Illinois Democrats Face Generational Shift, Heavy Spending in Primaries

Retirements and competitive races highlight key races for Senate and House seats

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:25pm

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Democratic voters in Illinois are heading to the polls on Tuesday for a slate of midterm election primaries where incumbents aren't on the ballot, including a marquee Senate race animated by the prospect of generational change and House races dogged by major outside spending. Six Democratic-favoring seats are opening up in Illinois' congressional delegation, including the U.S. Senate seat currently held by the retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, and five House seats that are being vacated either due to retirements or because their incumbents are running for Senate.

Why it matters

The Illinois primaries represent a rare opportunity for generational turnover in the state's congressional delegation, with a number of veteran lawmakers stepping aside. The Senate race in particular has drawn heavy interest and spending from outside groups, raising concerns about the influence of money in politics. The House races have also been shaped by debates over issues like immigration and U.S.-Israel relations.

The details

In the Senate race, the frontrunners include U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who has led in fundraising, and Illinois' lieutenant governor Juliana Stratton, who has the backing of Gov. JB Pritzker. Stratton has called for abolishing ICE, while Krishnamoorthi has framed his position as 'abolish Trump's ICE.' In the House races, outside groups linked to AIPAC have been accused of spending heavily to influence the outcomes, drawing criticism from progressive candidates.

  • The Illinois primaries are being held on Tuesday, March 16, 2026.
  • Sen. Dick Durbin is retiring, creating an open Senate seat.
  • Five House seats are being vacated due to retirements or incumbents running for Senate.

The players

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

U.S. Representative for Illinois' 8th Congressional District and a frontrunner in the Democratic Senate primary, having raised over $30 million.

Juliana Stratton

Illinois' lieutenant governor, who entered the Senate race with the quick endorsement of Gov. JB Pritzker and has called for abolishing ICE.

Rep. Robin Kelly

U.S. Representative running for the Senate seat, arguing that her decade of experience in the House has prepared her for the upper chamber.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky

Retiring U.S. Representative for Illinois' 9th Congressional District, who initially endorsed Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller in the race for the 2nd District but withdrew her support after reports of outside spending linked to AIPAC.

JB Pritzker

Governor of Illinois, who has endorsed Juliana Stratton's Senate bid and is rumored to be a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

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What they’re saying

“I'm the only one with the background of standing up to bullies and bad actors, and successfully doing so, and now I have to stand up to Donald Trump.”

— Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

“I think that there is something that's sort of a common theme that I'm hearing, no matter which corner of the state of Illinois that you live in, and that is that people are fed up with what's happening in D.C. They're tired of the status quo.”

— Juliana Stratton, Illinois Lieutenant Governor

“I have a track record that they cannot touch. And I think a lot of people know that.”

— Rep. Robin Kelly

“Illinois deserves leaders who put voters first, not AIPAC or out-of-state Trump donors. I cannot support any candidate running for Congress who is funded by these outside interests.”

— Rep. Jan Schakowsky

“Donna's support reflects the broad base behind her campaign, coming from a diverse coalition of people who believe in her vision for change.”

— Spokesperson for Donna Miller's campaign

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

The Illinois primaries highlight the growing influence of money in politics, with outside groups linked to AIPAC and other interests pouring millions into key House races. This raises concerns about the ability of voters to make informed choices, and underscores the need for campaign finance reform to ensure that elected officials are accountable to their constituents, not deep-pocketed donors.