Collin Corbett, an Independent candidate for Illinois governor, is pitching himself as an alternative to both major-party nominees in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democratic incumbent J.B. Pritzker and Republican Darren Bailey.

Asked why he is running, Corbett said in our candidate questionnaire: "Our broken political system is grinding Illinois to a halt. Instead of solving problems, it pits us against each other and rewards the most extreme voices instead of the smartest solutions."

Candidate information

Party: "Independent"

Residence: Palatine, Illinois

Education: "High School"

Family: "Married to Abbey. One son, Theodore Rex (T Rex), expecting a second child, and a rescue dog, Dustin."

Occupation: "Political strategist and small business owner. Currently on a leave of absence from my companies for this run."

Previous elected or appointed offices: "N/A"

Experience and public service

Corbett said in our questionnaire that over two decades he has "recruited and trained over 3,500 everyday people to help them get involved in the political process." He said he founded Cor Strategies, EmpowerPolitics and Long9 Studio, "through which I have advanced nearly 1,200 organizations and campaigns throughout the country." BallotReady lists his role at Cor Strategies as founding visionary from 2009 to 2026.

Asked what accomplishments qualify him, Corbett said: "I pioneered a community engagement process that brings residents, local businesses, and government leaders together to set priorities and decide what level of taxation they prefer."

He added: "I stand up for what's right, even when it costs me. At 24, I lost my job for helping defeat a corrupt party boss."

On the issues

Top priority — affordability: Corbett identified the cost of living as his central issue. "JB Pritzker has made it worse. He's raised taxes and fees at least 57 times since taking office, costing the average Illinoisan over $1,400 a year more in taxes," he said. He said he would lower property taxes, hold state spending in check, provide relief at the pump and build "new affordable, quality housing while stabilizing the value of current housing."

Economy and jobs: Corbett said: "In JB Pritzker's Illinois, big out-of-state corporations get tax breaks while local small businesses pay the full weight of our state's oppressive tax and fee burden." He said he would phase out the estate tax, eliminate taxes on overtime and tips, and fix state procurement processes.

Education funding: "The number of school districts in Illinois that are adequately funded has declined for three consecutive years under JB Pritzker," Corbett said. He said Illinois covers 24.5% of local school budgets, compared with a national average of 45%. "As governor, I will ensure the state fulfills its responsibility to fully fund our schools … while providing relief for overburdened homeowners," he said.

Data centers: Corbett said both major-party candidates offer "extreme positions" on data centers. He said he would "pause all tax incentives for data centers until strict regulations are put in place that ensure data centers pay all their energy costs, limit water usage, and contribute to a property tax relief fund for Illinoisans," according to his campaign website.

Public safety: Corbett said he would "protect the improvements made under the SAFE-T Act while increasing detainable offenses and judicial discretion." He called fixing the Department of Children and Family Services a priority, saying: "Under the state's care, more than 1,200 of our most vulnerable children have died and 3,000 seriously injured since 2018."

Government reform: Corbett said he supports "ending partisan gerrymandering with fair maps, giving voters more choice through open primaries … and increasing transparency in campaign finances," according to his campaign website.

Candidate responses were collected through the Surround Sound News candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.