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Bethany Today
By the People, for the People
IL 2026 Primary Election Guide: Who's Running, What You Need To Know
The Illinois primary is March 17. Here's everything you need to know to cast your vote.
Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:54pm
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Early voting is well underway in the March 17 primary as Illinois and the nation head toward the midterm elections in November. The primary ballot includes crowded fields for U.S. Senate, Governor, Secretary of State, and other statewide offices, as well as competitive Congressional races in the 8th and 9th Districts.
Why it matters
The 2026 Illinois primary will set the stage for key midterm elections in November, with control of the U.S. House and potentially the Senate at stake. The results will impact the political landscape in Illinois and nationally for the next two years.
The details
Voters can check their registration status online and register in person on Election Day. Early voting locations are open now, and vote-by-mail ballot applications must be submitted by March 12. The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 17. The Democratic primary ballot includes crowded fields for U.S. Senate, Governor, Secretary of State, and other statewide offices, as well as competitive Congressional races in the 8th and 9th Districts. On the Republican side, there are primaries for U.S. Senate, Governor, and Secretary of State.
- Early voting is underway now.
- Vote-by-mail ballot applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 12.
- The Illinois primary election is on March 17, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The players
Dick Durbin
The longtime U.S. Senator from Illinois who is not seeking reelection after over 40 years in Washington.
Juliana Stratton
The current Lieutenant Governor of Illinois who is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
J.B. Pritzker
The incumbent Democratic Governor of Illinois who is seeking a third term and is unopposed in the primary.
Darren Bailey
The Republican candidate for Governor who ran unsuccessfully against Pritzker in 2022 and is running again in 2026.
Alexi Giannoulias
The incumbent Democratic Secretary of State who is unopposed in the primary.
What they’re saying
“I truly love the job of being a United States Senator, but in my heart, I know it's time to pass the torch.”
— Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator
What’s next
The winners of the March 17 primary elections will advance to the November 3 general election, where control of the U.S. House and potentially the Senate will be at stake.
The takeaway
The 2026 Illinois primary will be a crucial test for both parties as they look to gain an advantage heading into the high-stakes midterm elections. Voters will have a wide range of choices, from crowded fields for statewide offices to competitive Congressional races that could shape the national political landscape.