernatorial ticket of the Illinois Constitution Party. However, on June 5, 2018, Kelly dropped out and endorsed the third party campaign of Sam McCann.^{[100] [101] [102]}

Withdrew

• William J. Kelly, radio host and perennial candidate (endorsed Sam McCann)^[103]

Green Party

The Green Party ran a slate of statewide candidates in 2006 and 2010, but failed to be placed on the ballot in 2014^{[104] [105]} and declined to run any statewide candidates in 2018.^[106]

General election

Bruce Rauner had been rated as one of, if not the most, vulnerable governor running for re-election in 2018 by Politico and the National Journal.^{[107] [108]} Following his surprisingly narrow primary win, Rauner offered former state senator Karen McConnaughay, attorney general nominee Erika Harold, Chicago Cubs co-owner and Republican National Committee Finance Chair Todd Ricketts and Illinois Republican Party Committeeman Richard Porter the chance to replace him on the ticket, with the promise that he would continue to fully fund the campaign using his personal wealth.^[109] Rauner consistently trailed Pritzker in the polls by large margins, and the race was rated as a likely Democratic win by all major election prognosticators.

Debates

Dates	Location	Pritzker	Rauner	McCann	Jackson	Link
September 20, 2018	Chicago, Illinois	Participant	Participant	Participant	Participant	align=left	Full debate – C-SPAN
October 3, 2018	Chicago, Illinois	Participant	Participant	Not invited	Not invited	align=left	4 parts – ABC 7 Chicago
October 11, 2018	Quincy, Illinois	Participant	Participant	Not invited	Not invited	align=left	Full debate – C-SPAN

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report^[110]		October 26, 2018
The Washington Post^[111]		November 5, 2018
FiveThirtyEight^[112]		November 5, 2018
Rothenberg Political Report^[113]		November 1, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball^[114]		November 5, 2018
RealClearPolitics^[115]		November 4, 2018
Daily Kos^[116]		November 5, 2018
Fox News^[117]		November 5, 2018
Politico^[118]		November 5, 2018
Governing^[119]		November 5, 2018

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports
Candidate (party)	Total receipts	Total disbursements	Cash on hand
	J. B. Pritzker (D)	$128,252,532.95	$88,571,672.99	$39,680,860.96
	Bruce Rauner (R)	$78,725,390.39	$45,101,897.60	$33,623,492.79
	Sam McCann (C)	$1,497,885.08	$649,634.08	$848,251.00
	Kash Jackson (L)	$10,783.00	$1,985.32	$8,797.68
Source: Federal Election Commission^[120]

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
Victory Research	November 1–3, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	33%	align=center	49%	5%	8%	–	6%
Ipsos	September 27 – October 5, 2018	968	± 4.0%	30%	align=center	50%	3%	6%	2%	8%
Victory Research	September 27 – October 2, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	32%	align=center	47%	6%	7%	–	8%
Southern Illinois University	September 24–29, 2018	715	± 3.7%	27%	align=center	49%	4%	4%	–	17%
ALG Research (D-Forward Illinois)	September 21–25, 2018	1,007	± 3.1%	32%	align=center	48%	3%	4%	–	–
Research America Inc.	September 5–13, 2018	1,024	± 3.1%	27%	align=center	44%	4%	6%	0%	14%
Marist College	August 12–16, 2018	734	± 4.4%	30%	align=center	46%	6%	4%	2%	13%
University of Illinois Springfield	July 3 – August 15, 2018	717	± 3.7%	23%	align=center	35%	–	–	15%	23%
Victory Research	August 12–14, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	30%	align=center	41%	2%	9%	–	18%
Baselice & Associates (C-McCann)	July 25–29, 2018	800	± 3.5%	29%	align=center	42%	6%	11%	1%	10%
Illinois Public Opinion (D)	July 12, 2018	423	± 5.0%	26%	align=center	39%	1%	10%	–	23%
Victory Research	June 26–28, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	30%	align=center	45%	2%	5%	–	18%
We Ask America	June 9–11, 2018	600	± 4.0%	27%	align=center	36%	–	–	26%	11%
Victory Research	May 22–24, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	32%	align=center	47%	–	–	–	–
Victory Research	April 18–21, 2018	1,208	± 2.8%	31%	align=center	49%	–	–	–	19%
Ogden & Fry	March 23, 2018	667	± 3.9%	28%	align=center	46%	–	–	–	26%
Southern Illinois University	February 19–25, 2018	1,001	± 3.0%	35%	align=center	50%	–	–	–	15%
Public Policy Polling (D-Biss)	February 5–6, 2018	600	± 3.3%	35%	align=center	48%	–	–	–	17%
Ogden & Fry (R-Liberty Principles PAC)	October 2, 2017	517	± 4.4%	30%	align=center	47%	–	–	–	23%

with Jeanne Ives and J. B. Pritzker

with Bruce Rauner and Chris Kennedy

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	February 19–25, 2018	1,001	± 3.0%	34%	align=center	48%	18%
Public Policy Polling (D-Biss)	February 5–6, 2018	600	± 3.3%	30%	align=center	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%	align=center	49%	14%
Anzalone Liszt Grove (D)	February 15–20, 2017	800	± 3.5%	32%	align=center	47%	21%
Normington Petts (D-DGA)	January 3–5, 2017	600	± 4.0%	35%	align=center	45%	20%

with Jeanne Ives and Chris Kennedy

with Bruce Rauner and Dick Durbin

Results

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

• Alexander (Largest city: Cairo)
• Champaign (Largest city: Champaign)
• DeKalb (Largest city: DeKalb)
• DuPage (Largest city: Aurora)
• Fulton (Largest city: Canton)
• Jackson (Largest city: Carbondale)
• Kane (Largest city: Aurora)
• Kendall (Largest city: Oswego)
• Knox (Largest city: Galesburg)
• Lake (Largest city: Waukegan)
• Peoria (Largest city: Peoria)
• Rock Island (Largest city: Moline)
• St. Clair (Largest city: Belleville)
• Will (Largest city: Joliet)
• Winnebago (Largest city: Rockford)

By congressional district

Pritzker won 13 of the 18 congressional districts, with the remaining 5 going to Rauner. Each candidate won two districts that elected representatives of the other party.^[121]

District	Rauner	Pritzker	Representative
		22%	74%		Bobby Rush
		19%	77%		Robin Kelly
		39%	56%		Dan Lipinski
		15%	81%		Chuy García
		29%	67%		Mike Quigley
		50%	45%		Sean Casten
		14%	83%		Danny Davis
		40%	54%		Raja Krishnamoorthi
		31%	65%		Jan Schakowsky
		40%	55%		Brad Schneider
		38%	56%		Bill Foster
		45.6%	46.1%		Mike Bost
		42%	46%		Rodney Davis
		51%	43%		Lauren Underwood
		60%	29%		John Shimkus
		50%	39%		Adam Kinzinger
		44%	47%		Cheri Bustos
		55%	33%		Darin LaHood

See also

• 2018 Illinois elections

External links

• Candidates at Vote Smart
• Candidates at Ballotpedia

Official campaign websites

• Kash Jackson (L) for Governor
• Sam McCann (Conservative) for Governor
• J. B. Pritzker (D) for Governor
• Bruce Rauner (R) for Governor

Notes and References

1. News: Contreras . Daisy . Driscoll . Jaclyn . Republicans Tout Unity After Divisive Primary, Challenging General Election Ahead . NPR Illinois . August 16, 2018 . 2018-08-18 .
2. Web site: Voter Turnout . www.elections.il.gov . Illinois State Board of Elections . 22 March 2020 .
3. Web site: Election Results . www.elections.il.gov . Illinois State Board of Elections . 23 March 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200222093629/https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx . February 22, 2020 . dead .
4. Web site: Voter Turnout . www.elections.il.gov . Illinois State Board of Elections . 22 March 2020 .
5. Hinz, Greg. "Did Rauner just uncork a challenge from the right?", Crain's Chicago Business, September 29, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
6. News: Miller. Rich. It's an Ives-Morthland ticket. October 28, 2017. Capitol Fax. October 28, 2017.
7. News: Pearson . Rick . Geiger . Kim . Garcia . Monique . Rauner Faces War on Two Fronts as Republican Challenger Ives Attacks . December 5, 2017 . . January 23, 2018.
8. Kelly Taps Ray Tranchant For Running Mate Against Rauner . 2017-09-05 . Friends of William J. Kelly . Chicago . 2017-10-05 .
9. Web site: Ives joins governor's race, says Rauner has 'betrayed our party'. The State Journal-Register. Schoenburg. Bernard. December 4, 2017. December 5, 2017.
10. News: Kelly picks Leggero as running mate . online . . Rockford, Illinois . 2017-10-04 . Michael . Poirier . 2017-10-05 . October 6, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171006062228/http://www.wrex.com/story/36525304/2017/10/Wednesday/kelly-picks-legerro-as-running-mate . dead .
11. News: Catlin man off GOP gubernatorial ticket . 2017-10-05 . Tom . Kacich . . online . Champaign, Illinois . 2017-10-05 .
12. News: MILLER: Jeanne Ives faces uphill fight if she challenges Rauner. Chicago Sun-Times. 2017-11-07.
13. News: Hinz. Greg. 2018-01-08. Ives, Biss report decent fundraising in governor races. Crain's Chicago Business. 2018-01-18.
14. Web site: 2018-02-28. Ives Campaign Releases New Book Detailing Rauner's Betrayals – Jeanne Ives For Illinois. 2018-03-01. Ives for Illinois. June 18, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180618110044/https://ivesforillinois.com/ives-campaign-releases-new-book-detailing-rauners-betrayals/. dead.
15. News: 2018-01-29. Ives vs. Rauner: It's on.. Chicago Tribune. 2018-01-30.
16. Web site: Rauner challenger Ives goes on attack during only forum of Republican governor race. Rick. Pearson. Kim. Geiger. chicagotribune.com. January 30, 2018 . May 22, 2018.
17. News: Kass. John. 2018-01-29. Ives crushes Rauner in Tribune governor debate. Chicago Tribune. 2018-01-30.
18. Web site: Democratic candidates for governor debate Wednesday at UIS. Sj-r.com. May 22, 2018.
19. Web site: Korecki. Natasha. February 4, 2018. 'Repulsive' Campaign Ad Creates Firestorm in Illinois. February 4, 2018. Politico.
20. News: Pearson. Rick. Geiger. Kim. February 3, 2018. Ives' Anti-Rauner Ad Ripped as 'Racist, Sexist, Homophobic'. Chicago Tribune. February 4, 2018. February 3, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180203222406/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-jeanne-ives-bruce-rauner-transgender-ad-cps-20180202-story.html. dead.
21. Web site: Korecki. Natasha. February 5, 2018. Incendiary Ad Fuels Primary Challenge to Illinois Governor. February 6, 2018. Politico.
22. News: Editorial Board. Ms. Ives, here is what's wrong with your ad. chicagotribune.com. 2018-02-21.
23. News: Board. The Daily Herald Editorial. Editorial: Illinois governor candidate Jeanne Ives should take down ad that attacks people of Illinois, not opponent. Daily Herald. 2018-02-21.
24. News: EDITORIAL: Jeanne Ives goes for the bully vote with her TV ad. Chicago Sun-Times. 2018-02-21.
25. Web site: Embattled Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner wins his primary. March 20, 2018.
26. Web site: J.B. Pritzker joins Illinois governor race, facing big Democratic field to take on Rauner. Chicago Tribune. Pearson. Rick. April 6, 2017. 6 April 2017.
27. News: Miller. Rich. Pritzker to pick Rep. Stratton. August 9, 2017. Capitol Fax. Springfield, Illinois. August 10, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170810063726/https://capitolfax.com/2017/08/09/pritzker-to-pick-rep-stratton/. August 10, 2017. dead. mdy-all.
28. News: Pearson. Rick. State Sen. Daniel Biss announces Democratic bid for governor. 20 March 2017. Chicago Tribune. 20 March 2017. August 16, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170816005001/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-daniel-biss-illinois-governor-race-met-0320-20170319-story.html. dead.
29. News: Biss formally announces Litesa Wallace as new running mate. September 8, 2017. September 8, 2017. Miller. Rich. Capitol Fax.
30. News: Madison County school superintendent to run for governor. Koziatek. Mike. Belleville News-Democrat. Belleville, Illinois. February 10, 2017. February 10, 2017.
31. News: Miller. Rich. Daiber names social worker as running mate. October 13, 2017. Capitol Fax. Springfield, Illinois. October 13, 2017.
32. Web site: Nick in the AM: Tio Hardiman to run again for Illinois governor. Peoria Journal Star. Vlahos. Nick. June 5, 2017. June 5, 2017.
33. News: Miller. Rich. Hardiman selects running mate. August 9, 2017. Capitol Fax. Springfield, Illinois. August 10, 2017.
34. News: Chris Kennedy Announces Run For Governor. Chicago Sun-Times. Sneed. Michael. February 8, 2017. February 8, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170209045715/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/chris-kennedy-announces-run-for-governor/. February 9, 2017. dead.
35. Web site: Chris Kennedy, Son of RFK, Running for Illinois Governor. Will Connors. February 8, 2017. The Wall Street Journal. February 8, 2017.
36. Sfondeles, Tina. "Kennedy chooses running mate: Ra Joy, who lost son to gun violence ", Chicago Sun-Times, September 14, 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
37. News: Sfondeles. Tina. Pritzker wins key Dem nod for gov, vows victory 'up and down' ticket. August 11, 2017. Chicago Sun Times. Chicago, Illinois. August 21, 2017. August 21, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170821220506/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/j-b-pritzker-gets-cook-county-democratics-endorsement-for-governor/. dead.
38. News: Miller. Rich. Question of the Day. November 29, 2017. Capitol Fax. November 29, 2017.
39. News: Geiger. Kim. Drury drops governor bid to run for attorney general. 19 September 2017. Chicago Tribune. 19 September 2017.
40. Web site: Meet the 29-Year-Old Suburban Democrat Running for Governor. NBC 5 Chicago. Schuba. Tom. January 31, 2017. February 1, 2017.
41. Web site: Paterakis leaves governor race, says without money there's 'no path forward'. Daily Herald. Pyke. Marni. December 4, 2017. December 5, 2017.
42. Web site: Pawar ends his campaign, cites money. Miller. Rich. October 12, 2017. NBC 5 Chicago. October 12, 2017.
43. News: Democratic U.S. Rep. Bustos won't run for Illinois governor in 2018. Chicago Tribune. Skiba. Katherine. February 20, 2017. February 20, 2017.
44. Web site: Arne Duncan, Next Governor of Illinois?. The Huffington Post. October 19, 2015. February 15, 2016.
45. Web site: Duncan says he's not planning to run for mayor or governor. Capitol Fax. September 21, 2016. September 21, 2016.
46. News: Will Dick Durbin Run for Governor in 2018?. WTTW. Schutz. Paris. May 20, 2016. May 24, 2016.
47. News: Dick Durbin Responds to Speculation He'll Run for Governor in 2018. WTTW. Schutz. Paris. May 23, 2016. May 24, 2016.
48. News: Durbin Says No to Governor Race. Daily North Shore. Sadin. Steve. October 27, 2016. October 28, 2016.
49. News: Democrats Ponder Rauner's Contender As Budget Impasse Continues. Northern Public Radio. Mackey. Brian. June 13, 2016. June 14, 2016.
50. News: Frerichs happy where he's at. The News-Gazette. Kacich. Tom. January 8, 2017. January 9, 2017.
51. News: Who Will Take On Bruce Rauner? Democrats' Search Begins at DNC. National Public Radio Illinois. Vinicky. Amanda. July 26, 2016. July 26, 2016.
52. Web site: Sweet: With Durbin staying in Senate, who'll challenge Rauner?. Sweet. Lynn. Chicago Sun-Times. November 16, 2016. December 3, 2016. November 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161127113532/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/sweet-with-durbin-staying-in-senate-wholl-challenge-rauner/. dead.
53. Web site: Which Democrat Will Run for Governor in 2018?. Schuba. Tom. NBC5 Chicago. November 17, 2016. December 7, 2016.
54. Web site: US Rep. Kelly endorses Biss. Capitol Fax. Miller. Rich. August 17, 2017. August 17, 2017.
55. News: Kim. Geiger. Rick. Pearson. John. Byrne. Chicago Tribune. Attorney General Lisa Madigan won't seek re-election in 2018. September 15, 2017. September 18, 2017.
56. News: Bernard Schoenburg: Andy Manar in the mix for governor in 2018. Schoenburg, Bernard. The State Journal-Register. December 14, 2016. December 15, 2016.
57. News: Manar won't run for governor. Capitol Fax.com. Miller. Rich. March 31, 2017. March 31, 2017.
58. Web site: Will Barack Obama Run for Governor of Illinois?. The Huffington Post. February 12, 2016. February 15, 2016.
59. What's Next for Michelle Obama?. National Journal. Bruggeman. Karyn. October 17, 2016. October 17, 2016.
60. News: Michelle Obama says she won't run for office. CNN. Diaz. Daniella. Couwels. John. April 27, 2017. April 27, 2017.
61. News: Commerce Secretary Pritzker ponders next move. Chicago Sun-Times. Sweet. Lynn. January 15, 2017. April 27, 2017.
62. Web site: Pat Quinn seeks another shot at re-election, Rauner. Politico. Korecki. Natasha. November 5, 2015. November 5, 2015.
63. News: Miller. Rich. Pat Quinn to run for attorney general. October 27, 2017. Capitol Fax. October 27, 2017.
64. News: Where are the women in the Illinois governor's race?. Crain's Chicago Business. Miller. Rich. March 24, 2017. April 27, 2017.
65. News: Summers won't run for governor, endorses J.B. Pritzker instead. Chicago Sun-Times. Spielman. Fran. Salcedo. Andrea. April 26, 2017. April 26, 2017. April 26, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170426181803/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/summers-to-say-hes-not-running-for-governor-will-back-pritzker/. dead.
66. http://www.equalityillinois.us/2017/09/lgbtq-forum-the-democratic-candidates-for-governor/ "The Illinois LGBTQ Forum: The Democratic Candidates for Governor"
67. http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/10/04/students-stage-gubernatorial-debate/ "Students on stage for the gubernatorial debate"
68. News: Hartz. Taylor. Democratic candidates for governor face off in progressive forum. 9 October 2017. Chicago Sun-Times. 9 October 2017.
69. Web site: Watch the Full Illinois Democratic Gubernatorial Forum. Nbcchicago.vom. January 24, 2018 . May 22, 2018.
70. Web site: IL Democratic Gubernatorial Debate at SIU 1-30-18. WSIL News. January 31, 2018. May 22, 2018. YouTube.
71. Web site: WATCH: Democrats take the capital city stage for governor debate. Chicago Sun-Times. February 21, 2018. May 22, 2018.
72. Web site: Democratic debate: Kennedy says Pritzker used 'the language of racists' on Blagojevich call. Rick. Pearson. Kim. Geiger. Chicagotribune.com. March 2, 2018 . May 22, 2018.
73. Web site: Democratic candidates for Illinois governor face off in debate. March 3, 2018. WGN-TV. May 22, 2018.
74. News: Meadows. Jim. Boodhoo. Niala. Downstate Debate Cancelled After Pritzker Declines. 7 March 2018. Peoria Public Radio. 20 February 2018.
75. News: Zorn. Eric. Shameful decision by a Downstate TV station allows Pritzker to cancel a debate. 7 March 2018. Chicago Tribune. 23 February 2018.
76. Web site: Pritzker hounded by reported tax evasion schemes in final debate before primary election . Cole Lauterbach – Illinois News Network . May 22, 2018.
77. Bob Daiber with 1%; Tio Hardiman and Robert Marshall with <1%
78. Tio Hardiman with 2%; Bob Daiber, Robert Marshall, Terry Getz, and other with 1%
79. Tio Hardiman with 2%; Bob Daiber and Robert Marshall with 1%
80. Tio Hardiman and Bob Daiber with 2%; Robert Marshall with 1%
81. Bob Daiber and Tio Hardiman with 1%
82. Tio Hardiman and Robert Marshall with 1%; Bob Daiber with 0%
83. Kurt Summers with 7%
84. News: Kaergard. Chris. Presidential race may boost Illinois Libertarian party's state chances. October 2, 2016. Peoria Journal Star. October 6, 2017.
85. News: Wheelhouse. Bill. The Fall Of the Illinois Green Party. September 8, 2014. Illinois Public Media. October 6, 2017.
86. News: Driscoll. Jaclyn. Court Ruling Ends Illinois Full-Slate Election Requirements For 'Third Parties'. October 2, 2017. Illinois Public Media. October 6, 2017.
87. News: Miller. Rich. Sen. Sam McCann announces for governor as Conservative Party candidate. April 19, 2018. Capitol Fax. April 19, 2018.
88. Web site: 2018 Convention Schedule of Events . Libertarian Party of Illinois . Bloomington, Illinois . 2018-02-22 . February 23, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051330/http://lpillinois.org/convention/schedule.php . dead .
89. News: Libertarians file nearly double signatures required to get on Illinois ballot. Schoenburg. Bernard. The State Journal. 2018-07-24.
90. Web site: Former pro-wrestler with ties to Kellyanne Conway seeks Illinois governor nod. Chicago Tribune. Janssen. Kim. June 21, 2017. June 23, 2017.
91. Web site: Navy Vet On Cross-Country Mission For Parental Equality. September 4, 2016. Denver.cbslocal.com. May 22, 2018.
92. Web site: Libertarian party selects governor candidate in Bloomington. The Pantagraph. March 3, 2018. March 4, 2018.
93. Web site: Libertarian party selects governor candidate in Bloomington. Julia Evelsizer. Pantagraph.com. March 4, 2018 . May 22, 2018.
94. Web site: The Aquarian Agrarian: Libertarian Party of Chicago Vets Illinois Governor Candidates. March 8, 2017. Aquarianagrarian.blogspot.com. May 22, 2018.
95. Web site: Libertarian Party files nearly 48,000 signatures for ballot access - Jake Leonard - torial. Torial.com. March 8, 2019.
96. Web site: Illinois Governor's Race Widens. WTTW News. March 8, 2019.
97. Web site: Objection Details. Elections.il.gov. March 8, 2019.
98. News: A Dock Walls, Jim Tobin gubernatorial ticket?. Miller. Rich. April 23, 2018. Capitol Fax. April 25, 2018.
99. Web site: Objection Details. Elections.il.gov. March 8, 2019.
100. News: Illinois Constitution Party Selects William J. Kelly for Governor. Monack. Joseph. March 16, 2018. Springfield Daily. April 27, 2018. April 27, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180427183948/https://springfielddaily.com/politics/2018-election/illinois-constitution-party-selects-william-j-kelly-for-governor/. dead.
101. News: Third parties seeking attention, ballot access in Illinois (Part 1 of 3). Kwiatkowski. Maximilian. March 25, 2018. State Journal Registrar. April 22, 2018.
102. Web site: Illinois Constitution Party Selects William J. Kelly for Governor. Springfielddaily.com. May 22, 2018. June 12, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143551/https://springfielddaily.com/politics/2018-election/illinois-constitution-party-selects-william-j-kelly-for-governor/. dead.
103. News: Kelly leaves race, endorses McCann for Governor. June 5, 2018. Springfield Daily. June 11, 2018. June 12, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143548/https://springfielddaily.com/politics/illinois-govt/kelly-leaves-race-endorses-mccann-for-governor/. dead.
104. Web site: Green Party Candidates Seek Place on November Ballot. Vinicky. Amanda. Meisel. Hannah. 27 March 2014. Wuis.org. 14 August 2014.
105. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/08/22/4303510/illinois-november-ballot-set-without.html Rauner Dealt Double Blows Over Illinois Ballot
106. Web site: No Statewide Candidates After Illinois Green Party Convention. Joseph. Monack. March 28, 2018. Springfielddaily.com. March 8, 2019. September 23, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180923121559/https://springfielddaily.com/politics/2018-election/no-statewide-candidates-after-illinois-green-party-convention/. dead.
107. Web site: The top 10 governor's races of 2018. Politico. February 23, 2018 . May 22, 2018.
108. Web site: Why Bruce Rauner Is the Most Vulnerable Governor. National Journal. May 22, 2018.
109. Web site: Sensing re-election loss, Gov. Bruce Rauner looked to replace himself on Nov. 6 ballot. Rick. Pearson. Chicago Tribune. December 14, 2018 . March 8, 2019.
110. Web site: 2018 Governor Race Ratings for October 26, 2018. The Cook Political Report. 2021-04-10.
111. News: The Washington Post's gubernatorial race ratings. The Washington Post. October 16, 2018.
112. Web site: 2018 Governor Forecast. FiveThirtyEight. October 17, 2018. October 17, 2018.
113. Web site: 2018 Gubernatorial Ratings. Inside Elections. 2017-11-15.
114. Web site: Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball for 2018 Governor. www.centerforpolitics.org. 2017-11-15.
115. Web site: 2018 Governor Races. RealClearPolitics. October 9, 2018.
116. Web site: 2018 Governor Race Ratings. Daily Kos. June 5, 2018.
117. Web site: 2018 Midterm Power Ranking. Fox News. October 10, 2021.
118. Web site: Politico Race Ratings. Politico.
119. Web site: 2018 Governor Elections: As November Nears, More Governors' Races Become Tossups . Governing . 2018-07-18 . October 21, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181021005343/http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-governors-races-july-ratings.html . dead.
120. Web site: Campaign finance data. July 27, 2018.
121. Web site: DRA 2020. Daves Redistricting.