Illinois GOP Senate Candidates Face Off in First Major Debate

Three leading candidates pitched themselves as best equipped to turn the seat red after over four decades of Democratic control.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The three leading Republican candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois - Casey Chlebek, Jeannie Evans, and Don Tracy - participated in the first major debate of the primary race. The candidates discussed their experience, policy positions, and efforts to flip the traditionally Democratic seat. While they stopped short of directly criticizing former President Trump, the candidates registered some disagreements with his policies on tariffs and election administration.

Why it matters

The race to replace retiring Democratic Senator Dick Durbin is seen as a prime pickup opportunity for Illinois Republicans, who have not held the seat since the 1980s. The debate highlighted the differences between the candidates as they compete to be the GOP standard-bearer in the general election.

The details

During the debate, the candidates pitched themselves as the best equipped to turn the seat red. Tracy, the former state GOP chair, argued his experience makes him the right choice, while political newcomer Evans cast herself as the "fresh face" the party needs. Chlebek, who has run unsuccessfully for the seat before, also participated. The candidates registered some disagreements with Trump's policies on tariffs and election administration, though they stopped short of direct criticism of the former president.

  • The debate was held on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Casey Chlebek

An information technology professional who has previously run unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in Illinois.

Jeannie Evans

A corporate attorney who is making her first bid for elected office, casting herself as the "political outsider" in the race.

Don Tracy

A Springfield attorney who served as the Illinois Republican Party chairman from 2021 to 2024 and is largely self-funding his campaign.

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What they’re saying

“It will be an uphill dog fight because the Democrats will have a lot more money than the Republican candidate. And for that reason, it is certainly no job for a political novice.”

— Don Tracy, Candidate (wqad.com)

“It's time for a fresh face of the Republican Party in Illinois. I am ready to work hard to motivate people with conservative values across our entire state to come out to vote in November.”

— Jeannie Evans, Candidate (wqad.com)

“We have to be careful as far as removing our relationship with the rest of the world. We have to make sure that international institutions are preserved because it serves our interests.”

— Casey Chlebek, Candidate (wqad.com)

What’s next

The Illinois Republican primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026. The winner will face the Democratic nominee in the general election in November.

The takeaway

The debate highlighted the differences between the three leading Republican candidates as they compete for the chance to flip Illinois' U.S. Senate seat from Democratic to Republican control. The race is seen as a prime pickup opportunity for the GOP, but the eventual nominee will face an uphill battle in the general election in the blue-leaning state.