22 candidates vying for Illinois’ Democrat, Republican U.S. Senate primaries

22 candidates vying for Illinois’ Democrat, Republican U.S. Senate primaries

Spread the love

(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.

⚠️ High Wind Warning issued June 11 at 3:00PM CDT until June 11 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Special Weather Statement issued June 11 at 2:46PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 11 at 2:02PM CDT until June 11 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 11 at 12:39PM CDT until June 11 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 10
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
85° 58°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

💨 15 to 20 mph 💧 45%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Trump says inflation data shows Fed can cut interest rates

Trump says inflation data shows Fed can cut interest rates

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Consumer prices climbed 2.7% annually in December, marking the end of a year of continued concerns about affordability for Americans. The Consumer Price Index for...
Allstate homeowners rate hike sparks debate over Illinois insurance oversight

Allstate homeowners rate hike sparks debate over Illinois insurance oversight

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois homeowners could see their insurance bills rise again after Allstate filed a $58 million rate...
Trump tells Iranian protesters help is on the way, encourages uprising

Trump tells Iranian protesters help is on the way, encourages uprising

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square “Help is on its way,” President Donald Trump said in a short but powerful message to Iranian protesters facing an oppressive regime that reportedly is...
Sen. Kelly sues Hegseth over effort to reduce retirement pay

Sen. Kelly sues Hegseth over effort to reduce retirement pay

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include a comment from the White House. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, is...
Illinois interstate shootings decline

Illinois interstate shootings decline

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State police say the number of shootings on Illinois interstates dropped 31% to a total of 61...
WATCH: State sues Trump admin over enforcement tactics; No tax on tips proposal filed

WATCH: State sues Trump admin over enforcement tactics; No tax on tips proposal filed

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the latest...
Will the Clintons testify on Epstein relationship this week?

Will the Clintons testify on Epstein relationship this week?

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are supposed to sit for closed-door depositions this week as part of the ongoing...
Dems move to almost entirely block fed immigration enforcement in IL

Dems move to almost entirely block fed immigration enforcement in IL

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square After enacting state laws forbidding local police from cooperating with federal immigration efforts, and after winning a court case blocking President Donald...
Screenshot 2026-01-13 at 1.52.22 PM

Village Board Stalls Avant Gardens Request to Scrap Glass Enclosure

Village of New Lenox Board Meeting | January 12, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board pushed back against a request from the developers of the Avant Gardens event...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Capital Imp Committee: Facilities Director Reports on VAC Progress and Critical Health Department Elevator Repairs

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:Facilities Director Bill Fern provided updates on major renovation projects, including the completion of the Court Annex and the...
Will County Board Graphic.01

‘Good Food For All’ Initiative Proposes Local Agricultural Asset Mapping for Will County

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Bob Heuer of HNA Networks presented a "Good Food For All" initiative to the Public...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Public Works Committee Advances $3.2 Million Engineering Contract for Mills Road Reconstruction

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee forwarded a resolution to award a $3.2 million contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for...
Theis abruptly retires from IL Supreme Court; Tailor to replace

Theis abruptly retires from IL Supreme Court; Tailor to replace

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois will have a new state Supreme Court justice at the end of January, after Justice Mary Jane Theis announced her sudden...
Colorado expands lawsuit over alleged Trump retaliation

Colorado expands lawsuit over alleged Trump retaliation

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is pushing back on what his office labeled an “unmistakable campaign of punishment” by the Trump administration against the state....
California leads suit to preserve U.S. Department of Education

California leads suit to preserve U.S. Department of Education

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a massive multi-state coalition, has expanded a legal challenge against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department...