The 21st Show

Illinois Primary Election 2026 preview

Produced by Christine Hatfield and Brian Mackey
 
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative Raaj Krishnamoorthi and Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Juliana Stratton await a question during a Feb. 15, 2026 forum for U.S. Senate Candidates hosted by the NAACP at Love Corner Church in Champaign. The three candidates are looking to take the seat currently held by Senator Dick Durbin, and are competing in the March 17, 2026 Primary Elections for a spot on the official ballot.

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative Raaj Krishnamoorthi and Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Juliana Stratton await a question during a Feb. 15, 2026 forum for U.S. Senate Candidates hosted by the NAACP at Love Corner Church in Champaign. The three candidates are looking to take the seat currently held by Senator Dick Durbin, and are competing in the March 17, 2026 Primary Elections for a spot on the official ballot. Cooper O'Kelly/Illinois Student Newsroom

Tomorrow is Primary Election Day in Illinois. The polls will be open from 6 a.m.- 7 p.m. as voters decide who will represent the major parties in this fall’s elections, from county boards to the governor’s race. Two journalists covering local politics and the statehouse outline the keys races and candidates. 

 

GUESTS

Mawa Iqbal 
Statehouse reporter, Illinois Public Radio

Mitchell Armentrout
Staff reporter, Chicago Sun-Times