Four Republicans certified for primary to take on Pritzker

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Republican primary election for who will take on Gov. J.B. Pritzker in November is set.

Democrats and Republicans will go to the polls March 17 to select who they want to be their party’s nominee for offices up and down the ballot.

In the governor’s race, Pritzker is unchallenged in the Democratic primary. Opponent Patricia Tillman is listed on the Illinois State Board of Elections website as “Active,” but a board spokesperson said she withdrew.

Republicans have four candidates to choose from. Former GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey looking for a rematch.

“We’ve got our own unique problems and situations, and it’s time that we stop this political divisiveness,” Bailey said during a recent news conference. “And I want to show people what a Republican leader can truly do to get Illinois back on track. And I know Chicago is ready for that.”

Pritzker beat Bailey in 2022, 55% to 43%.

“You know what? People may not like the brand and they may not like the name, but I guarantee you they’re going to love the results,” said Aaron Del Mar, Bailey’s running mate.

Also on the March ballot is former Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski. He said Pritzker has failed.

“We still continue to have deficits. We’ve had more and more tax hikes. We’ve had more and more population shrinkage,” Dabrowski said during a separate news conference. “All those things that are going wrong for Illinois have happened in those seven years.”

Also on the ballot for Republicans is DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. His campaign website focuses on public safety issues.

“For too long, crime has surged, budgets have spiraled out of control, businesses have fled, and our children’s education has suffered,” Mendrick’s website said. “Springfield politicians have prioritized political ambition over the well-being of the people they serve.”

Rick Heidner is also on the ballot. An email or phone contact for Heidner’s campaign was not available via campaign disclosure documents.