Illinois elections in 2026
19 electoral votes · 17 House seats · Midwest · 2 statewide races on the 2026 ballot
The political landscape
Illinois is dominated by Chicago and its collar counties, balanced against a large downstate region with different economics and politics. Democrats hold a firm statewide advantage, while taxes, pensions and public safety drive much of the argument.
Its largest population centers include Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield. Where a state's people live, and what those places do for a living, is the starting point for how Electorate HQ simulations reason about it.
On the ballot in Illinois
Issues that weigh heavily in Illinois
Based on the state's industry mix, geography and cost of living, these issues tend to carry structural weight in Illinois elections:
Latest Illinois political headlines
Illinois governor signs bill limiting investor influence on law firmsIllinois Governor JB Pritzker makes his case for a third term on The 21st ShowPritzker’s third-term bid for Illinois governor would be barred in 37 statesPritzker signs law regulating how social media platforms interact with childrenJudge denies Trump administration access to Illinois voter dataIllinois Governor weighs in on data centersDarren Bailey's running mate maintains abortion is 'sin against God'Illinois Realtors launch housing accelerator programSimulate Illinois
In the Electorate HQ simulator, Illinois is one of 51 delegations that reads current reporting and decides a presidential race issue by issue. Results are AI simulations, clearly labeled, with the reasoning shown for every call. See the methodology for what that does and does not mean.