The 2026 Illinois Attorney General election will determine who serves as the state's chief legal officer from 2027 to 2031. The Attorney General of Illinois leads the second-largest state attorney general's office in the United States, overseeing a staff of approximately 800 employees, including over 400 attorneys. This position holds significant authority to prosecute complex financial crimes, enforce consumer protection laws, manage civil litigation involving the state, and issue legal opinions that shape Illinois law. The office has become increasingly prominent in national politics through multistate lawsuits on issues ranging from environmental regulations to tech industry antitrust actions. The 2026 election is particularly significant as it will follow the conclusion of current Attorney General Kwame Raoul's second term, creating an open seat for the first time since 2018. Political observers are watching this race closely because Illinois has become a reliably Democratic state in presidential elections but maintains competitive down-ballot races, with the Attorney General position serving as a potential stepping stone to higher office. The election will occur alongside gubernatorial and U.S. Senate contests in Illinois, potentially creating coattail effects that could influence the Attorney General outcome. Voters will be evaluating candidates based on their legal experience, policy priorities, and ability to manage one of the nation's most active state legal offices.

Historical Context

The Illinois Attorney General's office has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1819. For much of the 20th century, the position was relatively low-profile, but it gained national prominence under Democrat Neil Hartigan (1983-1991) and Republican Jim Ryan (1995-2003). The modern era of the office began with Democrat Lisa Madigan's election in 2002. Madigan served four terms from 2003 to 2019, becoming the longest-serving Illinois Attorney General and establishing the office as a powerful force in consumer protection and environmental enforcement. Her decision not to seek a fifth term in 2018 created the first open seat in 16 years. The 2018 election saw Democrat Kwame Raoul defeat Republican Erika Harold 54% to 47.5%, a closer margin than most expected in a Democratic wave year. Raoul's re-election in 2022 was more decisive, with him defeating Republican Thomas DeVore 55.5% to 42.5%. Historically, Illinois has elected attorneys general from both parties, with Democrats holding the office for 24 of the past 40 years. The office has served as a springboard to higher positions, with three former Illinois attorneys general later serving as governor and two as federal judges. The 2026 election will mark only the third open seat contest since 2002, creating rare opportunity for political advancement.

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