Illinois primary 2022: What to know before Tuesday’s Election Day
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From the six men seeking the GOP nomination for governor to Democratic and Republican incumbent members of Congress facing off in newly drawn congressional districts to Cook County elected officials trying to hold on to their seats, it has been a busy 2022 primary election.
Here’s what to know before Tuesday’s primary Election Day, including a voter’s guide to help you navigate it all.
Illinois governor
The race to be the Republican nominee to challenge Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker in November features six candidates and also tens of millions of dollars in fundraising, most notably from one man not on the ballot — Illinois’ wealthiest man and Pritzker nemesis, Ken Griffin.
The future of the Illinois GOP — and how far right it may go — lie with this month’s primary
Richard Irvin launches new message in battle for GOP governor nomination: A vote for Bailey is a vote for Pritzker
New ad from billionaire Gov. J.B. Pritzker goes after billionaire Ken Griffin and his candidate, Richard Irvin
Illinois GOP governor candidates address gun violence and crime in competing debates following Texas mass shooting
Darren Bailey’s Chicago ‘hellhole’ comment and the issue of crime become focus in debate among GOP candidates for governor
GOP candidates for governor take aim at Richard Irvin and ‘scorched-earth campaign’ during first face-off of the primary
Billionaire Ken Griffin has now contributed $50 million to Richard Irvin’s campaign for governor
Richard Irvin, the mayor of Aurora, often finds himself in conflict with Richard Irvin, the GOP candidate for governor
Audit blasts Pritzker administration for failed response to LaSalle Veterans’ Home COVID-19 outbreak that killed 36
With abortion rights moving to the fore, suburban women voters in Illinois are key in race for governor
Illinois attorney general
First-term Attorney General Kwame Raoul, a Democrat, will face off against either a soft-spoken North Shore attorney who has run and lost for statewide office twice before or a southern Illinois civil attorney who is best known for his anti-mask, anti-vaccine fervor.
Pritzker antagonist Thomas DeVore and repeat candidate Steve Kim square off in GOP primary for attorney general
Illinois secretary of state
Longtime Democratic Secretary of State Jesse White is not running for reelection. That leaves this seat up for grabs and has sparked a nasty fight between Democrats while the GOP candidates offer very different visions.
Democratic race for secretary of state has one candidate trying to resurrect his political career and two trying to take their next step
Democratic candidates for secretary of state question each other’s ethics, promise to modernize the office
GOP candidates for secretary of state offer contrasting messages in bid for a post their party hasn’t held for more than two decades
Congress
The Tribune has amassed Illinois’ most comprehensive collection of stories analyzing the issues in the state’s congressional races. Who will replace U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush? Who will win the new 3rd Congressional District seat? And what is at stake in two races — the 6th and 15th — that pit incumbent Democrats and Republicans against each other?
1st District: In race to replace US Rep. Bobby Rush, candidates try to break through the clutter in densely crowded field
3rd District: Illinois’ newest Latino congressional district brings heavy competition, divided Democratic visions
6th District: A bitter and sometimes awkward battle between two incumbent Democrats has them fighting for their political lives
7th District: A young Chicago progressive is challenging an established liberal for Congress in a race that reflects Democratic Party divisions
11th and 14th Districts: GOP candidates line up for chance to challenge Underwood, Foster in two closely watched congressional districts
15th District: Trump factor hangs heavy in Downstate race for Congress
Suburban roundup: Incumbent Democrat Krishnamoorthi faces challenge in 8th District primary, while 5 candidates vie for GOP nomination
Cook County
There are three major races in Cook County this primary election — County Board president, sheriff and assessor. Board President Toni Preckwinkle is attempting to win her fourth term in office; Tom Dart is vying to stay on as sheriff, a post he’s held since 2006; and first-termer Fritz Kaegi is hoping to get reelected for the first time.
President’s race: Toni Preckwinkle defends her criminal justice record as primary opponent Richard Boykin claims she’s ‘pandering’ to the defund the police movement
Sheriff: Tom Dart’s opponents are trying to link the incumbent to crime spikes, but their biggest issue is just staying on the ballot
Sheriff: Challenger to Tom Dart knocked off the primary ballot for good; lengthy fight ends at Illinois Supreme Court
Assessor: Ethics and lobbying become a focus in the Cook County assessor’s race
Assessor: Candidate Kari Steele apologizes but says she shouldn’t ‘wear the jacket’ for antisemitism on husband’s radio show
Assessor: Race heats up with $1 million contribution to challenger in Democratic primary
Assessor: Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi touts fairer property tax valuations; challenger Kari Steele says he’s broken reform promises, created ‘chaos’
Voting information
Everything you need to know about how to vote this primary election is here, including early voting, mail-in voting and going to the polls on Election Day.
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