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Illinois GOP Senate Candidates Avoid Criticizing Trump in Debate
Three Republicans vying for the party's nomination sidestep differences with the former president.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Three Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate in Illinois - Don Tracy, Jeannie Evans, and Casey Chlebek - appeared in a debate on Wednesday night, where they largely avoided criticizing former President Donald Trump's policies while acknowledging some differences. The candidates discussed issues like the minimum wage, immigration, and election integrity, with each making some missteps during the debate.
Why it matters
The race to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Dick Durbin in deep-blue Illinois is seen as a key battleground, and the ability of the Republican nominee to appeal to Trump supporters while also attracting more moderate voters will be crucial. The debate highlighted the delicate balance the candidates are trying to strike as they seek the GOP nomination.
The details
During the debate, the candidates took various positions on issues like the minimum wage, with Tracy opposing an increase and Chlebek instead talking about immigration. Evans acknowledged her campaign website lacked any mention of her party affiliation. The candidates also expressed differing views on Trump's immigration policies and his decision to pardon Jan. 6 rioters, with Evans trying to avoid the questions. All three, however, found ways to praise Trump's policies in areas like deregulation and border security.
- The debate took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
The players
Don Tracy
A former state GOP chairman who is running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.
Jeannie Evans
An attorney who is billing herself as the "fresh face of the Republican Party of Illinois" in the Senate race.
Casey Chlebek
A candidate who has unsuccessfully sought the GOP U.S. Senate nomination in 2020 and 2022.
Dick Durbin
The retiring Democratic U.S. Senator from Illinois whose seat the Republican candidates are seeking to fill.
What they’re saying
“Some of these people cannot produce anywhere near the value of the minimum wage.”
— Don Tracy, Candidate (Chicago Tribune)
“I was not involved in those decisions. I didn't see all the decisions”
— Jeannie Evans, Candidate (Chicago Tribune)
“I think this administration is doing a tremendous job in various areas, such as securing the border and pushing to reduce business regulations.”
— Jeannie Evans, Candidate (Chicago Tribune)
What’s next
The Republican primary election in Illinois is scheduled for March 17, 2026, where voters will choose the party's nominee to face the Democratic candidate in the general election.
The takeaway
The debate highlighted the delicate balance the Republican candidates are trying to strike as they seek to appeal to Trump's base while also attracting more moderate voters in the deep-blue state of Illinois. The ability of the eventual nominee to navigate these political waters will be crucial to the party's chances of flipping the Senate seat.
