Politics
Who Is Running for Senate in Illinois? Underwood to Focus on House as 3 Others Announce Runs
An open seat representing Illinois in the United States Senate is so rare that it makes a blue moon seem positively routine and a bit boring. But there promises to be nothing boring about the race to replace U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who will retire in 2027 after 30 years in office.
Here’s who is in the race, or even just thinking about tossing their proverbial hat in the ring:
Running
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton
Juliana Stratton
Current job: Lieutenant governor
Big endorsements: Gov. J.B. Pritzker, U.S. Sen Tammy Duckworth and the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association
Fun fact: Stratton won her first elected office with an endorsement from another big name: then-President Barack Obama
Website: julianastratton.com
U.S. Rep. Robin KellyRobin Kelly
Current job: U.S. representative, 2nd District
Fun fact: Kelly briefly replaced former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan as head of the Illinois Democratic Party, after the now-convicted Madigan resigned under pressure
Website: robinforsenate.com
U.S. Rep. Raja KrishnamoorthiRaja Krishnamoorthi
Current job: U.S. representative, 8th District
Fun Fact: Krishnamoorthi has a massive campaign war chest, with $19.4 million in cash on hand
Website: rajaforil.com
Staying out of the U.S. Senate race: U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (14th District) said she will not run to replace Durbin but will instead focus on flipping the U.S. House of Representatives, now controlled by Republicans.
Republicans Who Are Not Running … Yet
Tom Demmer, president of the Lee County Industrial Development AssociationTom Demmer
Current job: president of the Lee County Industrial Development Association
Fun fact: Demmer represented north-central Illinois in the state House of Representatives for a decade, rising to deputy minority leader
Website: tomdemmer.com
Don TracyDon Tracy
Former job: Chair of the Illinois Republican Party
Fun Fact: Former Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed Tracy to the Illinois Gaming Board, and Gov. JB Pritzker asked him to finish his term rather than replacing him immediately.
Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]
Staying out of the U.S. Senate race: U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (16th District) announced he would run for reelection in the House.
