Illinois voters to decide party nominees in Tuesday's primary election

Races at federal, state and county levels on the ballot as voters choose candidates to advance to November general election

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois Democratic and Republican voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to decide their party's nominees for races at the federal, state and many county levels, as well as in a few local races. Winners of the party primaries will advance to the general election on Nov. 3. The primary election features crowded fields in several high-profile contests, including the race to succeed longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and several congressional districts.

Why it matters

The primary election will set the stage for the November general election, where control of key offices and policy direction for Illinois will be determined. The outcomes could have significant impacts on issues like immigration enforcement, health care access, and the state's relationship with the federal government under the current presidential administration.

The details

The Democratic primary for the open U.S. Senate seat features 10 candidates vying to succeed the retiring Durbin, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat. On the Republican side, a field of six is competing. In the 2nd Congressional District, a crowded Democratic primary is underway to succeed longtime Rep. Danny Davis, with candidates promising to expand health care access and fight President Trump. And in the 9th District, 15 Democrats are running to replace the retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky, one of the most closely watched House primaries nationwide.

  • The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The general election will take place on November 3, 2026.

The players

Dick Durbin

The retiring U.S. Senator from Illinois, who has held the seat since 1997.

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois, who is not on the ballot this cycle but has been involved in shaping the Republican primary for governor.

Darren Bailey

A former state lawmaker and Republican candidate for governor, who is seeking a rematch against Pritzker in the general election after losing to him in 2022.

Danny Davis

The longtime U.S. Representative for Illinois' 2nd Congressional District, who is retiring.

Jan Schakowsky

The U.S. Representative for Illinois' 9th Congressional District, who is also retiring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The winners of the party primaries on March 17 will advance to the general election on November 3, 2026, where control of key offices and policy direction for Illinois will be determined.

The takeaway

The 2026 Illinois primary election features several high-profile and crowded contests that will shape the state's political landscape for years to come, with major implications for issues like immigration, health care, and the state's relationship with the federal government.