Springfield, IL (WAND) – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is expected to announce this week that he will seek a third term as the state’s governor in 2026, according to multiple reports.

WAND Capitol Reporter Mike Miletich said Pritzker is expected to make the announcement on Thursday in Springfield and Chicago.

A third term run was expected from Pritzker. Illinois does not have term limits for governor.

His name has also been floated as a possible 2028 candidate for President of the United States.

Pritzker, a Democrat, was first elected in 2018 after defeating incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner. Pritzker tallied 55 percent of the vote.

In 2022, Pritzker easily won re-election by defeating Republican challenger Darren Bailey. Pritzker again won with 55 percent of the vote.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, who ran with Pritzker both times previously, won’t be on the ballot with him in 2026 because she’s running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. Pritzker already endorsed Stratton for the job.

No other Democrats have publicly announced a gubernatorial run for 2026.

Republican challengers, however, are already lining up. DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced his candidacy in February. Park district commissioner Phil Perez announced his run last month and businessman Joe Severino announced in April.

The 2026 election in Illinois is shaping up to be a full ballot with the governor’s race, an open U.S. Senate seat, and a number of U.S. House seats opening as some current members of Congress consider a run at the U.S. Senate.