Illinois Senate Primary Results 2026: Juliana Stratton, Don Tracy secure nominations in high-stakes race
Illinois voters have chosen their candidates for the US Senate seat. Juliana Stratton secured the Democratic nomination, while Don Tracy won the Republican ticket. This open-seat race follows Senator Dick Durbin's retirement. The general election ...
By Maitreyee Thakkar, Global Desk |
AP
The 2026 Illinois Senate primary marked a pivotal political moment as veteran Democratic Senator Dick Durbin stepped down after nearly three decades in office, triggering the state’s first open Senate race for this seat in decades.
With Illinois widely considered a Democratic stronghold, the primary, particularly on the Democratic side, was viewed as decisive in shaping the likely next US senator.
Stratton emerged from a large field dominated by three major candidates, including US Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. The contest highlighted ideological divisions within the Democratic Party, with Stratton positioning herself as a progressive candidate, advocating policies such as Medicare for All and a higher minimum wage.
Krishnamoorthi entered the race with a dominant financial advantage, beginning 2026 with more than $15 million on hand after transferring funds from his House campaign and investing heavily in advertising early in the race.
Stratton, however, gained momentum with the backing of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who contributed $5 million to a super PAC supporting her campaign.
Her campaign was significantly bolstered by endorsements and financial backing from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Senator Tammy Duckworth, helping consolidate support across key voting blocs, particularly in vote-rich areas like Cook County.
Tracy defeated a crowded field of candidates including Jeannie Evans and Casey Chlebek. Tracy campaigned on economic concerns such as cost of living and taxation, while positioning himself as a candidate representing all regions of Illinois beyond Chicago.
An attorney and former state GOP chairman from 2021 to 2024, Tracy’s victory comes as Republicans aim to reclaim a Senate seat they last held a decade ago, when Mark Kirk served before being defeated by Democrat Tammy Duckworth.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, where Stratton and Tracy will face off for the US Senate seat.
Given Illinois’ recent voting trends, Democrats have consistently won statewide federal races, the Democratic nominee is widely seen as the frontrunner heading into November.
Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary, according to NBC projections.
Who is the Republican nominee?
Don Tracy secured the GOP nomination.
Why is this race significant?
It is an open-seat race following the retirement of Dick Durbin, making it one of the most closely watched Senate contests of 2026.
When is the general election?
The Illinois Senate general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
With Illinois widely considered a Democratic stronghold, the primary, particularly on the Democratic side, was viewed as decisive in shaping the likely next US senator.
Democratic Primary: Juliana Stratton
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic nomination, according to NBC News projections.Stratton emerged from a large field dominated by three major candidates, including US Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. The contest highlighted ideological divisions within the Democratic Party, with Stratton positioning herself as a progressive candidate, advocating policies such as Medicare for All and a higher minimum wage.
Krishnamoorthi entered the race with a dominant financial advantage, beginning 2026 with more than $15 million on hand after transferring funds from his House campaign and investing heavily in advertising early in the race.
Stratton, however, gained momentum with the backing of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who contributed $5 million to a super PAC supporting her campaign.
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Her campaign was significantly bolstered by endorsements and financial backing from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Senator Tammy Duckworth, helping consolidate support across key voting blocs, particularly in vote-rich areas like Cook County.
Republican Primary: Don Tracy
On the Republican side, former Illinois GOP chairman Don Tracy secured the nomination, according to projections.Tracy defeated a crowded field of candidates including Jeannie Evans and Casey Chlebek. Tracy campaigned on economic concerns such as cost of living and taxation, while positioning himself as a candidate representing all regions of Illinois beyond Chicago.
An attorney and former state GOP chairman from 2021 to 2024, Tracy’s victory comes as Republicans aim to reclaim a Senate seat they last held a decade ago, when Mark Kirk served before being defeated by Democrat Tammy Duckworth.
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The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, where Stratton and Tracy will face off for the US Senate seat.
Given Illinois’ recent voting trends, Democrats have consistently won statewide federal races, the Democratic nominee is widely seen as the frontrunner heading into November.
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FAQs
Who won the Illinois Senate Democratic primary in 2026?Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary, according to NBC projections.
Who is the Republican nominee?
Don Tracy secured the GOP nomination.
Why is this race significant?
It is an open-seat race following the retirement of Dick Durbin, making it one of the most closely watched Senate contests of 2026.
When is the general election?
The Illinois Senate general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
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