Illinois Democrats Compete in Closely Watched Senate Primary

Krishnamoorthi, Stratton, and Kelly vie to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Several prominent Illinois Democrats, including Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and Representative Robin Kelly, are competing in the upcoming primary to replace retiring Senator Dick Durbin. The race is seen as one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries of 2026, with the winner strongly favored to win the general election in the reliably blue state.

Why it matters

The Illinois primary is just weeks away, and the winner of the Democratic nomination would be strongly favored to succeed the retiring Senator Durbin, who serves in Senate leadership as the whip. Numerous candidates are running, but Krishnamoorthi, Stratton, and Kelly are the most prominent. Whoever wins the primary would be in a strong position to win the general election in November.

The details

Krishnamoorthi, who represents a suburban Chicago congressional district, has been the frontrunner in polls, followed by Stratton. Kelly has generally polled behind both candidates in recent surveys. Campaign finance has become a major topic, with Krishnamoorthi investing heavily in TV ads and Stratton receiving significant support from a PAC backed by Governor JB Pritzker.

  • The Illinois primary is set for March 17, 2026.
  • The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.

The players

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A U.S. Representative who has represented Illinois' 8th Congressional District since 2017. He was born in New Delhi, India and immigrated to the U.S. as an infant, being raised in Peoria, Illinois.

Juliana Stratton

The current Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, elected on a ticket with Governor JB Pritzker in 2018. She was born in Chicago and previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative who has represented Illinois' 2nd Congressional District since 2013. She was born in New York City but attended college in Peoria, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“Robin Kelly is the true progressive in this race and her opponents know it. Robin has shown courageous moral leadership on tough issues her opponents are unwilling to address. Robin is standing her ground as the most qualified and experienced candidate in this race and she will not let SuperPACs and billionaires dictate the outcome. Illinois deserve better. After millions of dollars in spending for our opponents, a recent poll clearly shows Juliana Stratton has hit her ceiling and Robin Kelly is rising faster than any candidate in the race.”

— Robin Kelly spokesperson (Newsweek)

“Juliana has closed the gap in this race because voters know that she will be the strongest fighter against Trump and bring bold ideas built on the progress she's delivered in Illinois to the Senate. No amount of money can convince voters to overlook Congressman Krishnamoorthi's record of voting to thank and fund ICE while taking money from MAGA allies, Trump advisors, an ICE contractor, a Project 2025 author. Illinoisans are tired of the status quo in Washington, and they're ready to send a real fighter to the Senate.”

— Juliana Stratton spokesperson Allison Janowski (Newsweek)

“Raja Krishnamoorthi is an immigrant who has fought like hell to rein in ICE and hold Donald Trump and his roving gangs accountable. Stratton's dark money super PAC – which has already gotten caught misleading Illinois voters – is trying to distract from the fact that she is backed by MAGA donors and ICE contractors who helped run the Broadview ICE facility. Illinoisans cannot trust Juliana Stratton or her super PAC friends.”

— Raja Krishnamoorthi spokesperson Hannah Goss (Newsweek)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ideological divides within the Illinois Democratic Party, with Krishnamoorthi positioning himself as a more moderate candidate, Stratton as a progressive, and Kelly as a compromise between the two. Voters will have to weigh the candidates' policy platforms, fundraising abilities, and electability in the general election as they make their choice in the closely watched primary.