One of the most closely watched races in Illinois’ 2026 primary came down to a tight finale as the top candidates battled to replace Sen. Dick Durbin for a seat that hasn’t been open in decades.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is projected to come out on top in the U.S. Senate race, according to NBC News beating Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly in a victory that could have national implications. She’ll face former head of the Illinois Republican Party Don Tracy in the November election.
Illinois’ lieutenant governor for eight years, Stratton’s policy priorities include Medicare for All legislation, raising the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour, passing and enforcing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, restoring protections for reproductive healthcare, and passing common-sense gun safety laws, according to her website.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE ELECTION RESULTSIf she wins in November, her role in Illinois politics would be nothing short of influential, becoming the first to fill a spot held by Durbin since 1997.
“The open Senate seat is the biggest race because it hasn’t been an open seat in 30 years,” NBC 5 Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern said. “When one wins that seat they often stay a long time.”
Stratton’s primary victory is also a bright spot for Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who threw his support, and finances, behind her. The race was widely seen as a test of Pritzker’s influence as he eyes a possible run for the White House in 2028.
The Senate race was also considered one of consequence within the Democratic Party, which continues to debate the fallout of the 2024 election that saw Trump regain power and Republicans gain control of both chambers of Congress.
Krishnamoorthi and Stratton have been inundating the airwaves with messages to that effect. Krishnamoorthi-backing PACs aimed to link Stratton to questionable PAC donations and to former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. Stratton responded by criticizing Krishnamoorthi as overly moderate while also flagging votes he made to praise ICE, among others.
Krishnamoorthi dominated fundraising and the airwaves, and was the first on television with ads in July. He started 2026 with over $15 million on hand after spending more than $6 million and raising more than $3.5 million in the final three months of last year, according to campaign finance records.
By comparison, Stratton started the year with $1 million after raising about the same amount and spending just under $1 million in the last three months of 2025. But last month Pritzker put $5 million in a super PAC largely aimed at helping get her elected.
She campaigned on Pritzker’s endorsement and lit into Krishnamoorthi at debates, particularly on the five-term Democrat’s voting record and donations from a contractor tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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Kelly tried to establish herself as a progressive alternative in the race, but she struggled to get the message out amid the tsunami of ad spending. Her decision to remain on the ballot during the primary was largely seen as an advantage for Krishnamoorthi.
Kelly had previously taken issue with Pritzker’s involvement in the race, arguing that a sitting governor should not interfere.
The Congressional Black Caucus, which Kelly is a part of, also took issue with Pritzker’s involvement, a move that could prove problematic for a potential presidential run.
“There are some Democrats nationally who Pritzker probably wouldn’t want to offend who seem offended by what he’s done here, specifically the Congressional Black Caucus,” NBC News political journalist Steve Kornacki said. “They are upset – they’ve said so publicly – that Pritzker has instead gone for one of Kelly’s opponents, and in such an aggressive way.”
On a national level, the Democratic race was largely seen as a potential preview of where Democratic voters could lean come the November midterm.
“The whole nation will be watching when they look at the Democratic Party. This is a question of will voters choose the more moderate candidates or the more progressive candidates?” NBC Chicago Reporter Rose Schmidt said.
There were 10 names on the Democratic ballot in the race. Others included Steve Botsford Jr., Sean Brown, Awisi Bustos, Jonathan Dean, Dr. Bryan Maxwell, Kevin Ryan and Christopher Swann.
What Stratton’s primary win will signal come November remains to be seen, however.
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