Illinois Voters Pick New Generation of Democrats for House, Senate

Retirements of longtime lawmakers spark competitive primaries for open seats

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:21pm

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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 with several sitting House members and the lieutenant governor vying for the seat. Across the Chicago area, a spate of House retirements has also resulted in crowded contests for open seats, with the stakes high as most primary winners are expected to win in November.

Why it matters

These primaries will shape the future of Illinois' Democratic congressional delegation, as a new generation of leaders replaces longtime lawmakers. The Senate race in particular is a test of the influence of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, whose name has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential contender. The outcome could also impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

The details

In the Senate race, 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 and criticized Krishnamoorthi's voting record. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken issue with Pritzker's involvement. On the Republican side, six candidates are vying for the nomination. In the House races, dozens of candidates are running for five open seats in the Chicago area, with funding from groups supporting Israel and the cryptocurrency industry playing a significant role. The open seats include those of Reps. Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Danny Davis, and Jan Schakowsky.

  • The primaries are being held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Sen. Dick Durbin announced his retirement after five terms.
  • Pritzker is the first Illinois governor seeking a third term since the 1980s.

The players

Dick Durbin

A longtime Democratic senator from Illinois who is retiring after five terms.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

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

Juliana Stratton

The current Lieutenant Governor of Illinois who is running for the Democratic nomination for the open Senate seat.

Robin Kelly

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

JB Pritzker

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

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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 (Debate in January)

“She didn't have any policy ideas. She had to attack.”

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Representative (Debate in January)

“I will always stand up for the law and the constitution. Because that's what we do in the state of Illinois.”

— JB Pritzker (Campaign ad)

What’s next

The winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries will face off in the general election on November 4, 2026.

The takeaway

These primaries mark a significant transition in Illinois' Democratic congressional delegation, as a new generation of leaders emerges to replace longtime lawmakers. The outcome could have implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate and the future political ambitions of Gov. Pritzker.