CHICAGO (WLS) — Democrat Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey met Tuesday night for their only scheduled debate ahead of next month’s election, a rematch of their contest four years ago. With Election Day three weeks away and early voting already underway, both candidates used the forum to sharpen their cases to voters.
The debate turned tense less than 10 minutes in, when a discussion on high property taxes prompted the two to talk over one another.
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Pritzker said, “He raised property taxes 13 times, there were only 13 opportunities to vote,” as Bailey interrupted, responding, “…that is not the proof.”
Recent crimes and the state’s criminal justice reforms also surfaced.
Bailey argued, “And I think the biggest problem with the Safety Act, I think we need to repeal it.” Pritzker countered, “Darren Bailey’s answer to this is to go back to a system where the most violent criminals can buy their way out of jail.”
Throughout the night, Bailey frequently interrupted Pritzker, who accused Bailey of lying.
Bailey also questioned Pritzker’s political ambitions, saying, “I’m not running for president like J.B. Pritzker is. I’m running for what I can do as governor here in the state of Illinois.”
Pritzker replied, “Look, I’m flattered that you think that I could get elected president of the United States, but I’m running for re-election as governor.”
The future of the Chicago Bears drew sharp disagreement.
Pritzker said, “And I believe that in November we’re going to be able to get something done to keep the Bears in the state of Illinois. But I’m not going to do it at the expense of the taxpayers.”
Bailey responded, “I’m just glad I’m not going to be known as the governor that lost the Bears, the bears are going to Indiana.”
Independent candidate Collin Corbett, who did not qualify for the debate under WTTW’s criteria, held a virtual event beforehand. He told viewers, “It’s really not about me. It’s about the public. The public is losing out on an opportunity to actually see a substantive discussion about the issues that matter to them and to their families and their communities.”
Pritzker and Bailey also sparred over energy policy, housing, immigration, and tariffs.
Pritzker repeatedly tried to link Bailey to President Donald Trump, who endorsed Bailey in the race. Bailey, anticipating the attacks, told viewers to make it a non-alcoholic drinking game whenever Pritzker mentioned Trump.
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