Illinois

One of the strongest opportunities for Democrats to flip a governor's seat comes in the Land of Lincoln. Since his 2014 election, Gov. Bruce Rauner (R), who made millions in private-equity and venture capital firms, has been locked in almost constant battle with the Democratic-controlled state Legislature in Springfield. The result: one of the longest and most contentious budget fights in modern American history, and the nation's fifth-largest state going more than two years without a budget (plus Rauner's sinking popularity). Challenging Rauner is Democratic businessman J.B. Pritzker, a member of one of the richest families in the country. Pritzker is favored to unseat Rauner. In the House, at least four of Illinois' Republican members are vulnerable in 2018. The most endangered looks to be Rep. Mike Bost, who represents the 12th District in southern Illinois. Bost faces Democrat Brendan Kelly, a prosecutor and former Navy officer.