22 candidates vying for Illinois’ Democrat, Republican U.S. Senate primary
(The Center Square) – Some of the 22 candidates vying for their party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin say their focus is on kitchen table issues.
Filing for Republicans and Democrats to get on the March 17 primary ballot has closed. Twenty-two people filed for the seat. Democratic U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi filed his on the first day.
“Prices are out of control for so many different items, whether it’s food, whether it’s rent, whether it is electricity or health care,” Krishnamoorthi said on Oct. 27.
Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, already has a pending objection to his petitions. He potentially faces 13 candidates if they survive objections.
Republican candidate Don Tracy also focused on economic issues.
“One of the reasons why I’m running for the Senate is to reduce the cost of living for all illinoisans, especially working families,” Tracy told The Center Square Tuesday. “And health care is one of the drivers of the cost of living increases.”
Tracy turned his petitions in on Friday, joining seven other candidates vying for the Republican nomination.
Durbin, D-Springfield, announced in the spring he was not seeking another term. He’s been in Congress since 1983 and a U.S. senator since 1997.
Krishnamoorthi said he’s stood up to bullies in his career
“I’ve gone after them, gotten results, and now I need to stand up to perhaps the biggest bully we face of all – Donald Trump,” he said.
Tracy said with the Senate seat being a statewide election that can’t be gerrymandered, he feels Republicans have a good chance of securing the spot in November.
“And I happen to think I am that person because I’ve got statewide experience both running statewide in 2010 [as a lieutenant governor candidate] and also being chair of the Illinois Republican Party for three and a half years,” Tracy said.
The objection window is open for challenging petition signatures. That closes Nov. 10.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
State Legislative Update: Housing Mandates, Mega Projects, and Data Centers Prompt Local Control Concerns
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for May 5, 2026
Committee Advances Nearly $212,000 in Road and Facility Contracts for Jackson Township and Monee
Will County Committee Hits Brakes on License Plate Reader Agreements Awaiting Privacy Policy Review
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for May 5, 2026
Green Garden Solar Project Cleared to Implement Higher “Agrivoltaic” Standards
Committee: Facilities Department Reports $92,000 in Energy Savings, Completes Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout
Green Garden Solar Farm Approved in Split Vote; Battery Storage Component Rejected
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for April 15, 2026
JJC Board Meeting Halted by Lack of Quorum; New Student Trustee Sworn In
JJC Entrepreneur and Business Center Celebrates $800,000 Federal Grant, Client Successes
Chicago mayor to push for local funding, keeping Bears
