SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — ABC News projects that Gov. JB Pritzker has defeated Republican challenger Darren Bailey in a rematch of the Illinois governor’s race.
Both Pritzker and Bailey spent Election Day appealing to voters across Illinois and urging their supporters to turn out as the gubernatorial contest reached its final hours.
Pritzker, seeking a third term, projected confidence while emphasizing the importance of voting. Bailey urged his supporters to cast ballots as he pursued what he had described as an upset victory.
Pritzker started the day by greeting voters at Chicago’s 95th Street Red Line station.
“Have you voted yet?” Pritzker asked one voter. “You make sure to today: We really need you.”
The governor cited strong early-voting figures and said Democrats remained energized as the campaign entered its final stretch.
“You’ve seen early vote is crushing it. Democrats, I think, are motivated, energetic. We’ve got to push back on Washington. We’ve got to send a message here in Illinois; people want change in Washington,” Pritzker said.
Bailey spent part of the day at a Metra station in Palatine, distributing voter cards before heading to southern Illinois to meet supporters and watch the returns.
“It’s election day, and you know, if you think that your vote doesn’t count, yet you’re frustrated with the status quo just please get out and vote. We’ve had 23 years of the same party rule and it’s time for change,” Bailey said.
Later, Pritzker made the traditional Election Day visit to Manny’s Deli, posing for photos with voters and speaking with Democratic elected officials and candidates.
Bailey continued to express optimism, saying Illinois voters were ready to take the state in a new direction.
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