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75-Year-Old Attorney Don Tracy Wins Illinois Republican Senate Primary
Tracy, a Springfield lawyer, aims to challenge the status quo in November against Democrat Juliana Stratton.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:49am
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Don Tracy, a 75-year-old Springfield attorney, won the Republican primary for the US Senate in Illinois on Tuesday night. He will face Democratic Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton in November in a race he is widely expected to lose. Tracy, who is the least-known statewide primary winner in America tonight, pulled through on the strength of party endorsements and a $2.1 million fundraising haul that dwarfed his rivals.
Why it matters
Tracy's victory is a test of the Illinois Republican Party's ability to compete for a Senate seat the party hasn't won in 16 years. The race also highlights the influence of outside spending in Democratic primaries, with Governor JB Pritzker's endorsement and $5 million in PAC funding helping Stratton defeat her opponents.
The details
Tracy is senior counsel at Brown, Hay and Stephens, the oldest law firm in Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln once practiced. He previously ran a separate firm in Springfield with his sister-in-law, State Senator Jil Tracy. Tracy served as chairman of the Illinois Republican Party from 2021 to 2024 and chaired the state Gaming Board from 2015 to 2019 under former Governor Bruce Rauner. He also served as president of the Abraham Lincoln Association.
- Tracy won the Republican primary on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
- Tracy will face Democrat Juliana Stratton in the general election in November 2026.
The players
Don Tracy
A 75-year-old Springfield attorney who won the Republican primary for the US Senate in Illinois.
Juliana Stratton
The Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Illinois who won the Democratic primary and will face Tracy in the general election.
JB Pritzker
The Governor of Illinois who endorsed Stratton and provided $5 million in PAC funding to support her campaign.
Raja Krishnamoorthi
A US Representative who ran against Stratton in the Democratic primary.
Robin Kelly
A US Representative who ran against Stratton in the Democratic primary.
What they’re saying
“'Illinois working families need someone who will fight for them in Washington,'”
— Don Tracy
“'We showed what's possible when you listen to the people,'”
— Juliana Stratton
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
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
