Gov. Rauner announces re-election bid

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Governor Bruce Rauner announced he is running for re-election Monday morning.

Rauner released a video announcing his run. The video, posted on Youtube, features the governor on a motorcycle. Rauner highlighted property tax relief, political term limits and an improved budget.

He also specifically called out Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan early in the video and he also mentioned trying to move beyond what he called the "corrupt culture of permanent political failure."

Rauner spoke with ABC7 Monday after his re-election announcement. He downplayed the struggles he has had with staff turnover in his administration and getting key items in his turnaround agenda passed, pointing to the education funding bill and ethics reform as victories for the state.

He brushed off talk of a primary challenge from conservative State Representative Jeanne Ives. He also dismissed concerns that by signing the controversial bill that allows for taxpayer funded abortions for poor women that he has alienated his conservative base.

"I hear from Republicans and Democrats and independents and people all over the state, they know that we've got to change the system, they know I'm the one person who can lead the movement, to get the income tax rolled back, to get real property tax relief and to get term limits on our politicians. The thing that unites us all, we are all united, we can all agree on those things and that's what we're all gonna focus on," Rauner said.

The upcoming governor's race is already on track to be one of the most expensive in U.S. history, with Democrat J.B. Pritzker and Governor Rauner with the biggest campaign accounts.

As for the governor, he reportedly contributed more than $50 million of his own money to his campaign fund.

Going forward in this race, the governor will need to build up support particularly in his own party.

His base of support is currently in question as social conservatives look for his challenger. Sunday night at an event in Addison, the governor focused his message on his future goals.

"It's an honor to for me to work with you as we enhance the opportunity for the American Dream for all families in Illinois, to have a better future for our children and grandchildren, through greater economic opportunity, supporting small business owners," Rauner said.

Rauner's announcement comes as lawmakers will be returning to Springfield Tuesday to talk vetoes Rauner made to laws they passed this year.

Democrats are expected to press on with override to bills that would serve to publicly embarrass the governor.