Illinois voters delivered a series of decisive results in Tuesday’s primary elections, putting Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on a clear path toward the U.S. Senate while closing the door on former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. and his attempt at a political comeback.
Stratton’s victory in the Democratic primary for the Senate seat being vacated by longtime Sen. Dick Durbin positions her as the likely next senator from Illinois in a state where Democrats dominate statewide elections. If she wins in November, Stratton would become one of the few Black women ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
The race drew national attention and millions in outside spending. Stratton defeated two sitting members of Congress — Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly — in what had been one of the most competitive Democratic primaries in the country.
Her campaign was strongly supported by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, her longtime political ally. Political observers say the outcome also underscores Pritzker’s growing influence within Illinois Democratic politics, as his backing and financial support helped propel Stratton past well-funded opponents.
Stratton will face Republican candidate Don Tracy in November, but Illinois’ strong Democratic leaning makes her the early favorite to succeed Durbin.
Jackson Comeback Falls Short
In another closely watched race, voters rejected the attempted political comeback of former Congressman Jackson.
Jackson sought to return to Washington by running for the Democratic nomination in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, but he was defeated by Donna Miller.
Jackson represented the district from 1995 until his resignation in 2012 amid a federal corruption investigation. He later pleaded guilty to wire and mail fraud for misusing about $750,000 in campaign funds on personal purchases ranging from luxury items to home renovations. Jackson served prison time following the conviction.
His campaign attempted to frame his return to politics as a redemption story, relying heavily on the Jackson family name and decades of recognition in Chicago and surrounding communities. But voters ultimately chose Miller, who now becomes the favorite to win the heavily Democratic district in November.
Governor’s Race Heads Toward Rematch
Illinois voters will also see a familiar matchup in the race for governor this fall.
Gov. Pritzker, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, is seeking a third term. He will face Republican Darren Bailey, a downstate farmer and former state lawmaker whom Pritzker defeated by nearly 13 percentage points in the 2022 election.
During his victory remarks Tuesday night, Pritzker used the moment to sharply criticize former President Donald Trump and national Republican leaders.
“Right now, grifters of corruption and selfishness, purveyors of bigotry and hatred, have taken control of the White House and Congress,” Pritzker said. In another line that drew applause from supporters, he referred to Trump as the “Carnival Barker in Chief — sorry, the Commander in Thief.”
Pritzker is now running with a new lieutenant governor candidate, Christian Mitchell, after Stratton stepped aside to run for the Senate. Miller is a thirty-something Black male, former State Representative and currently serves as Vice President for Civic Engagement, University of Chicago.
A New Face in a Long-Held Seat
Another major race came in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, where longtime Congressman Danny Davis decided not to seek reelection after nearly three decades in Congress.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford won the crowded Democratic primary to succeed Davis, emerging from a bruising contest that drew national attention and millions in outside spending.
Given the district’s strong Democratic leaning — covering large portions of Chicago’s West Side and surrounding communities — Ford is widely expected to win the general election and take Davis’ place in Congress.
Together, the primary results set the stage for several closely watched races in November — including a Senate contest that could once again place a Black woman from Illinois in the national spotlight.
