Election 2026
Christine Hatfield/Illinois Public Media

Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Bryan Maxwell talks representing downstate Illinois, advocating socialist policies on campaign trail

Bryan Maxwell is one of the 10 people hoping to represent the Democratic Party in this fall’s election for outgoing Senator Dick Durbin's seat. Known for supporting anti-war causes, he shares his views on military spending, economic sanctions in other countries, and being a socialist. 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0... 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Christine Hatfield/Illinois Public Media

Vying for GOP nomination, U.S. Senate candidate Pamela Denise Long talks abortion, trans healthcare, and income tax

Pamela Denise Long is seeking the Republican nomination in Illinois' U.S. Senate race. She discusses her nuanced perspectives on many topics including abortion rights, healthcare for transgender people, and high-income taxes for Illinoisans.

 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0... 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Christine Hatfield/Illinois Public Media

Former marine Kevin Ryan talks economy, border control, ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Gaza while vying for Democratic nomination in Illinois Senate race

Kevin Ryan is a former teacher and United States Marine from the south suburbs of Chicago. He is now running in as a Democratic in the Primary race for U.S. Senate in Illinois. He talks one-on-one with Brian Mackey about ICE, the U.S. struggling economy, and his military background.


The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 
Spotfy: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0... 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Christine Hatfield/Illinois Public Media

Republican Senate Candidate Don Tracy on Israel, ICE, and the future of MAGA and the GOP

Lawyer and former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party Don Tracy is one of eight Republicans who filed for the 2026 primary in the Illinois Senate race. He Tracy weighs in on issues that he may face if elected.

 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Robin Kelly
Jose Zepeda/ Illinois Public Media

Congresswoman and Senate candidate Robin Kelly talks gun control, immigration policies, conflicts abroad

We continue our series of in-depth conversations with candidates for U.S. Senate, who are vying for Senator Dick Durbin's seat. Congresswoman Robin joins us live in our studio in Urbana. 

 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0

Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

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