Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner, who has openly called for reforms to the Illinois SAFE-T Act, announced on social media Saturday that he is “strongly considering” running for Illinois Governor in November of 2026.
Gartner, a lifelong attorney and two-term mayor in Antioch, said his top priorities are pension reform, balancing the state budget, and lowering property taxes to help families and businesses survive and grow.
“Governor Pritzker has lived his whole life on inherited wealth. He’s never had to budget, never had to meet a payroll, never had to make the sacrifices that working families make every day,” Gartner said in his announcement on social media. “He squandered billions in federal COVID relief, and now the state is broke again. Let’s be honest — he’s not running for governor because he loves Illinois. He’s running for governor as a stepping stone to the White House.”
Gartner has also been a leading voice for reform to the controversial Illinois SAFE-T Act, which ended cash bail in the state.
Earlier this year, Gartner called on state legislators to reform the controversial legislation because “all common sense” was lost after a suspect was charged and released from custody following the death of missing Antioch woman Megan Bos.
Gartner said reforms were needed to the SAFE-T Act to restore judicial discretion and refocus Illinois’ criminal justice system on “public safety and human decency.”
“The SAFE-T Act, as written, has gone too far. It’s weakened accountability and made it harder for law enforcement to do their job,” Gartner said. “As mayor, I work alongside officers who risk their lives daily, and I know we must push for reform so the law protects victims, supports our police, and keeps communities safe.”
Gartner is a self-described fiscal conservative who was born and raised in Morton Grove, but has lived in Bloomington and Chicago before moving to Antioch. He added he has worked previously for Illinois State Senator John Maitland, who held office in downstate Normal from 1979 through 2002.
“From property taxes to pensions, Illinois is losing ground in every area,” Gartner said. “Living on the Wisconsin border, I see every day how our neighbors are getting it right — even under Democratic leadership. Wisconsin balances its budget, attracts businesses, and keeps taxes manageable. Illinois does the opposite.”
Gartner said he would make a final decision on entering the race by the end of October.
“If I can gather 10,000 signatures and raise $500,000 by then, I’m all in,” he said. “I’ll fight harder than anyone to save Illinois. Because this isn’t about me — it’s about our future, our families, and our state.”
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and Lake Forest businessman Joseph Severino have already announced their intentions to seek the Republican nomination for Governor in 2026. Pritzker, the incumbent, is the only Democrat name put forward for Governor in 2026.
“I’m just being honest — I’m feeling this out. But here’s the truth: the Republican Party hasn’t put forward a serious, electable candidate to challenge Governor Pritzker,” Gartner said. “And if we don’t, Illinois will continue to suffer. I’m not a millionaire or a billionaire, but maybe that’s exactly what we need — someone who understands what everyday people go through and isn’t owned by special interests.”