Illinois Voters Pick New Generation of Democrats for House, Senate

Retirements of longtime lawmakers spur competitive primaries across the state

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:08am

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Illinois voters are deciding primaries for six open U.S. House and Senate seats that will usher in a new generation of Democratic leadership in the state's heavily Democratic congressional delegation. The retirement of longtime Sen. Dick Durbin has triggered a competitive campaign, drawing several sitting House members and the lieutenant governor as candidates. A spate of House retirements has also led to open seats with crowded contests across the Chicago area.

Why it matters

The stakes are high, with most primary winners in the Democratic stronghold expected to win in November. The races are also seen as a test of the influence of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, whose name has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential contender.

The details

Ten Democrats and six Republicans are running to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. Three top Democrats have emerged: U.S. 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. Dozens of candidates are also running for five open House seats in the Chicago area, with funding from groups supporting Israel and the cryptocurrency industry playing an outsized role.

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

The players

Dick Durbin

The retiring Democratic U.S. Senator from Illinois.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for Durbin's Senate seat.

Robin Kelly

U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for Durbin's Senate seat.

Juliana Stratton

Illinois Lieutenant Governor and Democratic candidate for Durbin's Senate seat.

JB Pritzker

Democratic Governor of Illinois, whose influence is being tested in these primaries.

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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, Illinois Lieutenant Governor (Debate)

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

— Roosevelt Jones, Chicago Voter (Associated Press)

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 primaries will determine the next generation of Democratic leadership in Illinois, with the Senate race seen as a test of Gov. Pritzker's influence and the House races drawing significant outside spending from groups supporting Israel and the cryptocurrency industry.