Illinois Primaries: Pritzker Unopposed as Senate and GOP Governor Races Heat Up

Illinois voters head to the polls on Tuesday, March 17, for the state’s primary elections. While Governor J.B. Pritzker faces no Democratic opposition for a third term, competitive races are unfolding for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin and for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Gubernatorial Race: Pritzker Seeks Third Term

Governor J.B. Pritzker is running unopposed in the Democratic primary, effectively securing his spot on the November ballot. His running mate is Christian Mitchell, a former state representative and Pritzker’s former deputy governor, who declared his candidacy after Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton announced her bid for the Senate .

On the Republican side, a four-way primary is underway. Darren Bailey, the 2022 Republican nominee for governor, is currently polling ahead of the field. He is running with Aaron Del Mar, chair of the Cook County Republican Party and a local highway commissioner . Other Republican contenders include Rick Heidner, a real-estate developer, and Ted Dabrowski, former president of Wirepoints, a conservative research organization .

U.S. Senate Primary: A Competitive Democratic Battle

The Democratic primary for U.S. Senate has develop into particularly competitive following Senator Dick Durbin’s announcement of his retirement. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi are considered the frontrunners .

Stratton is campaigning on a progressive platform, advocating for policies such as Medicare for All and a $25 minimum wage. She has received endorsements from national progressive leaders, including Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Baldwin . Krishnamoorthi, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, has gained traction with a significant fundraising advantage, though he has faced criticism for accepting donations from sources linked to Donald Trump and the tech industry .

Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Focus on Key Issues

The four Republican candidates – Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner, and James Mendrick – are competing for the opportunity to challenge Pritzker in the November general election . A key issue in the race is the SAFE-T Act, the criminal justice reform law that eliminated cash bail. Bailey, Dabrowski, and Heidner have all called for its rollback, while Mendrick supports eliminating the law but retains support for its cashless bail provision . All four candidates oppose Illinois’ sanctuary laws regarding collaboration with federal immigration officials .

Pritzker’s Political Future and Senate Race Implications

Governor Pritzker’s influence extends beyond his own unopposed reelection bid. His support for Stratton in the Senate primary is being closely watched, as a win for her could signal the continued strength of the progressive wing of the Illinois Democratic Party. Pritzker is also considered a potential contender for the White House in 2028 .