IL-TREAS: No Republican files for Illinois State Treasurer

PRINGFIELD — Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs won his first statewide race in 2014 by fewer than 10,000 votes against his Republican opponent. More than a decade later, Frerichs — at least for now — is unopposed for a fourth term as the state’s chief investment officer.

No Republican filed to run for state treasurer by the close of the weeklong filing period for the March 17 primary election, marking, according to Frerichs’ campaign, the first time in at least 90 years a major party has failed to field a candidate for a statewide office.

It reflects the enfeebled position of the Illinois GOP, which has not won a statewide election in more than a decade and has been relegated to superminority status in the state legislature and on the Illinois Supreme Court. The party also holds just three of 17 congressional seats.

Frerichs likely won’t get a free pass, though. A Republican can run as a write-in candidate and win if they secure at least 5,000 votes in the primary. Or the Illinois Republican State Central Committee can appoint a candidate to the general election ballot after the primary if they submit 5,000 valid signatures from registered voters.



https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinois-treasurer-faces-no-gop-challenger-as-2026-primary-ballots-take-shape/