Top Republicans vie to replace Sen. Dick Durbin in Illinois primary

Candidates focus on affordability, lowering cost of living as key priorities

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:04am

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Three leading Republican candidates in the race to replace retiring Illinois U.S. Sen. Richard 'Dick' Durbin said affordability will be one of their top priorities if elected, but offered different solutions for lowering the cost of living. The candidates also pointed to various causes for rising prices and inflation, with some blaming Biden administration policies while others focused on their own policy platforms.

Why it matters

The race to replace the long-serving Sen. Durbin is seen as a key battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate. The candidates' proposals on issues like taxes, regulation, and cost-of-living could have significant implications for Illinois residents.

The details

The Republican candidates include Casey Chlebek, who wants to eliminate taxes on Social Security and retirement income, provide free prescription drugs for seniors and veterans, and offer a five-year tax holiday for small businesses. Jeannie Evans, an antitrust attorney, says she would work to reduce federal regulations and take on anti-competitive conduct, particularly in healthcare, to lower prices. Don Tracy, the longtime Illinois GOP chairman, says he would focus on reducing the cost of living by addressing factors like federal spending, energy policy, and healthcare costs.

  • The Illinois primary election is scheduled for March 2026.

The players

Casey Chlebek

A Republican candidate focused on tax policy and community engagement, Chlebek says he would serve without taking a government salary if elected.

Jeannie Evans

An antitrust attorney positioning herself as a conservative candidate focused on lowering prices, strengthening the economy, and addressing crime.

Don Tracy

The longtime Illinois Republican Party chairman is running to ensure areas outside Cook County have stronger statewide representation.

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What they’re saying

“We have to step down to the level of the people, because otherwise we are doing a disservice if we are just, in essence, projecting our own views and our own ideas.”

— Casey Chlebek, Republican candidate (25newsnow.com)

“I have experience taking on China, taking on powerful actors and getting results for Americans. I've been very successful, I've recovered billions of dollars for American families and I have won awards as one of the top lawyers for antitrust enforcement and financial fraud.”

— Jeannie Evans, Republican candidate (25newsnow.com)

“Under Biden we had the highest inflation in 47 years and that's increased the price of everything that can be bought in the store, including energy prices. My top priority would be reducing the cost of living by reducing those prices, not just covering inflation up with more government subsidies.”

— Don Tracy, Republican candidate (25newsnow.com)

What’s next

The Illinois Republican primary election is scheduled for March 2026, where voters will choose the party's nominee to face the Democratic candidate in the general election.

The takeaway

The race to replace long-serving Sen. Dick Durbin in Illinois highlights the Republican candidates' focus on affordability and lowering the cost of living for voters. Their varied proposals on issues like taxes, regulation, and healthcare could have significant implications for the state if one of them secures the GOP nomination and wins the general election.