One of the wealthiest residents of the state is running to be replaced as the top lawmaker in the Land of Lincoln by one of Illinois' most prosperous businesspeople, whose diverse interests include a significant investment in the state's slot-like video gaming terminals (VGT) industry.

Only 13 states do not have term restrictions for their governors, including Illinois.  In 2026, Governor JB Pritzker (D), whose family owns the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, intends to run for a third term.

With an estimated net worth of $4 billion, Pritzker will be watching his opponent closely during the Republican Primary.  Rick Heidner, 65, whose company empire includes Gold Rush Gaming, is the most recent candidate to enter the GOP gubernatorial pool.

Founded in 2012, Gold Rush Gaming distributes thousands of the slot-like gaming terminals and runs more than 700 VGT venues throughout Illinois.  Liquor stores, truck stops, petrol stations, motels, restaurants, bars, and fraternal organizations are among the businesses that the VGT hosts.

Heidner filed a new political action committee to assist his bid for governor in a D-I Statement of Organization that the Illinois State Board of Elections made public this week.

Gaming Magnate Owns Several Companies

The third-biggest VGT operator in Illinois is Heidner's Gold Rush.  According to the Illinois Gaming Board, there were 8,758 VGT locations with a total of 49,552 machines as of September.  With 2,775 locations, Accel Entertainment is by far the biggest VGT company in Illinois.

Heidner's corporate conglomerate oversees more than 280 commercial properties in the US in addition to Gold Rush.  Additionally, he is the owner of Ricky Rockets Fuel Centers and Prairie State Energy.

Heidner is placing a large wager that his next endeavor will involve running for office.  According to his state campaign filing for "Rick for Illinois," Heidner contributed $1 million to the committee's formation.  "Real estate developer – entrepreneur" is how he describes his profession.

Heidner has yet to reply to multiple requests for comment from the media.

Heidner has previously donated to both Republicans and Democrats.  He supported the Democratic campaigns of Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, as well as the election of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2023.

Additionally, Heidner backed Republican Richard Irvin's unsuccessful 2022 campaign for governor.  From 2017 till May 2025, Irvin served as Aurora's mayor.

Long Odds for the GOP in Illinois

On the Democratic ticket, Pritzker is anticipated to run unopposed.  Heidner is one of the declared contenders for the 2026 Illinois Republican Primary, along with former state senator Darren Bailey and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.

The chances of the GOP nominee defeating the incumbent are slim.  Republicans have only held the governorship for four years since 2003 (Gov. Bruce Rauner, January 2015–January 2019).

Since 1988, Illinois has not supported a Republican for president.