Chicago – March 19, 2026
Illinois voters turned out in strong numbers on March 17, 2026, for the midterm primaries, deciding nominees for U.S. Senate, governor, and key House seats amid high-stakes contests; high Democratic turnout highlighted party vigor. Turnout neared 2020 presidential primary levels, driven by open seats from retirees like Sen. Dick Durbin and Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis.
U.S. Senate Highlights
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic nomination with 40.1% of the vote, edging Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (33.2%) and Rep. Robin Kelly (18.1%), thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s endorsement and $12 million super PAC boost. She’ll face Republican Don Tracy, who took 39.9% in his primary over Jeannie Evans. The race tested Democratic influence amid Trump-era immigration debates.
Governor and House Races
Former state Sen. Darren Bailey clinched the GOP gubernatorial nod with 53.5%, setting a rematch with unopposed incumbent Pritzker. In House primaries, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss led IL-9 (D), La Shawn Ford took IL-7 (D), Melissa Bean won IL-8 (D), and incumbents like Sean Casten (IL-6) and Mike Quigley (IL-5) prevailed. Donna Miller secured IL-2 (D).
These results signal Democratic dominance in blue Illinois, with November general elections looming.
