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.
Latest News Stories
Peace on the line two years after Oct. 7 attacks
U.S. Supreme Court looks to start consequential new term
U of I scrutinized over perceived preference for international students
Youngkin, Johnsion calll for AG candidate to withdraw after violent texts emerge
ICE agents shoot armed woman in suburban Chicago during attack
Pritzker: Trump to federalize Illinois National Guard
Trump says U.S. in ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels in Caribbean
Policy experts unimpressed with SBA’s ‘record’ capital delivered to small businesses
City taxpayer burden swells, as Chicago pension debt rises
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees for August 2025
Poll: Voters like candidates supporting war on Alzheimer’s
U.S. LNG exports at new record in September on strong Louisiana shipments