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Collin Corbett

Independent candidate for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Illinois · Challenger

Political strategist (former Republican strategist); small business owner

Collin Corbett is a political strategist from Palatine who worked for Republicans before leaving the party, and he is running for Illinois governor as an independent. He filed his nominating petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections on May 26, 2026, with former McHenry County Board member Carolyn Schofield as his running mate for lieutenant governor. An objection to his petitions, filed by Republican lieutenant governor nominee Aaron Del Mar, was withdrawn in June 2026, so Corbett stays on the November 3 ballot.

Where Corbett stands

Political approach

Calls himself a fiscal conservative and social moderate. Says the two parties have become polarized and that Illinois voters are ready for a choice outside them.

Economy

Argues that since JB Pritzker took office, Illinois ranks 46th among states in GDP growth, 45th in job growth and 39th in income growth.

Taxes and school funding

Supports cutting taxes and changing how local schools are funded. Says he wants to lower property taxes and the cost of living.

Housing

Says he wants housing to be affordable and good quality while keeping the value of existing homes stable.

Background

• Political strategist who worked for Republicans for about 20 years, then left the Republican Party
• Small business owner; lives in Palatine, Illinois
• Filed nominating petitions as an independent candidate for governor on May 26, 2026, reported as about 37,000 signatures
• Reported to have put $500,000 of his own money into the campaign

In the news

• Collin Corbett on His Independent Campaign for Illinois Governor, Cutting Taxes and School Funding WTTW News, October 15, 2026
• JB Pritzker, Darren Bailey, Collin Corbett: Illinois governor election Chicago Sun-Times, October 13, 2026
• Independent Collin Corbett runs for Illinois governor Wheaton Sentinel, October 5, 2026
• What to know about the race for Illinois governor WBEZ, October 1, 2026

Also running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor

• JB Pritzker Democratic
• Darren Bailey Republican

Sources

• Capitol News Illinois: Corbett files to run for governor as an independent
• Capitol News Illinois: Corbett stays on the ballot after the objection is withdrawn
• WTTW interview with Corbett
• Chicago Sun-Times race coverage
• Wheaton Sentinel candidate profile

Last researched October 22, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.