Venture capitalist Bruce Rauner has been declared winner of the Republican primary for Illinois governor.
Rauner edged State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), who has conceded the race to Rauner. Dillard’s running mate was State Representative Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) who gave up her legislative seat to run for lieutenant governor.
State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) and Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford also ran in the primary for governor.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Pat Quinn easily won his primary against Tio Hardiman.
Rauner is expected to portray Quinn and Democrats as being controlled by unions, while Quinn is already portraying Rauner as a candidate who supports policies that hurt the middle class.
Also in contested statewide primaries, dairy magnate Jim Oberweis won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Dick Durbin, and Tom Cross topped Bob Grogan in the Republican primary for state treasurer. Cross will face Democrat Mike Frerichs in the November election.
In the lone contested congressional primary in west central Illinois, Darrel Miller received 54% of the vote to defeat Rob Mellon for the Democratic nomination in the 18th District. Miller will challenge incumbent Republican Aaron Schock in the November election.
