Illinois 2026 Primaries: Pritzker Unopposed, Competitive Senate Race

Illinois voters will head to the polls on March 17, 2026, for the state’s primary elections. Governor J.B. Pritzker faces no Democratic opposition as he seeks a third term, although a competitive Republican field aims to challenge him in November. The U.S. Senate primary also presents a notable contest following Senator Dick Durbin’s retirement announcement.

Gubernatorial Race

Governor J.B. Pritzker is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. His running mate is Christian Mitchell, a former state representative and Pritzker’s former deputy governor, who stepped into the role after current Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate The Center Square.

On the Republican side, four candidates are vying for the nomination: Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner and Jim Mendrick 25News Now. Darren Bailey, the Republican nominee in 2022, is seeking a rematch with Pritzker. He emphasizes the need for a property tax cap and the elimination of unfunded mandates on school districts 25News Now. Ted Dabrowski, with a background in banking and finance, proposes reducing the number of government units and shifting towards 401k plans for public workers 25News Now.

U.S. Senate Race

The Democratic primary for U.S. Senate has turn into competitive following Senator Dick Durbin’s decision to retire. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi are considered the frontrunners The Center Square. Stratton, the first African American woman to serve as lieutenant governor in Illinois, is campaigning on a progressive platform that includes Medicare for All and a $25 minimum wage. She has received endorsements from national progressive leaders like Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Baldwin.

Krishnamoorthi, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, has mounted a strong challenge to Stratton, benefiting from significant fundraising. Stratton has garnered support from the Illinois Democratic establishment, while Krishnamoorthi has received substantial financial backing, including over $5 million from Fairshake, a cryptocurrency super PAC, which has launched ads critical of Stratton’s campaign.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has also entered the Democratic primary, securing endorsements from Senator Cory Booker and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Senator Durbin has not endorsed any candidate.

Republican Senate Candidates

On the Republican side, Don Tracy, Jeannie Evans, and Casey Chlebek are competing for the Senate nomination. Tracy has been endorsed by former Senator Mark Kirk and the state’s three Republican congressmen The Center Square.

Looking Ahead

The March 17th primary elections will set the stage for the general election in November, where Governor Pritzker will likely face a Republican challenger and Illinois voters will choose a new U.S. Senator. The outcomes of these primaries will significantly shape the political landscape of Illinois in the coming years.