Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva), who had been considering a run for Governor in 2026, announced Wednesday he would not run for the state’s top office and would seek re-election to the House.

Candidates are filing campaign finance paperwork ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

While Illinois Republicans have struggled to find top tier candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate in 2026, little has been made so far about what Republicans may step into down ballot races next year.

Three open congressional seats and the possibility of a fourth have led to growing fields that some political experts predict could cause “chaos” primary races next spring.

Democrats around the state are publicly and privately praising Governor JB Pritzker’s announcement Tuesday he’s selected former State Representative and former Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell as his running mate next year.

With one month before petition circulation begins for the 2026 election, sources say Senate Republicans are honing in on two Democratic seats as potential pickup opportunities.