217 Today: Four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November

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Dabrowski pitches his candidacy for governor as his primary opponents – video gambling mogul Rick Heidner, former state Sen. Darren Bailey and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick – listen during a forum sponsored by the Tazewell County Republican Party on Jan. 15, 2026.
  • Photo: Brenden Moore/Capitol News Illinois

Monday, February 16, 2026

Today’s headlines: 

  • A bill that would give Illinois regulators more authority to control the rising cost of homeowners’ insurance could get a second chance at passage when lawmakers return to the Statehouse this week.
  • Illinois lawmakers are banding together to address state finances ahead of Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal this week.
  • Biofuel leaders say the shipping industry could be a golden goose for ethanol and soy-based biodiesel.
  • A proposed federal ruling would limit which waters and wetlands are protected under the Clean Water Act.

In today’s deep dive, four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November.

217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Sam Naftzger, Mawa Iqbal, Rachel Cramer, Jess Savage, and Peter Hancock.

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Giuliana Means