Photo of Collin Corbett

Candidate for Governor

Collin Corbett

Independent

Corbett founded the political consulting firm Cor Strategies, which worked for Republican candidates, and is a former Republican running as an independent in his first bid for office. He qualified for the ballot by petition. He describes himself as a moderate and a fiscal conservative who supports abortion rights.

Current or most recent role
Small business owner; former Republican political strategist
Running mate
Carolyn Schofield (Lieutenant Governor)
Hometown
Palatine
Campaign website
collinforil.com

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

  • Presents himself as a middle-ground option and says he believes voters have an appetite for a centrist candidate.[3],[4]
  • Says he wants a more balanced, bipartisan approach than either major-party nominee, and says he will oppose President Trump when he believes he is wrong.[2]
  • Points to bipartisan state bills, such as changes to biometric privacy law and efforts to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois, as the kind of work he supports.[2]

Background

  • Founder, Cor Strategies (political consulting firm)[2],[3]
  • Consultant to Republican campaigns, including Don Tracy's 2026 U.S. Senate primary campaign, Cor Strategies · 2026[2],[3]
  • Host (podcast since ended), "Smoke-Filled Room" podcast[2]

Where they stand

  • Abortion
    Supports abortion rights.[2],[3],[4]
  • Taxes
    Proposes a state tax on services and calls the state's reliance on sales taxes "regressive." Describes himself as a fiscal conservative.[3],[4]
  • Guns
    Supports more gun control measures.[3]
  • Civil Rights
    Supports marriage equality.[3]

Voting record

Collin Corbett has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.

In their words

“I will stand up and oppose the president when he's wrong.”

Remarks to reporters after filing petitions to run as an independent, May 26, 2026[2]

“Government shouldn't be getting involved in women's medical decisions.”

Remarks to reporters after filing petitions, on abortion, May 26, 2026[2]

Sources

  1. Collin Corbett for Governor, Corbett campaign
  2. Former Republican strategist Collin Corbett files to run for governor as independent, Capitol News Illinois, May 26, 2026
  3. Who is running for Illinois governor in 2026? Democrat JB Pritzker faces rematch with Republican Darren Bailey., CBS Chicago, September 28, 2026
  4. What to know about the race for Illinois governor, WBEZ / Chicago Sun-Times, October 1, 2026
  5. Independent Collin Corbett to remain on ballot after Bailey camp withdraws objection, Capitol News Illinois, June 23, 2026

Photo: Corbett for Governor campaign (Campaign photo).

Last reviewed October 10, 2026. Spot an error or something missing? Report a correction.

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