Democratic Primary Victory
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton secured the Democratic primary win for Dick Durbin's Senate seat, defeating U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. Stratton's victory is a significant win for Gov. JB Pritzker, who endorsed her and whose political action committee spent $14.9 million on ads boosting Stratton and attacking Krishnamoorthi.
November General Election
Stratton will face Don Tracy, the former Illinois Republican Party chair, in the November general election. Democrats are heavily favored to win the seat. If elected, Stratton would become the fifth Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
Campaign Finance and Outside Spending
Krishnamoorthi spent roughly twice as much as any other candidate, totaling $29 million on ads. Stratton raised more than $4 million, while Kelly raised over $3 million. Illinois Future PAC spent over $10 million to boost Stratton's bid, funded by at least $5 million from Pritzker. Crypto interests spent nearly $10 million in attack ads against Stratton.
The sources also report that Illinois Future PAC spent over $10 million to boost Stratton, funded by at least $5 million from Pritzker, while crypto interests spent nearly $10 million in attack ads against her.
Key Policy Positions
Much of the campaign focused on opposition to President Trump. Kelly suggested dismantling the Department of Homeland Security. Krishnamoorthi called to abolish "Trump's ICE."
Pritzker's Influence
Pritzker's involvement in the race drew criticism. Rep. Yvette Clarke called Pritzker's involvement "beyond frustrating." Stratton said that Pritzker would be "a fantastic" presidential candidate.
House Primary Results
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss won the Democratic primary for Rep. Jan Schakowsky's seat. Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller won the Democratic primary for Rep. Robin Kelly's seat, defeating former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Former Rep. Melissa Bean won the Democratic primary for Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's seat. Illinois State Rep. La Shawn Ford defeated Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin in the 7th district.
Gubernatorial Race Set
The 2026 Illinois primary results set up a rematch between Gov. JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey, his 2022 Republican challenger. Pritzker was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Bailey secured the Republican nomination with 49.6% of the vote.
Record Early Voting
Chicago voters set a new early voting record with 188,057 votes cast during the early voting period. This topped the city's previous 2018 record of 106,252.
AIPAC Influence
Pro-Israel group AIPAC notched victories in Illinois, with two Democratic House candidates it backed winning their races. Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller defeated former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and progressive state Sen. Robert Peters. Former Rep. Melissa Bean beat progressive rival Junaid Ahmed. AIPAC spent nearly $4.5 million in ad spending from Affordable Chicago Now to support Miller.
Generational Shift
Tuesday's results serve as an early indication of what Democratic voters are looking for from the next generation of party leaders. Stratton's victory suggests a desire for candidates who will fight back against President Trump's agenda.
The sources report Stratton would be the fourth African American elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois—Carol Moseley Braun, Barack Obama, and Roland Burris—not the fifth Black woman as the summary states.