Overview

• Rep. Lauren Underwood announced she will not run for Sen. Dick Durbin's open Senate seat, opting instead to seek reelection to the U.S. House and focus on helping Democrats regain the House majority.
• The Democratic Senate primary now features Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, backed by Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, and Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi, who have filed dual signatures for both Senate and House races.
• Durbin's retirement has triggered competitive primaries in Illinois's 2nd, 8th, and 9th Congressional Districts, with a mix of established politicians and newcomers entering the races.
• State Sen. Robert Peters, running in the 2nd District, has gained early momentum with over $175,000 raised and an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders.
• The 8th and 9th District primaries include notable candidates such as Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, and State Sen. Laura Fine, highlighting a generational shift in Illinois Democratic leadership.