Republican candidates for Illinois governor hope for momentum after Youngkin’s win

[November 04, 2021]  By Greg Bishop

(The Center Square) – It’s a year out from the Illinois gubernatorial election and Republicans vying for the job hope there’s momentum from the Republican victory in Virginia Tuesday.

Virginians elected their first Republican governor in 12 years by picking Glenn Youngkin over Democrat Terry McAuliffe. Analysts across the country say that could signal a trend giving Republicans an advantage heading into the November 2022 midterm elections. That’s also when Illinoisans cast votes for governor.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a first-term Democrat who unseated former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018, is up for reelection next year.

And while Illinois’ gubernatorial election isn't for another 12 months, Bailey said the momentum from Youngkin's win in Virginia will persist, especially after the recent veto session where Illinois Democrats passed controversial legislation.

Virginia Republican gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin speaks during his election night party at a hotel in Chantilly, Virginia, U.S., November 3, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

“I don’t think anyone is going to forget this anytime soon,” Bailey said. “I think momentum, yes, will build and it’s going to build even much more than it did in Virginia.”

Messages seeking reaction from Pritzker’s campaign and the Democratic Party of Illinois were not returned.