US Election 2026 Illinois Senate
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), center, speaks as U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), left, and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D), listen to him during U.S. senate Democratic Primary Debate in Chicago, Thursday, Feb. 19, 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. Furious fundraising and sharp elbows have marked the race. It is also a test of the influence of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker. House retirements have led to open seats across the Chicago area. The stakes are high with most primary winners in the Democratic stronghold expected to win in November.
