Primary Elections
Illinois Primary Elections 2026
Primary date, filing deadlines, key contested races, and what to watch in Illinois ahead of the 2026 general election.
March 17, 2026
Primary Date
None
Runoff / RCV
December 2025
Filing Deadline
High — Senate open seat (Durbi
Competitiveness
Key 2026 Primary Races
| U.S. Senate | Dick Durbin (D) is retiring — major open seat |
| Governor | JB Pritzker (D) up 2026 |
| U.S. House | IL-6, IL-13, IL-14 competitive |
2026 Primary Overview
Illinois holds its primary early in March. Dick Durbin is retiring from the Senate, creating a significant open seat. Democratic primary will feature multiple major candidates. The general will also be competitive given Illinois political environment.