Illinois Will Elect New U.S. Senator November 3

Three candidates are set to compete for the seat as current U.S. Senator Dick Durbin prepares to retire.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting the silhouette of the Illinois State Capitol dome as a symbolic representation of the upcoming election. — Illinois voters will choose a new U.S. Senator on November 3, 2026, as incumbent Dick Durbin prepares to retire after three decades in office. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you intend to vote for a major party candidate or an independent in November?

Juliana Stratton, Don Tracy, and Whitfield Harrington will appear on the Illinois general election ballot on November 3, 2026. This contest follows the announcement that incumbent U.S. Senator Dick Durbin will step down at the end of his term.

Why it matters

The election represents a significant shift in Illinois representation as U.S. Senator Dick Durbin concludes a tenure that began in 1997. Voters will decide the future of this seat by choosing between candidates representing different political backgrounds and platforms.

Both Juliana Stratton and Don Tracy secured their spots in the general election after winning 40% of the vote in their respective March 2026 primaries. The race remains focused on the vacancy left by the departing incumbent.

The players

Juliana Stratton

She serves as the current lieutenant governor of Illinois.

Don Tracy

He formerly served as the chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.

Whitfield Harrington

He is a pastor based in Chicago.

Dick Durbin

He is the incumbent U.S. Senator representing Illinois who is retiring.

The details

The ballot features Illinois lieutenant governor Juliana Stratton, former Illinois Republican Party chairman Don Tracy, and Chicago pastor Whitfield Harrington. These candidates emerged from the March 2026 primary elections to vie for the seat currently held by Dick Durbin.

Dick Durbin began his U.S. Senate term in 1997.
Juliana Stratton became lieutenant governor of Illinois in 2019.
Primary elections were held in Illinois in March 2026.
The U.S. Senate general election occurs on November 3, 2026.

Political Context

The campaign highlights debates over the federal minimum wage, which currently stands at a specific baseline compared to the proposed $25 hourly rate. This proposal serves as a central point of contention between the candidates regarding future economic policy.

The outcome of this election will determine who represents Illinois residents in the U.S. Senate regarding federal policies, including potential shifts in national labor standards. Taxpayers and families may see direct impacts on future legislative priorities depending on which candidate secures the seat.

The takeaway

Voters should review the platforms of the three candidates to understand how their respective positions on economic policy and federal representation align with local needs. Engaging with the primary results provides clarity on how each candidate secured their current ballot standing.