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There were some surprises, and of course, the expected winners in Tuesday's Midterm primary election. Here are some scenes from some of the parties. 

Rectangular cookie cake in a white box with purple and white border. Beige icing with chips. Orange icing forms the words Standing on and mess; white icing creates BISS in the center with a purple underline.

Democrat Daniel Biss' party in Evanston. Biss won the Democratic race in Illinois' 9th House District. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios

Press area near a stage with a "BISS FOR CONGRESS" backdrop. A suited woman with headset checks her phone; another woman types on a laptop as people queue behind a blue barrier.

TV reporters in between live shots at Biss' party in Evanston. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios

A woman dances at a party in front of a podium

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton vogues at her election night party. GIF: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

Man in a blue suit speaks into a microphone beside the American flag at a formal event; other suited attendees stand in a doorway as purple stage lights illuminate the scene.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi waits to speak at his election night party at The Westin on Michigan Avenue. Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images

An attendee at Kat Abughazaleh's party at arcade bar Replay in Andersonville. GIF: Carrie Shepherd/Axios

Four news anchors sit behind a curved glass desk in a patriotic studio with flags and columns; on-screen banners read "YOU DECIDE 2026" and "ILLINOIS PRIMARY".

Monica joins a panel on Fox 32 for election results. Photo: Courtesy of Fox 32 

Energetic crowd in a brick-walled venue with blue lighting. A woman in a gray hoodie center-shouts and raises her arm, surrounded by cheering attendees with lanyards and badges.

Attendees react to incoming results during Juliana Stratton's election night party. Photo: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Small fluffy white dog wearing a pink and black vest, with a blue 'I Voted' badge on its back, attached to a teal leash, on a gray brick sidewalk.

Zuzu proudly displays her "I Voted" sticker. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios 

In photos: 2026 Illinois Midterm primary

Select photos from various election night spots around town.

Glass door poster reading "Polling Place" in white on red with a wheelchair icon; shows 6am–7pm, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Primary Election.

<p>There were some surprises, and of course, the expected winners in Tuesday&#x27;s Midterm primary election. Here are some scenes from some of the parties. </p>

Politics

News

In photos: 2026 Illinois Midterm primary

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