Illinois Voters Pick New Generation of Democrats for House, Senate

Near-record retirements open up seats in heavily Democratic state

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:18am

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Illinois voters are deciding primaries on Tuesday for six open U.S. House and Senate seats, triggering a new generation of leadership in the state's heavily Democratic congressional delegation. The retirement of longtime Sen. Dick Durbin has led to a competitive campaign, drawing candidates like two sitting House members and the lieutenant governor. A spate of House retirements has also resulted in crowded contests across the Chicago area, with most primary winners expected to win in November.

Why it matters

The high-stakes races will shape the future of Illinois' Democratic stronghold, with the Senate seat and several House seats up for grabs. The contests are also a test of the influence of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, whose name has been floated as a 2028 presidential contender.

The details

The Senate race to replace Durbin has drawn 10 Democrats and 6 Republicans, with three top Democrats emerging: Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. Krishnamoorthi has dominated fundraising and advertising, while Stratton has campaigned on Pritzker's endorsement. Meanwhile, Kelly has criticized Pritzker's involvement. In the House races, dozens of candidates are running for five open seats in the Chicago area, with outside groups supporting Israel and the cryptocurrency industry playing a major role.

  • The primaries are being held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Durbin announced his retirement after five terms in the Senate.

The players

Dick Durbin

The retiring Democratic senator who has held the seat for five terms.

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who is unopposed in his primary and has been floated as a 2028 presidential contender.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A Democratic U.S. representative running for Durbin's Senate seat.

Robin Kelly

A Democratic U.S. representative running for Durbin's Senate seat.

Juliana Stratton

The Democratic lieutenant governor of Illinois running for Durbin's Senate seat.

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What they’re saying

“That is not the example of somebody who's going to stand up to Donald Trump and fight for all of our communities. I want to abolish ICE.”

— Juliana Stratton, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois (AP)

“She seems to be the one to take care of things.”

— Roosevelt Jones, Chicago Voter (AP)

“He's just another billionaire who has never once felt the pain he's inflicted.”

— Darren Bailey, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate (AP)

What’s next

Election officials hope to see busy polls after turnout in the 2024 primary was 19%, the lowest in more than five decades.

The takeaway

These high-stakes races will shape the future of Illinois' Democratic stronghold, with the Senate seat and several House seats up for grabs. The contests are also a test of the influence of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, whose name has been floated as a 2028 presidential contender.