The Illinois primary election is approaching quickly, and there are several major races, including one for governor of Illinois, taking shape.
The election will mark a historic moment for voters.
Some of the biggest names in politics will be challenging each other as one of the most notable politicians in decades retires.
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Several major seats will be up for grabs in what could mark a pivotal political moment in the state.
This year’s primary for Democrats and Republicans will be held on Tuesday, March 17.
Here are some of the biggest races that could be on your ballot, depending on where you live:
Illinois Governor
Gov. J.B. Pritzker may be running unopposed in the Democratic primary, but there are several Republican candidates looking to oppose him in the November election.
One of the more notable names on the list is former State Sen. Darren Bailey, who ran against Pritzker in 2022 and was defeated in that election.Others include former Wirepoints CEO Ted Dabrowski, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and businessman Rick Heidner.
More information on the candidates can be found here.
U.S. Senate
For the first time since the 1990s, Sen. Dick Durbin won’t be on the ballot. Durbin’s decision to retire after more than 30 years in office set off a frenzied race to replace him, and there are some heavy hitters on both sides of the aisle for the election.
On the Democratic site, there are more than 10 names on the ballot, though the race has largely focused on Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, along with Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
On the Republican side, there are six candidates, including former Illinois Republican Chairman Don Tracy.
You can get a full rundown of candidates here.
Illinois Comptroller
With incumbent Susana Mendoza not seeking reelection, the Democratic primary will see state Sen. Karina Villa, State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, Lake County Comptroller Holly Kim and State Rep. Margaret Croke on the ballot.
Bryan Drew, an attorney from downstate Benton, is running unopposed on the Republican side.
Congress – 2nd District
With Kelly seeking the Democratic nomination for Senate, the race for the 2nd District seat features 10 candidates, including Cook County Board Commissioner Donna Miller, State Sen. Robert Peters, State Sen. Willie Preston, and former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
Republican Michael Scott Noack is running unopposed.
Congress – 7th District
Another closely contested race could be the race to replace retiring Rep. Danny Davis, which will see a total of 13 Democrats on the primary ballot.
Among the notable names are State Rep. La Shawn Ford, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, businessman Jason Friedman and former Cook County Board Commissioner Richard Boykin.
On the Republican side, Chad Koppie, the GOP’s nominee in 2024, will be running against policy advisor Patricia Easley.
Congress – 8th District
Another heated race is shaping up in the 8th District following Krishnamoorthi’s decision to run for Senate. Now, eight Democrats and four Republicans are on the primary ballot.
On the Democratic ballot, businessman Neil Khot, Hanover Park Trustee Yasmeen Bankole, Cook County Board Commissioner Kevin Morrison and former 8th District Rep. Melissa Bean are battling for their spot.
On the Republican side, businessman Mark Rice, software engineer Jennifer Davis, CPA Kevin Ake and retired CPD officer Herbert Hebein are seeking the GOP nomination.
Congress – 9th District
After Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced she wouldn’t seek reelection, a slew of candidates jumped into the race, with up to 15 Democrats now on the ballot.
That includes Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, State Sen. Laura Fine, content creator Kat Abughazaleh and State Rep. Hoan Huynh.
Four Republicans, John Elleson, Paul Friedman, Rocio Cleveland and Dongbo Mark Su are vying for the GOP nomination.
Cook County Board President
Incumbent Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is seeking a fifth term in office, but she won’t be running unopposed. She’ll be facing Chicago Ald. Brendan Reilly for the spot.
Preckwinkle has pledged to focus on improving healthcare access, increasing fairness in the criminal justice system and expanding employment opportunities for youth, according to her website.
Reilly has been critical of Preckwinkle’s policies on taxes and spending in the run-up to the election. He is pledging to address housing shortages with a slew of new construction, which he says will help lower property taxes. He’s also focused on changing how law enforcement is deployed in the county, as well as improving healthcare for seniors and advancing environmental protections in the area, according to his website.
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