Illinois Primaries: A Shift to New Leadership Amidst Competitive Races

Tue Mar 17 2026 13:14:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

With the retirement of Sen. Dick Durbin, the Illinois primaries showcase a fierce contest among Democratic candidates vying for open seats, while Governor JB Pritzker stakes his influence in the campaigns ahead of November's elections.

Illinois voters cast their ballots in crucial primaries for U.S. House and Senate seats, spurred by the retirement of long-serving Sen. Dick Durbin and a significant number of open congressional positions. In a highly competitive race, Democrats Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton are vying for Durbin's seat, with Stratton boosted by influential endorsements. Meanwhile, several House races draw attention amid rising campaign spending. Polls aim to recover from previously low turnout rates, with various candidates invoking ties to prominent Chicago figures.

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois voters are participating in the primaries for six key U.S. House and Senate seats on Tuesday, marking a potential shift to a new generation of leadership within the state's predominantly Democratic congressional delegation.

Sen. Dick Durbin's retirement has triggered a competitive race, drawing attention to candidates including two current House members and the lieutenant governor. The campaign has been marked by aggressive fundraising and political maneuvering, testing the influence of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who is also mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential contender.

As a multitude of open seats arise from a wave of congressional retirements, the stakes are high with most primary winners expected to dominate in the upcoming November elections.

This election cycle has seen notable financial backing from organizations, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and various PACs supporting cryptocurrency and AI interests.

Key Players in the Senate Race

With Durbin stepping down after five terms, ten Democrats and six Republicans are vying for his seat. Top candidates include U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, alongside Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.

Krishnamoorthi has taken a commanding lead in fundraising and media presence, boasting over $15 million in campaign funds as of earlier this year.

Stratton, backed by substantial financial support from Pritzker, began the year with significantly less capital but aims to make a strong impact with targeted campaigning.

During recent debates, tensions between the candidates rose, particularly as Stratton criticized Krishnamoorthi's previous funding ties with a contractor linked to immigration enforcement, while Kelly challenged Pritzker's overt involvement in the race.

All three candidates have sought to align themselves with Chicago's iconic political history, referencing figures such as President Obama and the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose recent passing has further heightened emotional stakes within the race.

The aim for a strong voter turnout significantly contrasts with the previous primary, where turnout hit a record low of 19%.

House Races and Pritzker's Third Term Bid

In addition to the Senate race, several competitive contests are underway in the House, with multiple candidates fighting for open seats funded heavily by external interests. Candidates for various districts include notable names like Jesse Jackson Jr. and former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean.

Meanwhile, Pritzker is seeking a historically significant third term with his primary campaign unopposed. His recent campaigns have heavily underscored his opposition to Trump-era policies, making a case for his reelection amid rising costs that his opponents attribute to his leadership.

Illinois awaits pivotal outcomes from these primaries as attention sharpens on the leadership and direction of its congressional delegation.