Illinois' Open US Senate Race Tests Gov. Pritzker's Influence Ahead of Possible 2028 Bid

The Democratic primary to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin has become a political test for Gov. JB Pritzker as he backs Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton over two U.S. House members.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:18am

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A rare opening for Illinois to elect a new U.S. senator has sparked a political brawl among the top three candidates in the Democratic state. The Democratic primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has also become a political test for Gov. JB Pritzker, who is backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton over two established U.S. House members, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. Pritzker has put millions into Stratton's election, raising questions about his influence and voter discomfort over how he uses his wealth.

Why it matters

The outcome of the primary election will be seen as a sign of Pritzker's political influence, just as he is being mentioned as a potential candidate for president in 2028. Pritzker's heavy involvement in the race has created new wrinkles, with criticism from prominent Black Democrats and questions about whether his wealth is tipping the scales.

The details

Sixteen candidates have jumped into the race since Durbin, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, announced his retirement after 30 years. The frontrunners include 52-year-old Krishnamoorthi, a five-term congressman who was the first with TV ads in July, and Kelly, a 69-year-old congresswoman first elected in 2013 on a message of gun control. Pritzker has put $5 million into a super PAC largely aimed at electing Stratton, his running mate in 2017 who cites supporting his policies as her biggest accomplishments.

  • Durbin announced his retirement in 2026 after 30 years as senator.
  • Krishnamoorthi, a five-term congressman, was the first to air TV ads in July 2025.
  • Pritzker put $5 million into a super PAC to support Stratton in December 2025.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who is backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in the U.S. Senate primary, raising questions about his political influence and use of wealth.

Juliana Stratton

The lieutenant governor of Illinois who is running for the U.S. Senate with the backing of Gov. Pritzker, her running mate in 2017.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A five-term Democratic congressman who is one of the frontrunners in the U.S. Senate primary, having raised over $30 million since mid-2025.

Robin Kelly

A Democratic congresswoman first elected in 2013 on a message of gun control, who is also running in the U.S. Senate primary.

Dick Durbin

The retiring Democratic U.S. senator from Illinois who has held the seat for 30 years.

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What they’re saying

“Money should not have to be a factor into tipping the scales in the political arena.”

— Maria Pike, Chicago anti-violence activist (ksgf.com)

“Governor Pritzker's effort to tip the scales in Illinois' U.S. Senate race is beyond frustrating. A sitting governor shouldn't be heavy-handing the race. Quite frankly, his behavior in this race won't soon be forgotten by any of us.”

— Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (ksgf.com)

“Just because you don't have the most money, doesn't mean that you haven't done the most.”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Congresswoman (ksgf.com)

“I'm working very hard to elect someone as our U.S. senator, a Black woman, who would be a member of the Congressional Black Caucus when she wins. She has the best chance of being a great U.S. senator for us among the three Democrats in the running.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (ksgf.com)

“His boots on the group approach has been one I like. He brings a no-nonsense appeal.”

— Kimberly Beal, Voter (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The winner of the 10-way Democratic primary is favored to win outright in the blue state come November. Illinois hasn't had a Republican senator since 2016.

The takeaway

This high-profile Senate race has become a test of Gov. Pritzker's political influence and use of his personal wealth, raising questions about the role of money in elections and whether a sitting governor should be heavily involved in a primary contest.