Illinois Primary 2026 Sees High Turnout and Bitter Battles

Millions in outside money fueled divisive campaigns, setting up key November races

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois' primary election featured higher-than-expected voter turnout, with nearly 26% of registered voters casting ballots. The primary season was marked by bitter, negative campaigns driven by millions in outside spending from super PACs linked to AI, cryptocurrency, and pro-Israel interests. The Democratic and Republican nominees have been selected for several high-stakes November races, including the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial contests.

Why it matters

The divisive primary campaigns, fueled by national interests, may have alienated some voters and heightened divisions within the Democratic Party. The November general election will be crucial as the state's political landscape continues to evolve.

The details

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will be the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, while Republican Darren Bailey will face incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker in a rematch of their 2022 race. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss narrowly secured the Democratic nomination for the 9th Congressional District, while Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller ended Jesse Jackson Jr.'s comeback bid in the 2nd District. Much of the hostility in the campaigns came from outside super PACs linked to AI, cryptocurrency, and pro-Israel interests, which poured millions into attack ads.

  • The primary election was held on March 17, 2026.
  • Voter turnout was nearly 26% of registered voters, higher than the 2022 midterm primary.

The players

Juliana Stratton

Illinois Lt. Governor and the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.

Darren Bailey

The Republican nominee who will face incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker in the November gubernatorial race.

Daniel Biss

Evanston Mayor and the Democratic nominee for the 9th Congressional District.

Donna Miller

Cook County Commissioner who defeated Jesse Jackson Jr. in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District.

Don Tracy

Former Illinois Republican Party chairman who will face Stratton in the November U.S. Senate race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This has been the most divisive primary of my lifetime. What's made this different is that they've been extremely personal. I have lost friendships.”

— Dave Lundy, Longtime Democratic activist

What’s next

The November general election will feature several high-stakes races, including the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial contests, that will shape Illinois' political landscape.

The takeaway

The divisive primary campaigns, fueled by millions in outside spending, have raised concerns about voter alienation and heightened divisions within the Democratic Party. The November general election will be crucial as Illinois voters weigh in on the state's political future.