Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is running for a third term and faces no opposition in the Democratic primary.
With several important primaries taking place in Illinois on Tuesday, there’s a lot at stake for the billionaire governor, whose name has been floated as a potential nominee for the 2028 presidential election.
One major race is for the seat currently held by 81-year-old Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who is retiring after nearly three decades in the Senate.
Pritzker is endorsing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who finds herself in a crowded primary against Rep. Robin Kelly and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi. This contest is both highly competitive and costly.
If Stratton or Kelly wins the primary and proceeds to success in the November election, one of them will become the second Black woman to serve in the Illinois State Senate. Meanwhile, Krishnamoorthi, an immigrant from India, would make history as the second Indian-American senator.
Krishnamoorthi appears to be the fundraising leader, splashing out millions on ads, with significant backing from a super PAC supported by cryptocurrency investors.
Pritzker, whose family owns the Hyatt hotel chain and various investment ventures, has also spent millions to fund super PACs promoting Stratton. However, this move hasn’t been universally welcomed; some have voiced concerns about his influence in the primary. For example, Rep. Yvette Clark from New York criticized him, saying, “A sitting governor should not be too heavy-handed in his campaign.”
In Illinois, it’s been over a decade since a Republican candidate has won statewide office, so the Democratic nominee is likely considered the frontrunner for the general election.
Four Republicans, including former state party chair Don Tracy and attorney Jeannie Evans, are vying for their party’s nomination.
For Pritzker, this Senate primary is a crucial test of his political strength in his home state, particularly as he positions himself as a leading Democrat opposing President Donald Trump. His national profile has notably grown this past year.
Amidst all this, former Illinois State Senator Darren Bailey is again running for governor after losing to Pritzker by a considerable margin of over 12 points in the 2022 election.
The primary election is also drawing attention to contests among Democrats in four closely contested House districts, as well as the races to fill seats from retiring Democrats Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky.
Voting in Illinois will close at 7 PM Central Time, and over 500,000 early votes had already been cast by Friday.
