From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Illinois Republicans crash and burn in the burbs
Illinois Republicans lose suburban dominance as Democrats sweep key counties.
In brief
Illinois Republicans lose suburban dominance as Democrats sweep key counties. Illinois Republicans suffered major losses in suburban counties during the 2026 election, with Democrats winning McHenry, DuPage, and Lake counties by large margins. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Illinois Republicans lose suburban dominance
Illinois Republicans suffered major losses in suburban counties during the 2026 election, with Democrats winning McHenry, DuPage, and Lake counties by large margins.
McHenry County shifts to Democrats
Democratic primary votes for governor rose 60% in McHenry County compared to four years ago, while Republican primary votes dropped 48%.
Pritzker wins McHenry County
JB Pritzker became the first Democratic gubernatorial candidate to win McHenry County since 1852, winning by 11 points.
McHenry County results
Democratic candidates won McHenry County by 9 to 18 points, with Alexi Giannoulias winning by 3 points after losing four years ago.
Lake County shifts to Democrats
Democratic candidates won Lake County with 66% or higher of the vote, after Republican primary turnout dropped 48%.
DuPage County shifts to Democrats
Pritzker won DuPage County by 63-33, after Republican primary turnout dropped 33% compared to four years ago.
Republican primary collapse
Republican primary gubernatorial turnout collapsed by 48% in McHenry, Lake, and DuPage counties compared to four years ago.
Trump's nationalization backfires
Trump's nationalization of the off-year election backfired as Democrats united against Republicans and Trump.
Republicans lose key incumbents
Several strong Republican incumbents lost this year, including Darren Bailey who was wiped out by 22 points.
Illinois Republicans stuck as regional party
Illinois Republicans are stuck as mainly a regional party, unable to win consistently in the state.
Illinois Democrats secure suburban dominance
Illinois Democrats could get away with losing the South as long as they firmed up the suburbs.
Republican party struggles
Illinois Republicans suffered major losses in suburban counties during the 2026 election, with Democrats winning McHenry, DuPage, and Lake counties by large margins.
The one thing
Illinois Republicans suffered major losses in suburban counties during the 2026 election, with Democrats winning McHenry, DuPage, and Lake counties by large margins.
