U.S. Desk

Democrat Squeeze Grows: Poll Shows Close Governor’s Race in Traditionally Blue Illinois

In bad sign for incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker, 56% of respondents said Illinois generally was on the wrong track.

October 24, 2022

1 minute read

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, left, and Republican gubernatorial challenger state Sen. Darren Bailey smile before the Illinois governor’s debate at the WGN9 studios Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, in Chicago. AP

Republican Darren Bailey has moved into a virtual tie with Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker in the race for Illinois' chief executive.

According to an Osage Research poll, Bailey received 42% support and Pritzker 44% among likely voters. Libertarian Scott Schluter received 4%.

The survey also found that 56% of respondents said Illinois generally was on the wrong track, with 35% saying the state was headed in the right direction. The general election is Nov. 8.

Illinois’ unemployment rate is the worst in the country for states and more than two percentage points higher than neighboring Missouri.

Only the District of Columbia had a higher rate of 4.7% compared to Illinois’ at 4.5%. The national average is 3.5%.