Illinois

The Illinois Governor's Race: The Money Game

The 2018 race for Illinois governor could be the most expensive in U.S. history. With nine months until election day, the five leading candidates have raised more than $136 million, already exceeding any other contest before in Illinois. Democrat J.B. Pritzker has spent over $34 million of his $49 million campaign chest in an attempt to win the Democratic nomination. And a once sleepy Republican race has seen shifting alliances in recent weeks, after billionaire Dick Uihlein gave $2.5 million to Gov. Bruce Rauner's challenger, Illinois House Rep. Jeanne Ives, who opposes abortion and rights for gay and transgender people.To track this money circus, ProPublica Illinois has created a graphic that will update with the latest fundraising information.

State Sen. Manar Says He Won't Run For Illinois Governor

Northern Public Radio | By Associated Press

Published March 31, 2017 at 3:32 PM CDT

Democratic state Sen. Andy Manar says he will remain in the Illinois Senate rather than run for governor in 2018.

In an emailed statement Friday, the Bunker Hill resident says he plans to continue being "a strong voice for the citizens of Central Illinois" in the Legislature.

Manar was among several Democrats who said they were considering running against Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Among those who've announced they're running are state Sen. Daniel Biss, businessman Chris Kennedy and Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar.

Billionaire businessman J.B. Pritzker has launched a committee to explore a bid.

Manar says "a long, expensive campaign for governor would be unfair" to his family and constituents who elected him.

Manar also says he'll continue pushing to change Illinois' school funding formula.