DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick has officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor of Illinois, setting the stage for what could be a heated race against incumbent Governor J.B. Pritzker in the March 2026 primary.
On February 1, 2025, Mendrick took to Facebook to declare his intention to challenge Pritzker, expressing deep dissatisfaction with recent legislative changes made under the current administration. He voiced strong opposition to state laws, such as the SAFE-T Act and the TRUST Act, which he believes compromise public safety and undermine law enforcement's capacity to operate effectively. He stated, "The legislation changes... deny them access to these criminals... My family and I... want our State back." Mendrick’s concerns include what he describes as the 'soft on crime' policies of Pritzker's administration, which he argues contribute to rising crime rates affecting communities across Illinois.
Mendrick, who has served as sheriff since 2018 and has been involved in law enforcement since 1996, cited direct public safety issues at the core of his campaign. He expressed frustration with the current laws governing crime and rehabilitation, stating, "The safety act stops us from rehabilitating people in our jails... we’re doing God’s work." His announcement has stirred significant interest among Republican voters, leading to numerous calls and donation offers even before the official campaign team is fully assembled.
Currently, he lacks formal campaign management but is actively working on structuring his team, signaling he understands the scale of the undertaking — from attracting votes to funding necessary for running statewide. Mendrick’s background as a law enforcement officer and his hands-on experience dealing with the consequences of crime may resonate with voters who prioritize crime control and public safety.
Interestingly, Mendrick’s entrance signals the first official Republican challenge to Pritzker, with other potential candidates, like Aaron Del Mar, still weighing their options. Meanwhile, Pritzker has not yet confirmed whether he will seek re-election. His party's standing remains strong, but with national anxieties about economy and health care looming, these upcoming elections could be pivotal.
On the home front, Mendrick’s personal life also shapes his political views. He lives in Woodridge with his family, including two sons, one of whom has autism. This experience distinguishes him as a candidate sensitive to disability issues, advocating for discontinuing laws he perceives as harmful to the community, including those affecting immigration policy. His views on the TRUST Act, which designates Illinois as a sanctuary state, have been emphatically stated: "It’s an unfunded mandate" and he proposes reforming this legislation to alleviate what he sees as increasing pressures on social services throughout the state.
Unlike many candidates who seek to define themselves through rigorous party ideology, Mendrick has indicated he doesn’t want to be boxed inside strict labels. He claims, "I’m a Republican with a lot of conservative values, but I don't want to be labeled... it’s just about doing the right thing." This approach might appeal to independent voters dissatisfied with partisan agendas and could effectively broaden his support base.
Despite these challenges, Mendrick expresses confidence and determination as he embarks on this political venture. He plans to address key issues head-on, emphasizing accountability and responsible governance. He remains optimistic about his campaign potential, drawing from his law enforcement experience to promote policies aimed at improving community safety and support services.
With the election timeline still over a year away, the political narrative surrounding the 2026 Illinois gubernatorial election will likely evolve as more candidates emerge and Pritzker makes his intentions clear. For now, the entry of James Mendrick has invigorated the Republican base and set the tone for what promises to be a series of compelling debates on law enforcement, immigration, and fiscal responsibility.
While the race is still forming and the political atmosphere can shift significantly, Mendrick's early engagement with potential voters and the issues facing Illinois places him as a candidate worth watching. His commitment to addressing serious state challenges combined with his standing as the first declared Republican puts him at the forefront of the gubernatorial race.