[1] Incumbent first-term Republican governor Richard B. Ogilvie lost reelection in an upset to the Democratic nominee, Dan Walker.

Walker was the last Democrat to be elected governor of Illinois until Rod Blagojevich in 2002.

Neil Hartigan, the candidate slated by the state party, defeated Carbondale mayor Neal Eckert, Walker's declared preferred running-mate.

His main rival, John M. Mathis was a favorite son of the Peoria area, and fared poorly elsewhere.

James D. Nowlan won the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor, running unopposed.