Illinois Primary Candidates Focus on Local Outreach Amid Flood of Out-of-State Money

Candidates hit traditional campaign stops in final weekend before Tuesday's primary election, as national interests pour millions into TV and online ads.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:12pm

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In the final weekend before Tuesday's Illinois primary election, candidates fanned out across the state to hit traditional campaign stops like parades, churches, and rallies, trying to keep the focus local despite a flood of out-of-state money pouring into the race. The effects of the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling have led to tens of millions in special-interest spending on TV and online ads, overshadowing local concerns like affordable housing and civil rights. The marquee Democratic U.S. Senate race has seen over $20 million in outside spending, while the Republican gubernatorial primary has seen a relative lack of overall spending.

Why it matters

The nationalization of local politics through unlimited outside spending has raised concerns about the ability of candidates to connect with and address the real issues facing their constituents. This trend threatens to undermine the principle of 'all politics is local' and could lead to a disconnect between elected officials and the communities they serve.

The details

Candidates hit traditional campaign stops like the South Side Irish Parade, city churches, and downstate rallies, but were often forced to address the influx of national money and interests into the race. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, running for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination, has benefited from over $12 million in outside spending, much of it from Gov. JB Pritzker and his relatives. Her opponents, U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, have also seen millions in outside spending, including from pro-cryptocurrency and pro-Israel groups. The Republican gubernatorial primary, in contrast, has seen relatively little overall spending.

  • Candidates campaigned across Illinois in the final weekend before the March 19, 2026 primary election.
  • The South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade took place on the Saturday before the primary.

The players

Juliana Stratton

The current Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate nomination.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate nomination.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate nomination.

Tammy Duckworth

The junior U.S. Senator from Illinois and a Democrat.

Don Tracy

A Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate nomination and former Illinois GOP Chair.

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What they’re saying

“Who do you think is going to answer the phone when crypto calls and wants to exploit working people? The guy that they just spent $10 million to support, or Juliana, who's been an independent fighter for this state?”

— Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator

“I need everyone to talk to everyone they know because I cannot buy this race. I cannot buy it. I have to go person by person by person by person, and I will tell you, I feel great on the ground. So many people from all kinds of neighborhoods have been coming up to me and saying, 'We got you, we got you, we got you.'”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative

“Look, you know, there's not a whole lot of money this time around in the Republican primary. So I think, you know, turnout will be low, but, you know, it is what it is.”

— Ted Dabrowski, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate

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 election highlights the growing influence of national interests and unlimited campaign spending on local and state-level politics, threatening to undermine the ability of candidates to connect with and address the real concerns of their constituents. Voters will have to carefully consider the sources of campaign funding and whether candidates are truly representing their local communities.