Governor JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey each addressed Illinois farmers at a candidate forum near Bloomington, arguing separately that they're best equipped to handle agricultural issues, without ever appearing together. Bailey, a farmer and former state lawmaker, said he speaks farmers' language, while Pritzker, who owns horse farms in Wisconsin and Florida, touted his governing record and hiring of an agriculture department director.
Both candidates backed reforming Illinois' estate tax, which currently taxes entire estates over $4 million; Bailey wants the state to match the federal $30 million exemption, while Pritzker supports a bipartisan bill exempting the first $6 million for qualifying farm estates. Estate tax revenue rose 44% in fiscal 2026, according to state forecasters.
On data centers, Pritzker pledged to make facilities supply their own water and power and let local governments decide on siting, while Bailey blamed Pritzker for pushing clean energy
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