Illinois Primary Tests Pritzker’s Influence as Durbin’s Seat Faces Competitive Race
Illinois voters headed to the polls on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to select a successor for retiring Senator Dick Durbin and to fill five open House seats, marking a significant test of Governor JB Pritzker’s political influence and a display of divisions within the Democratic Party.
A Rare Number of Open Seats
The 2026 primary features an unusually high number of open congressional seats – six in total, all currently held by Democrats. Senator Durbin, first elected to the Senate in November 1996, is retiring after five terms. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (first elected in 1998), Danny Davis (first elected in 1996), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (first elected in 2018), Robin Kelly (first elected in 2012), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (first elected in 2016) have created vacancies, either through retirement or by seeking the Senate seat. This level of turnover is rare in Illinois, where incumbents typically remain in office for extended periods.
The Senate Primary: A Three-Way Contest
The race to fill Durbin’s Senate seat has grow a three-person contest between Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, and Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. Governor Pritzker has heavily endorsed Stratton, providing her with significant financial support. The outcome of this race is seen as an early indicator of Pritzker’s influence as he considers a potential run for president in 2028.
Key Issues in the Senate Race: Immigration and ICE
Immigration and the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have emerged as central issues in the Senate primary, particularly in the wake of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a controversial ICE crackdown in the Chicago area. All three candidates have called for reforms to ICE, but differ in their approaches.
- Julianna Stratton: Calls for a “total revamp” of immigration enforcement, prioritizing immigration judges and community-based social services, and advocating for the investigation and prosecution of federal agents who have broken the law. She wants to shutter the agency and prosecute some ICE agents.
- Raja Krishnamoorthi: Advocates for abolishing President Trump’s use of ICE.
- Robin Kelly: Proposes the most sweeping changes, calling for the dismantling of both ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
House Races and the Democratic Landscape
With five Chicago-area House Democrats leaving their districts, the Democratic primary winners will be heavily favored in the general election. These races are expected to be competitive, reflecting the broader ideological divisions within the party.
Polls Close at 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Polls closed at 8:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, marking the end of a closely watched primary election that will shape the future of Illinois’s congressional delegation and potentially influence the national political landscape.
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