US Election 2026 Iiiinois
Democratic candidate for Congress, Kat Abughazaleh smiles as she walks to vote on Election Day at Chicago Park District Loyola field house in Chicago, Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
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Illinois voters are deciding primaries for six open U.S. House and Senate seats that will spur a new generation of leadership in the state’s heavily Democratic congressional delegation. The retirement of Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin has triggered a competitive campaign to find a replacement. Among the candidates in Tuesday's Democratic primary are two sitting House members and the lieutenant governor. The race is also a test of the influence of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker. House retirements created open seats across the Chicago area. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee and PACs supporting the cryptocurrency and AI industries also have spent big on several of the contests. The stakes are high, with most primary winners in the Democratic stronghold expected to win in November.
