Illinois Voters to Choose Nominees in Pivotal Primary

Retirements, comebacks, and 2028 presidential speculation shape key races

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:27pm

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Illinois voters will head to the polls on Tuesday for a pivotal primary election that will shape the state's political landscape. The race to succeed longtime U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is a top draw, with a crowded Democratic field that includes several current and former members of Congress. The gubernatorial race also features a high-profile incumbent in Democrat JB Pritzker, who is running for re-election. With several longtime incumbents retiring and the looming 2028 presidential race, this primary is seen as a key test for both parties in the key swing state.

Why it matters

Illinois is a crucial battleground state, and the outcomes of these primaries will have major implications for the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. The Senate race in particular is drawing national attention, as the seat has been held by Durbin for over 25 years. The gubernatorial race will also be closely watched, as Pritzker is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender. The down-ballot races for the U.S. House and state legislature will also shape the political landscape in Illinois for years to come.

The details

The Democratic Senate primary features a crowded field that includes U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi, as well as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. On the Republican side, former state GOP chair Don Tracy and attorney Jeannie Evans are the top contenders. 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. Several longtime Democratic House members are also retiring, leading to competitive primaries to replace them.

  • Polls close at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, March 19, 2026.
  • As of Friday, March 15, 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 since 1997, making him only the second person to hold the seat in over 40 years.

JB Pritzker

The Democratic incumbent governor of Illinois, who is running for re-election and is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative from Illinois who is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A U.S. Representative from Illinois who is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Juliana Stratton

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

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What’s next

The winners of the primaries will advance to the general election on November 5, 2026, where they will face off against their party's nominees. The results of these races will have a significant impact on the political landscape in Illinois and nationally leading up to the 2028 presidential election.

The takeaway

This Illinois primary election is a pivotal moment that will shape the state's political future. With high-profile races for U.S. Senate, governor, and Congress, the outcomes will reverberate far beyond the state's borders and could influence the 2028 presidential race. Voters will have a chance to weigh in on the direction of the Democratic and Republican parties in a key swing state.