Live Updates: Illinois U.S. Senate Primary Election Results 2026

Mar 18, 2026, 2:26 AM

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In the highly anticipated Illinois US Senate primary, Lt. Juliana Stratton is projected to secure a victory over Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, with early results suggesting she leads by a narrow margin. This primary, which follows the retirement announcement of long-serving Senator Dick Durbin, has attracted significant attention due to its potential implications for the November general election.

As of the latest updates, Stratton holds approximately 39% of the votes, while Krishnamoorthi trails closely at 33%. Congresswoman Robin Kelly is currently in third place with nearly 19% of the votes counted. The race has become a battleground for the future directions of both major parties, particularly with the Democratic stronghold of Illinois at stake.

The primary is characterized by intense competition not just among the candidates, but also in fundraising and campaign strategies. Krishnamoorthi has led in fundraising efforts, beginning the year with over $15 million, which has allowed him to dominate airwaves with advertising since July. In contrast, Stratton, who began the year with around $1 million, received a significant boost from Governor JB Pritzker's super PAC, which contributed $5 million to support her candidacy.

Polling places across the state closed at 7 pm CT, and initial results began trickling in shortly thereafter. Election officials reported a busy turnout, hoping to surpass the 19% statewide turnout from the previous primary, which was the lowest in over five decades. Voters have expressed strong opinions on the candidates, with issues such as immigration policy and healthcare taking center stage during the campaign debates.

Stratton has fiercely criticized Krishnamoorthi's ties to certain donations and his voting record, emphasizing her commitment to progressive values, including a call to abolish ICE. Meanwhile, Krishnamoorthi has countered by highlighting his own contributions to immigrant rights and accusing Stratton of lacking substantive policy proposals.

On the Republican side, former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy is leading the nomination race against five other candidates, marking a significant moment for the GOP in Illinois, which has not held a Senate seat since Mark Kirk's defeat in 2016.

As the votes continue to be counted, real-time updates are available through platforms like NBC Chicago, where voters can track results as they come in. The outcome of this primary is not only crucial for the candidates involved but also for the broader political landscape in Illinois and potentially the nation, as both parties seek to consolidate their positions leading into the general election in November.

With the stakes high and a competitive atmosphere, the Illinois US Senate primary serves as a critical test of political influence and voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 elections. More updates will follow as results continue to be reported throughout the evening.

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