© 2024 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
The 2018 race for Illinois governor could be the most expensive in U.S. history. With nine months until election day, the five leading candidates have raised more than $136 million, already exceeding any other contest before in Illinois. Democrat J.B. Pritzker has spent over $34 million of his $49 million campaign chest in an attempt to win the Democratic nomination. And a once sleepy Republican race has seen shifting alliances in recent weeks, after billionaire Dick Uihlein gave $2.5 million to Gov. Bruce Rauner's challenger, Illinois House Rep. Jeanne Ives, who opposes abortion and rights for gay and transgender people.To track this money circus, ProPublica Illinois has created a graphic that will update with the latest fundraising information.

JB Pritzker Launches First TV Ads In Democratic Primary For Governor

Billionaire businessman J.B. Pritzker is launching the first television ads of the Democratic primary campaign for Illinois governor.

Pritzker's campaign released a 60-second ad statewide Tuesday aimed at helping voters get to know the candidate, an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune who doesn't have the name recognition of some of his rivals, especially outside Chicago.

The ad explains Pritzker's role in starting the Chicago tech incubator called 1871 and his work to support early childhood education.

Other candidates who've announced they're seeking the Democratic nomination in March 2018 include businessman Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Daniel Biss, and Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar.

A group affiliated with the Republican Governors Association has been running ads featuring incumbent Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, who's seeking a second term.

Related Stories