2026 United States Senate election in Illinois
November 3, 2026
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The 2026 United States Senate election in Illinois will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the State of Illinois. Incumbent Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who was re-elected in 2020 with 54.9% of the vote, has declined to seek a sixth term in office. This will be the first open Senate seat race in Illinois since 2010 and the first for this Class II seat since 1996, when Durbin was first elected. Primary elections will be held on March 17, 2026.
Democratic primary
On April 23, 2025, incumbent Senator Dick Durbin, who has served in the seat since 1997, announced that he would not seek re-election.[1] One day later, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton declared her candidacy, becoming the first to do so; she received the immediate endorsement of Governor JB Pritzker.[2]
On May 1, NBC 5 Chicago reported that Pritzker and his allies were attempting to dissuade other prominent Democrats from entering the primary, in particular U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly and Lauren Underwood. Krishnamoorthi had already raised $19 million by then while Underwood led in some polls.[3] Pritzker denied this report.[4] On May 6, Kelly announced her campaign.[5] The next day, Krishnamoorthi entered the race.[6] Underwood would ultimately decline to run in the primary on 19 May, opting instead to run for re-election to the House.[7]
By July, Krishnamoorthi had amassed the largest war chest of about $21 million. The three most notable candidates have earned numerous high-level endorsements as well; Stratton received the endorsements of many suburban Democrats and leaders in the State House along with figures like Senator Tammy Duckworth, Krishnamoorthi has garnered primarily local support from suburban towns, while Kelly was endorsed by much of the Congressional Black Caucus as well as gun violence prevention and LGBT advocacy groups.[8]
Krishnamoorthi argued that his experience on the House Intelligence Committee would allow him to effectively engage in foreign policy matters, such as issues with China, while in the Senate. He has also sought to prioritize economic mobility as a main issue, seeking to appeal to middle-class voters.[9] Stratton has received the financial backing of Pritzker and other members of his family.[10] Stratton has stated that she will not accept Corporate PAC donations while Krishnamoorthi and Kelly have received such donations.[11][12] By December 2025, Krishnamoorthi's campaign had raised $24 million in donations, including from donors associated with the White House State Ballroom construction and The Heritage Foundation.[13]
Candidates
Declared
- Steve Botsford, former legislative staffer and candidate for Chicago City Council in 2023[14]
- Sean Brown, attorney[15]
- Awisi Bustos, CEO of the Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and daughter-in-law of former U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos[16]
- Jonathan Dean, solar energy entrepreneur[17]
- Adam Delgado, former ATF agent[18]
- Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 2nd congressional district (2013–present) and former chair of the Illinois Democratic Party (2021–2022)[5]
- Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 8th congressional district (2017–present)[6]
- Brian Maxwell, engineer[19]
- Kevin Ryan, former teacher[20]
- Jump Shepherd, electrician[21]
- Juliana Stratton, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois (2019–present)[22]
- Christopher Swann, program manager for Feeding America[23]
- Anthony Williams, pastor and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[24]
Filed paperwork
- Robert Palmer[25]
Declined
- Dick Durbin, incumbent U.S. Senator (1997–present)[26]
- Mike Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer (2015–present) (running for re-election)[27]
- Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Secretary of State (2023–present), former Illinois State Treasurer (2007–2011), and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010 (running for re-election)[28]
- JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (2019–present) (running for re-election, endorsed Stratton)[29]
- Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General (2019–present)[30] (running for re-election)[31]
- Lauren Underwood, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 14th congressional district (2019–present) (running for re-election)[7]
- Gilbert Villegas, Chicago alder from the 36th ward (2015–present) and candidate for Illinois's 3rd congressional district in 2022[32]
Endorsements
Robin Kelly
- U.S. senators
- Chris Murphy, Connecticut (2013–present)[33]
- U.S. representatives
- 18 U.S. Representatives[34]
Jonathan Jackson, IL-1 (2023–present)[a]- Marie Newman, IL-3 (2021–2023)[36]
- State legislators
- Will Davis, state representative from 30th district (2003–present)[36]
- Patrick Joyce, state senator from the 40th district (2019–present)[37]
- Debbie Meyers-Martin, state representative from 38th district (2019–present)[36]
- Al Riley, former state representative from 38th district (2007–2019)[36]
- Bob Rita, state representative from 28th district (2003–present)[36]
- Local officials
- Leslie Hairston, former Chicago alder from the 5th ward (1999–2023)[38]
- Bennett Lawson, Chicago alder from the 44th ward (2023–present)[39]
- Lori Lightfoot, former mayor of Chicago (2019–2023)[39]
- Lamont Robinson, Chicago alder from the 4th ward (2023–present)[39]
- Jeanette Taylor, Chicago alder from the 20th ward (2019–present)[38]
- Desmon Yancy, Chicago alder from the 5th ward (2023–present)[38]
- Organizations
- Congressional Black Caucus PAC[24]
- Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (co-endorsement with Krishnamoorthi and Stratton)[40]
- Elect Democratic Women[41]
Raja Krishnamoorthi
- Executive branch officials
- Zachary Fardon, former U.S. attorney for the northern district of Illinois (2013–2017)[42]
- U.S. representatives
- Luis Gutiérrez, former IL-04 (1993–2019)[43]
- Phil Hare, former IL-17 (2007–2011)[44]
- Marilyn Strickland, WA-10 (2021–present)[45]
- Statewide officials
- Sheila Simon, former Lieutenant Governor of Illinois (2011–2015)[46]
- State legislators
- Michael Bond, former state senator from the 31st district (2007–2011)[42]
- Sharon Chung, state representative from the 91st district (2023–present)[47]
- Hoan Huynh, state representative from the 13th district (2023–present)[47]
- Marty Moylan, state representative from the 55th district (2013–present)[48]
- Michelle Mussman, state representative from the 56th district (2011–present)[48]
- Kevin Olickal, state representative from the 16th district (2023–present)[47]
- Janet Yang Rohr, state representative from the 41st district (2021–present)[47]
- Ram Villivalam, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present)[47]
- Local officials
- George Cardenas, member of the Cook County Board of Review from the 1st district (2022–present)[43]
- Felix Cardona Jr., Chicago alder from the 31st ward (2019–present)[33]
- Stephanie Coleman, Chicago alder from the 16th ward (2019–present)[49]
- Dave Kaptain, mayor of Elgin (2011–present)[50]
- Joe Moore, former Chicago alder from the 49th ward (1991–2019)[42]
- Dick Simpson, former Chicago alder from the 44th ward (1971–1979)[48]
- Labor unions
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134[51]
- International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 2[52]
- National Association of Letter Carriers Branches 31, 825, 2810, and 4016[53][54][55]
- Teamsters Joint Council 25[51]
- Teamsters Local 705[56]
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 881[57]
- Organizations
- ASPIRE PAC[45]
- Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (co-endorsement with Kelly and Stratton)[40]
- Asian American Action Fund[58]
Kevin Ryan
- Organizations
Juliana Stratton
- Executive branch officials
- Carol Moseley Braun, former U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa (1999–2001)[60]
- U.S. senators
- Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin (2013–present)[61]
- Tammy Duckworth, Illinois (2017–present)[62]
- U.S. representatives
- Danny Davis, IL-07 (1997–present)[63]
- Bobby Rush, former IL-01 (1993–2023)[64]
- Statewide officials
- JB Pritzker, governor of Illinois (2019–present)[29]
- Jesse White, former secretary of state of Illinois (1999–2023)[64]
- State legislators
- 10 state senators[b]
- Tracy Katz Muhl, state representative from the 57th district (2024–present)[67]
- Kelly Cassidy, state representative from the 14th district (2011–present)[68]
- Chris Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives (2021–present) from the 7th district (2013–present)[69]
- LaToya Greenwood, former state representative from the 114th district (2017–2019)[70]
- Greg Harris, former majority leader of the Illinois House of Representatives (2019–2023) from the 13th district (2006–2023)[68]
- Norma Hernandez, state representative from the 77th district (2023-present)[71]
- Local officials
- Precious Brady-Davis, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago commissioner (2023–present)[68]
- Scott Britton, member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from the 14th district (2018–present)[49]
- Sam Cunningham, mayor of Waukegan (2017–2021, 2025–present)[72]
- Maria Hadden, Chicago alder from the 49th ward (2019–present)[68]
- Michael Scott Jr., Cook County commissioner from the 2nd district (2024–present)[72]
- Daniel La Spata, Chicago alder from the 1st ward (2019–present)[73]
- Andre Harvey, mayor of Bellwood (2017-present), and Proviso Township Executive 1st Vice Chair[74]
- Joe Tamburino, mayor of Hillside, and Proviso Township Executive 2nd Vice Chair[75]
- Nathaniel Booker, mayor of Maywood (2021-present), and Proviso Township secretary[76]
- Rory Hoskins, mayor of Forest Park, and Proviso Township sergeant at arms[77]
- Katrina Thompson, mayor of Broadview (2017-present), and member of Proviso Township[78]
- Individuals
- Mary Morten, activist[68]
- Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Stars Football Club[68]
- Labor unions
- Organizations
- Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association[62]
- Democratic Party of Proviso Executive Committee[79]
- EMILY's List[80]
- End Citizens United[81]
- Illini Democrats[82]
- Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (co-endorsement with Kelly and Krishnamoorthi)[40]
Declined to endorse
- U.S. senators
- Dick Durbin, Illinois (1997–present)[83]
- U.S. representatives
- Jonathan Jackson, IL-01 (2023–present)[35]
- Labor unions
- Organizations
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Robin Kelly (D) | $2,736,148 | $754,261 | $1,981,887 |
| Raja Krishnamoorthi (D) | $24,878,521[c] | $6,790,269 | $18,088,251 |
| Kevin Ryan (D) | $44,917 | $26,998 | $17,919 |
| Juliana Stratton (D) | $2,084,875 | $1,165,100 | $919,775 |
| Steve Botsford (D) | $101,792 | $101,792 | $0 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[86] | |||
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Robin Kelly |
Raja Krishnamoorthi |
Juliana Stratton |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling (D)[87][A] | December 8–9, 2025 | 667 (LV) | ± 3.8% | 9% | 32% | 20% | – | 39% |
| Change Research (D)[88][B] | December 4–8, 2025 | 1,007 (LV) | ± 3.2% | 7% | 42% | 14% | 4%[e] | 33% |
| Victory Research[89] | November 20–24, 2025 | – (LV) | – | 22% | 29% | 18% | 3%[f] | 28% |
| Public Policy Polling (D)[90][A] | September 25–26, 2025 | 576 (LV) | ± 4.1% | 8% | 33% | 18% | – | 41% |
| Change Research (D)[91][B] | September 17–19, 2025 | 1,143 (LV) | ± 3.0% | 8% | 41% | 17% | – | 31% |
| GBAO (D)[92][B] | August 12–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 12% | 38% | 18% | – | 29% |
| Z to A Research (D)[93][C] | August 8–10, 2025 | 615 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 13% | 51% | 28% | – | 8% |
| GBAO (D)[94][B] | June 5–10, 2025 | 1,200 (LV) | ± 2.8% | 14% | 32% | 19% | 4% | 31% |
Hypothetical polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Robin Kelly |
Raja Krishnamoorthi |
Juliana Stratton |
Lauren Underwood |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underwood declines to run | |||||||||
| Public Policy Polling (D)[95][A] | April 29–30, 2025 | 674 (LV) | ± 3.8% | 8% | 20% | 13% | 16% | – | 43% |
| GBAO (D)[96][B] | April 24–28, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 8% | 21% | 13% | 20% | 9%[g] | 30% |
| 314 Action (D)[97] | March 24–27, 2025 | 773 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 10% | 30% | 16% | 33% | – | 10% |
| – | 32% | 19% | 39% | – | 10% | ||||
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- R. Cary Capparelli, former member of the Illinois International Port District board (2000–2009) and perennial candidate[98]
- Casey Chlebek, national director for the Polish American Congress PAC and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020 and 2022[99]
- John Goodman, former police officer[100]
- Pamela Denise Long, occupational therapist[101]
- Jimmy Lee Tillman, author[102]
- Don Tracy, former member of the Illinois Gaming Board, former chair of the Illinois Republican Party, and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010[103]
Filed paperwork
Declined
- Mike Bost, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 12th congressional district (2015–present) (running for re-election)[104]
- Rodney Davis, former U.S. representative from Illinois's 13th congressional district (2013–2023)[105]
- Darin LaHood, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 16th congressional district (2015–present) (running for re-election)[106]
- Richard Porter, former member of the Republican National Committee and the Illinois State Police Merit Board[107]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Casey Chlebek (R) | $25,000 | $11,505 | $13,495 |
| John Goodman (R) | $28,555.42[h] | $22,855.91 | $5,699.51 |
| Pamela Long (R) | $8,631.13[i] | $4,008.62 | $4,622.51 |
| Don Tracy (R) | $2,062,221.90[j] | $9,970.24 | $2,052,251.66 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[86] | |||
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[108] | Solid D | October 14, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[109] | Solid D | August 12, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[110] | Safe D | August 12, 2025 |
| Race To The WH[111] | Likely D | September 4, 2025 |
Notes
- ^ Jackson was part of a coalition of elected officials who endorsed Kelly, but he later stated his intention to stay neutral in the primary.[35]
- ^
- Christopher Belt, state senator from the 37th district (2019–present)[65]
- Cristina Castro, state senator from the 5th district (2023–present)[66]
- Lakesia Collins, state senator from the 22nd district (2017–present)[66]
- Mary Edly-Allen, state senator from the 31st district (2023–present)[66]
- Laura Ellman, state senator from the 21st district (2019–present)[66]
- Mattie Hunter, state senator from the 3rd district (2003–present)[66]
- Adriane Johnson, state senator from the 30th district (2020–present)[66]
- Kimberly Lightford, majority leader of the Illinois Senate (2019–present) from the 4th district (1998–present)[66]
- Julie Morrison, state senator from the 29th district (2013–present)[66]
- Doris Turner, state senator from the 48th district (2021–present)[66]
- ^ Includes $18,894,568 transferred from Krishnamoorthi's U.S. House campaign account.
- ^ a b Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ^ "Other candidates" with 4%
- ^ Awisi Bustos with 2%; Sean Brown, Kevin Ryan, and Jonathan Dean with a combined 1%
- ^ "Other" with 5%; Mike Frerichs with 4%
- ^ Includes $8,362.00 that was self-funded by Goodman.
- ^ Includes $2,637.99 that was self-funded by Long.
- ^ Includes $2,000,000 that was self-funded by Tracy.
Partisan clients
References
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"I'm running for reelection," Giannoulias bluntly replied.
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- ^ a b Petrella, Dan (May 15, 2025). "US Rep. Jonathan Jackson not endorsing colleague Robin Kelly in her bid to succeed Dick Durbin in Senate". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
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- ^ "Illinois House Speaker Welch, Senate Majority Leader Lightford, and Proviso mayors endorse Juliana Stratton for U.S. Senate". The Chicago Crusader. July 14, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
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Durbin said he does not intend to endorse a candidate in the primary — unless he thinks something emerges that 'is serious and I need to address it.'
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Others who have filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission stating their interest in running for the Senate seat were Democrats Christopher Alexander Swann, Stanley Leavell and Austin James Mink; Republicans John Goodman, Casimer Chlebek and Douglas Bennett; independent Anthony Smith and Joseph David Schilling.
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Republicans who so far have announced their candidacy include Doug Bennett, who has held a local government position and is a former candidate for a U.S. House seat; and John Goodman, an Air Force veteran who has worked in law enforcement.
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During an interview with WIFR on Tuesday, April 29, LaHood says he "absolutely" plans to re-run for the seat.
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- ^ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites
- Steve Botsford (D) for Senate
- Awisi Bustos (D) for Senate
- R. Cary Capparelli (R) for Senate
- Casey Chlebek (R) for Senate
- Jonathan Dean (D) for Senate
- Adam Delgado (D) for Senate
- John Goodman (R) for Senate
- Robin Kelly (D) for Senate
- Raja Krishnamoorthi (D) for Senate
- Stanley Leavell (D) for Senate
- Dr. Pamela Denise Long (R) for Senate
- Adair Rodriquez (D) for Senate
- Kevin Ryan (D) for Senate
- Juliana Stratton (D) for Senate
- Christopher Swann (D) for Senate
- Don Tracy (R) for Senate