CHICAGO (WLS) -- Democracy is alive and well in Illinois as candidates file the required petitions to qualify for the 2026 primary election in March.

To be first meant lining up before dawn in Cook County. Monday marked petition day statewide, with the longest line in Springfield as statewide candidates, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who is seeking a third term, submitted thousands of signatures.

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Pritzker stood next to his running mate, former Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell, to file his petition.

"I'm going to keep fighting for the people of Illinois. I'm going to keep standing up for what they need, which is education, healthcare, good jobs," Pritzker said.

With an eye on the White House, the governor once again made no

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