Election 2026: Illinois' race to succeed Dick Durbin in Senate

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly is the second major Democrat to throw her hat into what's expected to be a crowded ring to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has established herself as a frontrunner to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin. She sat down with Lee Enterprises for a one-on-one interview a week after launching her campaign.

Illinois’ representation in the Senate has historically been divided between a person from the Chicago metropolitan region and another from downstate Illinois. That could change with Sen. Dick Durbin's retirement.

Less than 24 hours after Sen. Dick Durbin announced he would not seek a sixth term, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton declared her candidacy for his seat.

Durbin's announcement sets in motion an open Democratic primary next year featuring heavy hitters in state politics.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton previously confirmed she would "strongly consider" running for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin's seat if he chose not to run for reelection, a decision he announced Wednesday. 

Durbin raised just $42,695 during the first three months of 2025, figuratively giving voice to longstanding speculation that the 80-year-old will opt to retire instead of seeking reelection in 2026.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on Thursday defended his vote to advance a GOP-backed government funding bill last week and promised he will announce "soon" whether he'll seek reelection in 2026.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who has spent years laying groundwork for a Senate run, is the third major Democrat to jump into the race for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's seat.