Illinois Voters to Choose Nominees in Pivotal Primary

Contested races for U.S. Senate, governor, and U.S. House on the ballot

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:49am

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Illinois voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to choose nominees for a full slate of offices, including U.S. Senate, governor, and U.S. House. The race to succeed longtime Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is a key focus, with a crowded field of candidates vying for the nomination. In the governor's race, incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker is unopposed, while several Republicans are looking to challenge him in the general election. Additionally, the retirements of longtime Democratic U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky have attracted crowded fields of candidates seeking to replace them.

Why it matters

The Illinois primary will have significant implications for the state's political landscape, with the potential to shape the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, the governorship, and the state's congressional delegation. The outcome could also influence the 2028 presidential race, as Pritzker is seen as a potential Democratic contender.

The details

In the U.S. Senate race, the Democratic field includes U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi, as well as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who has Pritzker's endorsement. The Republican candidates include former state GOP chair Don Tracy and attorney Jeannie Evans. Krishnamoorthi has a significant fundraising advantage, with about $6.6 million in the bank. In the governor's race, Pritzker is unopposed in the Democratic primary, while four Republicans are vying to challenge him in the general election, including former state Sen. Darren Bailey.

  • Polls close at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, March 16, 2026.
  • As of Friday, March 13, more than 535,000 ballots had already been cast in the primary.

The players

Dick Durbin

The retiring Democratic U.S. Senator who has held the seat for five terms.

JB Pritzker

The incumbent Democratic governor of Illinois, who is unopposed in the primary and is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A U.S. Representative running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, with a significant fundraising advantage.

Juliana Stratton

The Democratic lieutenant governor, who is running for the U.S. Senate with the endorsement of Gov. 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.