Illinois Primary Election Shapes Races for Senate, Governor, and Congress

Longtime incumbents retire as candidates mount political comebacks in high-profile races

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:09pm

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Illinois voters will head to the polls on Tuesday for a primary election that features several high-profile races, including the contest to succeed retiring Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. The primary will also determine the nominees for governor, U.S. House seats, and state legislative offices. The election is shaping up to be a test of the state's political landscape, with attempted comebacks, the retirement of long-serving incumbents, and the potential impact on the 2028 presidential race.

Why it matters

The Illinois primary will have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, the governorship of a key swing state, and the future of the Democratic Party as it looks ahead to the 2028 presidential election. The retirement of Senator Durbin, a long-serving Democrat, has opened up a rare open-seat race, while the governor's race could serve as a springboard for a potential 2028 presidential run by the incumbent, JB Pritzker.

The details

The race to succeed Senator Durbin has attracted a crowded field of Democratic candidates, including U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi, as well as Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. On the Republican side, former state GOP chair Don Tracy and attorney Jeannie Evans are vying for the nomination. In the governor's race, Pritzker is unopposed in the Democratic primary, while four Republican candidates, including former state Senator Darren Bailey, are looking to unseat him in the general election. Several U.S. House races have also drawn significant attention, with the retirements of longtime Democratic Representatives Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky leading to crowded primary fields.

  • Polls close at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, March 16, 2026.
  • As of Friday, more than 535,000 ballots had already been cast in the primary.

The players

Dick Durbin

Democratic U.S. Senator from Illinois who is retiring after five terms in office.

JB Pritzker

Democratic Governor of Illinois, who is running for re-election and is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Robin Kelly

U.S. Representative from Illinois's 2nd Congressional District, running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

U.S. Representative from Illinois's 8th Congressional District, running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Juliana Stratton

Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate with the endorsement of Governor Pritzker.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.