Illinois Primary Election

The 2026 Illinois primary election on Tuesday, March 17 will feature many prominent retirements, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, U.S. Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Jesús “Chuy” García, and Danny Davis, and other long-standing incumbents declining to seek reelection, triggering crowded contests across multiple levels of government. All of Illinois’ statewide elected officials are up for election in 2026, with all the incumbents except Comptroller Susana Mendoza choosing to run for another term. In total, the primary features contested primaries across all levels of government, including 20 contested Congressional primaries (9 Democratic, 11 Republican), 7 contested state Senate primaries (4 Democratic, 3 Republican), and 19 contested state House primaries (11 Democratic, 8 Republican). Click here for the complete 2026 Illinois Primary Election Preview.

 

U.S. Senate

Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement has sparked a competitive open-seat race, with ten Democrats, led by U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. On the Republican side, six individuals including former state Republican Party chair Don Tracy, seeking the nomination. The outcome could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, where 33 seats are up for regular election in 2026.

 

Congressional Representatives

In the 2nd District, Robin Kelly’s departure for the Senate race has drawn a crowded field of 10 candidates, including former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, State Sen. Robert Peters, Eric France, Yumeka Brown, State Sen. Willie Preston, Patrick J. “PJK” Keating, Toni C. Brown, Sidney Moore, and Adal Regis.

 

The 4th District seat is open following Jesús “Chuy” García’s retirement, though his chief of staff, Patty García, is the only Democrat on the primary ballot; two other Democrats, Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Mayra Macías, are instead running as independents in the general election.

 

The 7th District is wide open following longtime Rep. Danny Davis’s retirement, with 13 Democratic candidates competing, including State Rep. La Shawn Ford, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, Kina Collins, Anthony Driver Jr., Jazmin J. Robinson, Felix Tello, Reed Showalter, Anabel Mendoza, Rory Hoskins, Jason Friedman, Thomas Fisher, and David Ehrlich.

 

In the 8th District, Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Senate bid has created an open seat, with former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean attempting a comeback against seven other Democrats, including Neil Khot, Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison, Junaid Ahmed, Ryan Vetticad, Yasmeen Bankole, Dan Tully, and Sanjyot Dunung.

 

The 9th District is open for the first time since 1998 after Jan Schakowsky’s retirement, drawing 15 Democratic candidates, including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Kat Abughazaleh, and State Sen. Laura Fine. Other candidates in the race include Patricia A. Brown, Phil Andrew, State Sen. Mike Simmons, Sam Polan, Nick Pyati, Skokie School Board Member Bushra Amiwala, Justin Ford, Jeff Cohen, Bethany Johnson, Howard Rosenblum, State Rep. Hoan Huynh, and Mark Arnold Fredrickson.

 

Illinois Comptroller

Incumbent Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s decision not to seek reelection has created a competitive four-way Democratic primary among State Reps. Margaret Croke and Stephanie Kifowit, State Sen. Karina Villa, and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim. Attorney Bryan Drew is the presumptive Republican nominee.

 

Illinois Lieutenant Governor

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is running for the open U.S. Senate seat, creating an opening at the lieutenant governor position for the first time since Gov. JB Pritzker took office. Illinois is a state where governors and lieutenant governors are elected on a ticket together. Gov. Pritzker selected former Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell as his running mate for lieutenant governor.

 

On the Republican side, the GOP gubernatorial primary features four candidates: former State Sen. Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, and Rick Heidner.

 

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

March 17 – Illinois Primary Election

March 27 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline (House)

April 17 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 8 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline

May 22 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 31 – Adjournment

November 3 – Illinois General Election

 

In the News

A voter’s guide to the confusing world of super PACs influencing 2026 Illinois primary races – Chicago Sun-Times, March 13, 2026

Super PACs, dark-money and special interest groups — some with unassuming names that do not reflect their true purpose — have pumped more than $50 million into Chicago-area congressional races. Voters are understandably confused.

 

What political insiders are saying about the upcoming Illinois primary election – Capitol News Illinois, March 12, 2026

Capitol News Insider checked in with more than a dozen Illinois political operatives and observers ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.

 

Illinois Republicans press Democrats for answers on Rep. Harry Benton’s removal from caucus – Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2026

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s office continues to decline to explain why it removed one of its Democratic lawmakers from key caucus duties two weeks ago — prompting the House Republicans’ political arm to now accuse the office of lacking transparency about the situation.

 

COGFA updates FY27 revenue estimates to $55.5 billion without governor’s proposed tax changes – The Daily Line, March 11, 2026

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability predicts fiscal year 2027 revenues will be about $500 million below what is required to balance Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal.

 

Senate committee approves measure allowing people in county jails to receive sentence credits – The Daily Line, March 11, 2026

The Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee approved a bill Tuesday that would allow people in county jails awaiting trial to earn sentence credits for completing certain programs.

 

As Senate race tightens, Kelly benefits from super PAC war between Krishnamoorthi, Stratton – Chicago Sun-Times, March 10, 2026

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly is getting a boost from pro-Raja Krishnamoorthi forces — intended to take votes away from Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who appears to be gaining momentum in the final weeks of the contentious race.

 

Bipartisan group of states refuse to sign settlement between Justice Department and Live Nation – Politico, March 9, 2026

New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Kansas and Maryland are just a few of the states continuing the lawsuit against Live Nation, according to releases sent Monday by several attorneys general.

 

The crypto lobby has poured $8.6M into Illinois primaries. Analysts say some candidates are quietly vying for its support – Daily Northwestern, March 9, 2026

A Daily analysis of federal election filings based on lobby-tracking initiative Follow the Crypto offers a glimpse into the extent of the crypto lobby’s $8.6 million investment in Illinois races.

 

Illinois lawmaker introduces Zillow-backed bill to restrict private real estate listings – The Real Deal, March 9, 2026

State Rep. Lilian Jiménez (D-Chicago) introduced House Bill 4964 in February. The legislation requires listing agents to publicly market homes on an internet platform accessible to consumers within one day of signing a brokerage agreement unless a seller signs a specific disclosure form.

 

OPINION: An Illinois bag fee wouldn’t fix Springfield’s spending problem – Chicago Tribune, March 9, 2026

That’s essentially what will happen if the state of Illinois passes a new measure aimed at creating a statewide bag fee similar to Chicago’s existing charge. A new 10-cent state bag fee — effectively a tax on checkout bags — would be added to Chicago’s existing 15-cent charge. It’ll also introduce this tax to all other Illinoisans, meaning if suburbanites or downstaters need bags for their groceries they’ll have to pay up or bring their own from home.

 

Illinois lawmakers weigh options to change rising property tax structure – The Center Square, March 8, 2026

With the issue of affordability being a critical one across much of the nation, Sosnowski recently filed House Bill 4626, which seeks to cap rising property taxes by basing costs on the equalized assessed value of a home in the year that it was bought. With Illinois also being home to the most local taxing bodies, House Bill 3723 would also cap annual property tax increases at 1% for seniors and House Bill 3724 would cap all such increases for homeowners at 3%.

 

Cook County assessor candidates grapple over the reasons for skyrocketing property taxes – Chicago Tribune, March 13, 2026

The Democratic primary contest for Cook County assessor pits a two-term millionaire running on systemic reform against a dynastic party-backed challenger who says those changes have led to chaos and skyrocketing bills for taxpayers.

 

COPA chief administrator nomination to face confirmation vote by police and fire committee – The Daily Line, March 12, 2026

The civilian police oversight board’s nominee to lead the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) will face a key confirmation vote by the City Council Committee on Police and Fire on Friday.

 

South Side quantum player lands drug discover deal with Japanese cancer center – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 12, 2026

PsiQuantum’s planned quantum computer on Chicago’s South Side is already attracting real-world interest. The company has signed a research agreement with National Cancer Center Japan to develop drug discovery algorithms, underscoring demand for the emerging technology.

 

City Hall shelves poll-protection measure over enforcement concerns – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 11, 2026

A measure proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson meant to increase protections for poll workers and voters was put on pause this week after members of the City Council expressed reservations over how it would be enforced.

 

City defers big slice of bond sale as Mideast conflict upends yields – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 11, 2026

Chicago put off the sale of about $292 million in tax-exempt bonds the city planned to sell this week as conflict in the Middle East rattles global markets. The debt was a part of an $800 million package that the city had scheduled to price on Tuesday, according to bond filings. Chicago proceeded to price the $511.9 million taxable general obligation bond portion of the deal.

 

United-American fight for O’Hare dominance lands in FAA’s lap – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 11, 2026

As the Federal Aviation Administration looks to put the brakes on a big increase in summer flights at O’Hare International Airport, it’s also being put in the awkward position of refereeing the city’s new use-it-or-lose-it policy for gates used to park aircraft.

 

State Rep. Buckner wants part of Dan Ryan Expressway named for Rev. Jesse Jackson – Chicago Sun-Times, March 11, 2026

State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, filed a bill Monday that would designate Interstate 90/94 between 47th and 95th streets as the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Memorial Highway.

 

Ald. Nugent pushes to freeze the phase-out of Chicago’s subminimum wage for tipped workers – Chicago Sun-Times, March 11, 2026

At next week’s City Council meeting, Far Northwest Side Ald. Samantha Nugent (39th) plans to use a parliamentary maneuver to resurrect a stalled proposal that would freeze the subminimum wage at 24% of the $16.60 minimum wage paid to hourly Chicago workers who do not receive tips.

 

Chicago weather: Tornado, large hail sweep through Kankakee Tuesday amid severe thunderstorm warnings – Chicago Tribune, March 11, 2026

Ashlyn Villarreal was driving home from work selling cars in Kankakee Tuesday night when she saw a flash of lightning and “gumball”-size hail. Suddenly, the gumballs turned into softballs and the glass on her Mustang’s windshield cracked, cutting her hands.

 

Retirement of US Rep Danny Davis sparks scramble — and flood of PAC dollars — for seat – Chicago Tribune, March 11, 2026

A crowded race in one of America’s bluest congressional districts has grown increasingly hostile, as candidates to succeed longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis battle to prove their anti-President Donald Trump bona fides while navigating national divisions within the Democratic Party that are driving the Chicago primary contest.

 

CTA’s new security plan includes sheriff’s deputies on trains, high-barrier gates and farecard inspections – Chicago Sun-Times, March 10, 2026

Chicago Transit Authority officials presented a revised safety plan Tuesday to the Federal Transit Administration, which had been threatening to a cut a $50 million grant if the CTA did not revise its security plan to the FTA’s liking.

 

As Bears eye Arlington Heights, a Soldier Field-area megaproject resurfaces – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 10, 2026

Developer Bob Dunn is seeking to revive his One Central megaproject and is gaining traction in Springfield through legislation that would create an economic development incentive in Chicago with up to $1.6 billion in bonding authority.

 

Still Sore Over Budget Battle, Mayor Warns Chicago Could Face Financial Crisis – Block Club Chicago, March 10, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson defended his administration’s budget priorities at a town hall in Lakeview, arguing the City Council weakened the plan by rejecting new taxes on large corporations and replacing them with revenue measures that could shift costs onto residents.

 

Mayor seeks to honor Jesse Jackson with proposed poll-protection ordinance – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 9, 2026

Chicago’s City Council will hold a special meeting this week to honor the life of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson and consider an ordinance in his name that “provides security measures for the protection of poll workers, the electorate and election-related activities.”

 

Chicago sees the ‘missing middle’ as sweet spot for addressing the city’s housing shortage, repopulating neighborhoods – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 9, 2026

This approach, “missing middle infill housing,” addresses Chicago’s persistent housing shortage for middle-income households and helps upgrade neighborhoods while also offering construction assistance to qualified developers.

 

Biotherapy maker CSL plans $1.5B expansion near Kankakee – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 9, 2026

Australian biotherapeutics maker CSL plans a $1.5 billion expansion of its manufacturing facility near Kankakee that will add 300 jobs. It will build a new facility to produce immunoglobulin therapies, Privigen and Hizentra. The expansion will bring the company’s full manufacturing process, from plasma collection through filling and packing, entirely to the U.S.

 

Chicago tests war-rattled muni market with $800M bond sale – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 9, 2026

The city is scheduled to sell $800 million in general obligation debt Tuesday, on the heels of a downgrade from Fitch Ratings. That includes $508 million taxable and $292 million tax-exempt, according to bond documents dated Feb. 27.

 

Property tax collection rates drop in Chicago neighborhoods with big bill hikes – Chicago Tribune, March 9, 2026

Property owners in Chicago neighborhoods slammed with big bill increases have come up short paying them in full, according to a new analysis of collection rates by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office, measured roughly a month and a half after the due date. In the Riverdale community area on the Far South Side, homeowners’ bills went up by 65% and collections dropped by 11.1%, to 68.5%, the analysis found. In West Garfield Park, where bills more than doubled, residential collections were down 4.1%.

 

Downtown Chicago apartment rents keep climbing as new supply lags – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 9, 2026

The net monthly rent at Class A, or top-tier, apartment buildings went up 8.61% year over year in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to data from Integra Realty Resources. Just one new large-scale building was completed downtown last year and the development pipeline for 2026 is still muted, meaning renters could be paying much more for the same units when their leases come up for renewal.

 

Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park to open to public on Juneteenth – ABC 7, March 7, 2026

The Obama Presidential Center on the South Side will officially open to the public on June 19. The Obama Foundation made the announcement with community leaders and residents on the anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, which marked a defining moment for voting rights.

 

Supporters of Cook County’s guaranteed income program hold meeting to help shape distribution – Chicago Tribune, March 7, 2026

Guaranteed income supporters celebrated a historic win last November when Cook County approved the first permanent county-level guaranteed income program in the nation. The Union for a Guaranteed Income (U4GI) held a public meeting Saturday at Chicago Hope Academy to move from securing the funding to helping shape the program itself.

 

Durbin and Duckworth tell FAA O’Hare needs more air traffic controllers – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 6, 2026

In a letter sent today to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, the senators make the case for O’Hare as he begins allocating $12.5 billion for air traffic control — funding that was part of the spending and tax package Congress approved last summer. A recent appropriations bill also includes money to hire 2,500 more controllers.

 

Amazon lines up 1 million-square-foot suburban warehouse deal with logistics firm – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 6, 2026

A massive warehouse lease in McCook will give Amazon nearly 1 million square feet to store data center equipment, one of the largest recent industrial deals in the Chicago area and a signal the e-commerce giant continues to expand its local infrastructure.

 

Chicago area short nearly 225,000 affordable rental units for its poorest residents, report finds – Chicago Sun-Times, March 6, 2026

The study found only 31 affordable homes are available for rent for every 100 extremely low-income renter households in the Chicago metro area. In Illinois, it’s 34 available homes for every 100 extremely low-income renter household.