2026 elections: What to know about Illinois midterm primary races
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The midterm election cycle is here.
Why it matters: A historic wave of retirements is hitting the Illinois congressional delegation, and every statewide office is up for election.
As we settle into a new year, here are three political storylines to watch for before the March primary:
U.S. Senate spending
Sen. Dick Durbin's departure has three heavyweight Democrats vying to replace him — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Robin Kelly and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
- All are well-known candidates, but Krishnamoorthi has raised the most money, bringing in over $3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Yes, but: His campaign is under fire for taking funds from MAGA donors and President Trump supporters while railing against the administration. Krishnamoorthi has tried to quiet the controversy by returning some of the money, but watch for his opponents to use his fundraising gaffes against him.
The other side: Stratton, too, is being scrutinized for her campaign's fundraising tactics. Stratton said she wouldn't take any corporate PAC money, but Republican candidate Don Tracy has accused her campaign of using her former running mate and current Gov. JB Pritzker's connections to set up PACs on her behalf.
The bottom line: Look for Stratton and Kelly to spend more on political ads to counter Krishnamoorthi's massive fundraising lead.
Republican gubernatorial race
The Illinois GOP is attempting to oust Pritzker with former gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, who lost to Pritzker in 2022.
- Bailey upset more moderate candidates in that cycle's primary, but his big problem was the city of Chicago and its suburbs, which didn't connect to his downstate messaging.
- This time around, Bailey chose upstart Cook County Republican Aaron Del Mar as his running mate to court Chicago-area voters.
Yes, but: While Bailey was the more conservative choice for GOP voters in 2022, he won't be this time around. Wirepoints president Ted Dabrowski, who is considered to be to the right of Bailey, is also running and trying to get support from Chicago's business community.
- Bailey won with 57% in the 2022 primary.
DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick and Lake County's Joe Severino are also running.
Who will replace Danny Davis?
Rep. Danny Davis (7th) is one of several Democrats stepping down this cycle. Though the West Side of Chicago Davis has been Davis' political stronghold for decades, the demographics of the district have shifted.
- There is no front-runner, but some recognizable Democrats — including state Rep. LaShawn Ford, former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin and current Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin — are duking it out.
Yes, but: The 7th district also includes the wealthy Fulton Market District and the West Loop, which could turn out for a lesser-known candidate such as real estate developer Jason Friedman.