Overview
- Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement set off a rare open Senate race with 10 Democrats and six Republicans on the March 17 ballot, alongside multiple open House primaries created by Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly seeking the Senate and Danny Davis retiring.
- In the 9th District, state Sen. Laura Fine led Q4 with $1.2 million raised and about $1.4 million on hand, secured the Chicago Tribune’s endorsement, and is the only candidate to air ads on network TV so far.
- Former Rep. Melissa Bean solidified a front-runner position in the 8th District by raising $772,000 and topping $1 million cash on hand, with Junaid Ahmed reporting $360,000 raised and $836,000 on hand and Neil Khot sitting at $573,000 on hand after significant self-funding and network TV ads.
- Jason Friedman emerged as a financial leader in the 7th District with $1.3 million on hand and $1.8 million raised overall, as Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin reported $112,000 raised in early 2026 and announced backing from the Chicago Teachers Union.
- Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller dominated Q4 fundraising in the 2nd District with $1.1 million raised and nearly $1 million on hand, outpacing state Sen. Robert Peters’ $210,000, while Miller also picked up an endorsement from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.