- Illinois VGT businessman Rick Heidner is running for governor
- Heidner has supported Democrats and Republicans, but will run as a Republican
- Gov. JB Pritzker is the early 2026 front-runner
One of Illinois’ most successful businessmen, whose wide-ranging interests include a major stake in the state’s slot-like video gaming terminals (VGT) industry, is seeking to replace one of the state’s wealthiest citizens as the top lawmaker in the Land of Lincoln.

Illinois is one of only 13 states without term limits on governors. Gov. JB Pritzker (D), whose mass wealth stems from his family’s ownership of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, plans to seek a third term in 2026.
Pritzker, worth an estimated $4 billion, will eagerly await his opponent as the Republican Primary plays out. The latest to throw his name in the GOP gubernatorial pool is Rick Heidner, 65, whose business empire includes Gold Rush Gaming.
Founded in 2012, Gold Rush Gaming operates over 700 VGT locations in Illinois, distributing thousands of the slot-like gaming terminals. The VGT host businesses include liquor stores, truck stops and gas stations, hotels, restaurants and bars, and fraternal organizations.
In a D-I Statement of Organization filing made public this week by the Illinois State Board of Elections, Heidner registered a new political action committee to support his candidacy to become governor.
Gaming Magnate Has Various Businesses
Heidner’s Gold Rush is the third-largest VGT operator in Illinois. As of September, the Illinois Gaming Board said there were 8,758 VGT establishments with a combined 49,552 machines. Accel Entertainment is by far the largest VGT firm in Illinois, with 2,775 locations.
Along with Gold Rush, Heidner’s business conglomerate entails managing over 280 commercial properties in the US. He also owns Prairie State Energy and Ricky Rockets Fuel Centers.
Heidner’s betting big that his next venture will be in an elected position. His state campaign filing for “Rick for Illinois” shows the committee was formed with a $1 million contribution from Heidner. He lists his occupation as “real estate developer – entrepreneur.”
Heidner hasn’t yet responded to numerous media inquiries for comment.
In the past, Heidner has given money to both Democrats and Republicans. He contributed to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2023 election and the Democratic campaigns for Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Heidner also supported Republican Richard Irvin’s failed 2022 gubernatorial bid. Irvin was the mayor of Aurora from 2017 through May 2025.
GOP Faces Long Odds in Illinois
Pritzker is expected to run unchallenged on the Democratic ticket. Along with Heidner, the 2026 Illinois Republican Primary pool includes declared candidates Darren Bailey, a former state senator, and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.
Whomever is the GOP nominee will face long odds of upsetting the incumbent. Since 2003, Republicans have occupied the governor’s office for just four years (Gov. Bruce Rauner, January 2015 – January 2019).
Illinois hasn’t voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1988.
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