Illinois just set its Senate matchup, and the numbers tell a bigger story than one night’s winners. On March 17, 2026, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton emerged from a bruising Democratic primary with about 40% of the vote over U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, while former state GOP chair Don Tracy captured the Republican nomination with just under 40%. Both victories were projected by the Associated Press and Chicago outlets on election night; unofficial tallies put Stratton near 40% and Tracy just shy of it, pending certification. (apnews.com)

They’re vying to replace Sen. Dick Durbin, the longtime Democratic whip who announced last year he would not seek a sixth term—an exit that unleashed unusually competitive primaries in deep‑blue Illinois. Open Senate seats here are rare: the last time Republicans won one was 2010, when Mark Kirk beat Alexi Giannoulias, before the seat went to Tammy Duckwort...

The recent Illinois U.S. Senate primaries have set the stage for a pivotal general election that could reshape the balance of power in Washington. On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton secured the nomination with 40.1% of the vote, defeating U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. Stratton's victory was bolstered by substantial support from Gov. JB Pritzker, who not only endorsed her but also contributed at least $5 million to a super PAC backing her campaign. (washingtonpost.com)

On the Republican front, former state party chair Don Tracy emerged victorious with 39.9% of the vote, surpassing attorney Jeannie Evans. Tracy's win is particularly noteworthy given that Republicans have not held a Senate seat in Illinois since 2010. (en.wikipedia.org)

...

The recent Illinois U.S. Senate primaries have set the stage for a pivotal general election that could significantly influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. On the Democratic side, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton emerged victorious with 40.1% of the vote, defeating U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. The Republican nomination was secured by former state party chair Don Tracy, who garnered 39.9% of the vote, surpassing attorney Jeannie Evans. This election is particularly noteworthy as it seeks to fill the seat of retiring Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat who has served five terms.

Juliana Stratton's ascent in Illinois politics is a testament to her unwavering commitment to progressive values and social justice. As the state's first African-American woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor, she has been a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, women's reproductive rights, and economic equity. Her platform includes bold initiatives such as abolis...