Tracy and Stratton to Vie for Illinois Senate Seat
The race to fill Senator Dick Durbin’s seat will be decided by Illinois voters on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you prefer an Illinois Senate candidate prioritizing fiscal discipline over expanded social programs and healthcare?
Business leader Don Tracy and former official Juliana Stratton are set to compete for the open Illinois U.S. Senate seat on November 3, 2026. The vacancy follows the upcoming retirement of five-term Senator Dick Durbin.
Why it matters
The election marks the first time since 2010 that Illinois voters will decide an open U.S. Senate race. The result will determine who succeeds the long-serving incumbent in a state historically pivotal to national legislative majorities.
Current polling shows Juliana Stratton holding a double-digit lead in the race for the seat previously held by Dick Durbin for five terms. The last open U.S. Senate election in Illinois occurred in 2010 when Republican Mark Kirk won the seat.
The players
Don Tracy
He is a businessman, attorney, and former chair of the Illinois Republican Party.
Juliana Stratton
She served in the administration of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for nearly eight years.
Dick Durbin
He is the retiring five-term U.S. Senator representing Illinois.
Barack Obama
He is the former President of the United States who has endorsed Juliana Stratton.
J.B. Pritzker
He is the Governor of Illinois who oversaw Juliana Stratton's service in his administration.
The details
Don Tracy, a businessman and former head of the Illinois Republican Party, is emphasizing fiscal discipline and public safety. Meanwhile, Juliana Stratton, who served under Governor J.B. Pritzker for nearly eight years, is campaigning on Medicare for All and raising the federal minimum wage, earning an endorsement from former President Barack Obama.
Timeline
2010 was the year of the last open U.S. Senate race in Illinois.
Senator Dick Durbin will retire at the end of his current term.
The election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents argue that the candidates represent fundamentally different visions for the future of the state's representation in Washington. Critics of the current frontrunner express concern over the potential long-term fiscal impact of the policies proposed by the Democratic campaign.
The outcome of this race will determine which party holds the influence of this seat for the next six years. Citizens will see distinct legislative priorities emerge, specifically regarding potential changes to healthcare access and federal wage mandates.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific fiscal and social platforms of both candidates to understand how their votes may impact federal policy. Understanding the priorities of both the business-focused and public-service-focused campaigns is essential for preparing for the November ballot.
Further reading
For more background on the state's political climate, visit the Illinois elections page.
Live Poll
Do you prefer an Illinois Senate candidate prioritizing fiscal discipline over expanded social programs and healthcare?
