Chicago Stations to Stream Illinois Republican Senate Forum

ABC7, League of Women Voters, and Univision to host live event featuring GOP candidates

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Chicago's ABC7, the League of Women Voters of Illinois, and Univision are teaming up to host a live, 60-minute Republican U.S. Senate primary forum next Wednesday at 7 p.m. The event will feature GOP candidates Casey Chlebek, Jeannie Evans, and former Illinois GOP chair Don Tracy, and will be moderated by ABC7 anchor Judy Hsu. The forum will stream live online and air on TV in both English and Spanish to reach a wide audience of Illinois voters ahead of the March 17 primary election.

Why it matters

This forum provides an important opportunity for Illinois voters to hear directly from the Republican candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat, especially those who may not be able to attend in-person campaign events. The collaboration between the media outlets and the League of Women Voters ensures a nonpartisan format that allows each candidate equal time to share their platforms.

The details

The 60-minute forum will feature questions from ABC7 political reporter Craig Wall and Univision anchor Enrique Rodriguez, with moderator Judy Hsu steering the discussion. The event will stream live on ABC7's digital platforms and air on the station's broadcast channel on Friday at 10:30 p.m. Univision will also offer a Spanish-language translation online ahead of a Saturday broadcast at 4 p.m.

  • The forum will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • ABC7 will air the full program on its broadcast channel on Friday, February 14, 2026 at 10:30 p.m.
  • Univision will broadcast the Spanish-language version of the forum on Saturday, February 15, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

ABC7 Chicago

A local ABC-affiliated television station serving the Chicago metropolitan area.

League of Women Voters of Illinois

A nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Univision

A Spanish-language television network in the United States.

Casey Chlebek

A Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.

Jeannie Evans

A Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.

Don Tracy

A Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois and the former chair of the Illinois Republican Party.

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What they’re saying

“This forum provides an important opportunity for Illinois voters to hear directly from the Republican candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat, especially those who may not be able to attend in-person campaign events.”

— League of Women Voters of Illinois (hoodline.com)

What’s next

The Republican U.S. Senate primary in Illinois is scheduled for March 17, 2026, and the winner of the GOP nomination will go on to face the Democratic nominee in the general election.

The takeaway

By collaborating to host this nonpartisan forum, the media outlets and the League of Women Voters are giving Illinois voters a valuable chance to evaluate the Republican candidates and make an informed decision in the upcoming primary election.