Overview
- Primary Day features a three-way Democratic battle to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi leveraging a fundraising edge, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton boosted by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s backing, and Rep. Robin Kelly trailing in recent polls.
- AdImpact data show tens of millions in ad spending, with crypto-linked PACs such as Fairshake and Protect Progress and pro-Israel groups including United Democracy Project influencing races for Senate and several open House seats.
- Immigration enforcement is a defining issue: Stratton calls to abolish ICE, Kelly urges dismantling the agency or DHS, and Krishnamoorthi targets what he calls “Trump’s ICE.”
- Five crowded Chicago-area House primaries follow retirements and Senate bids, including Jesse Jackson Jr.’s comeback attempt in the 2nd District and a 9th District scramble drawing attention to AIPAC-aligned spending.
- More than 535,000 ballots were cast before Election Day, and with large fields and mail votes still arriving, some results could take time to settle in a state where Democratic primary winners are heavily favored in November.