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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Ohio debate over potential child care facility fraud heats up

Ohio debate over potential child care facility fraud heats up

By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square The debate over taxpayer-funded child care facilities across Ohio has intensified since State Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, called for an investigation earlier this week....
As Illinois ends grocery tax locals can replace, food inflation debate continues

As Illinois ends grocery tax locals can replace, food inflation debate continues

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman’s warning that Americans are paying more for groceries is drawing pushback from economists...
North Carolina NYE terror attack foiled by FBI, several police departments

North Carolina NYE terror attack foiled by FBI, several police departments

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The FBI and several police departments foiled another New Year’s Eve terror plot, this time in North Carolina, officials announced on Friday. The FBI apprehended...
DeWine defends fraud safeguards at Ohio child care facilities

DeWine defends fraud safeguards at Ohio child care facilities

By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is defending the state’s child care spending, saying longtime safeguards are in place that help prevent widespread fraud uncovered in Minnesota....
Illinois quick hits: State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less

Illinois quick hits: State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less Across Illinois, local governments have lost more than $10.9 billion in state income...
Chief Lemming

Beecher bids farewell to Chief Lemming following retirement

BEECHER – The Village of Beecher is officially bidding farewell to Police Chief Lemming, who retired effective New Year’s Eve following four and a half years of service to the community....
New Lenox Park District

New Lenox Park District Approves EV Charging Agreement and Accessibility Plan

New Lenox Community Park District Board Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Park District Board approved several intergovernmental and service agreements, including a deal to install electric vehicle charging...
NL Library Graphic.1

Library Board Updates Policies to Allow Covered Beverages, Modernize Rules

New Lenox Public Library District Board Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Library Board passed a sweeping consent agenda that updated numerous general and personnel policies. Key changes include...
U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism

U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square )The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman praised a vote to restore collective bargaining for over one million federal workers...
Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax

Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois hog producer says 2025 was a strong year, but state lawmakers need to address estate...
new-lenox-fire-district-stations.3

Fire District Prepares for Bond Issuance to Fund Station 2 Upgrades

New Lenox Fire Protection District Meeting | Nov. 17, 2025 Article Summary: Fire Chief Adam Riegel updated the Board of Trustees on preparations for a bond issuance aimed at funding...
Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland

Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – National Guard members deployed in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Ore., will head home after President Donald...
Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect

Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – One of the nearly 300 new laws that took effect in Illinois New Year’s Day is a...
Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax

Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois to receive rural health-care funding The federal government has awarded Illinois $193.4 million per year for five years to expand...
Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill

Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although the U.S. House passed Republicans' “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act” before leaving...