Two Illinois gubernatorial candidates and a U.S. Senate candidate addressed farmer leaders at the 2026 Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable on Aug. 10 at Funk Family Farms in Shirley, Illinois.
The candidates discussed several legislative priorities important to the Illinois Corn Growers Association, including support for domestic ethanol demand through E15, estate tax reform and expanding trade markets, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Illinois has an open U.S. Senate seat following Sen. Richard Durbin’s announced retirement. Republican Senate nominee Don Tracy spoke to the group, while Democratic nominee and current Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton did not attend because of a previous engagement in Martha’s Vineyard.
The two candidates for governor, Republican nominee Darren Bailey and Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, also addressed the farmer leaders.
ICGA leaders said the organization will continue representing Illinois farmers and agriculture regardless of the election outcomes. The candidates highlighted different ICGA priorities during the roundtable, underscoring the association’s continued focus on advancing policies that produce meaningful results for Illinois corn farmers.
Source: IL Corn, "IL Corn Attends Ag Legislative Roundtable"