What elections are coming up in Illinois? Here’s what’s ahead in the 2026 primary

The 2026 Illinois primary election is right around the corner, and there are important races all over your ballot.

Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, there are numerous primaries that you’ll be asked to vote in, and those votes will determine each party’s nominees for the November election.

Here are some of the biggest elections that will be on ballots around the state.

Statewide Elections

The two main races Illinoisans will pay attention to at the statewide level will be the Republican primary to identify Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s opponent in the 2026 election, and the Illinois Senate primary, with numerous candidates aiming to replace the retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.

Former State Senator and 2022 gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey is aiming for a rematch with Pritzker. He is joined in the primary by DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, businessman Rick Heidner, and former WirePoints CEO Ted Dabrowski.

In the Senate primary, three Democrats are leading in polls, with Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly facing off with Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.

On the Republican side of the primary, former Illinois GOP leader Don Tracy is facing five other opponents, including Jeannie Evans and Jimmy Tillman.

Elsewhere in the state, Illinoisans will nominate Republicans to oppose Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

Comptroller Susana Mendoza is not running for reelection, and four Democrats are running in the party’s primary, including Stefanie Kifowit, Karina Villa, Holly Kim and Margaret Croke.

Congressional Elections

With Krishnamoorthi and Kelly running for Senate, House seats in the eighth district and second district of Illinois will be up for grabs.

Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Jesús “Chuy” García and Danny Davis are also retiring, leaving five different seats open for challengers in one of the most hotly contested primary seasons in recent memory.

Other Races to Watch

In Cook County, a pair of fascinating races are unfolding as incumbent Board President Toni Preckwinkle faces a primary challenge from Chicago City Council member Ald. Brendan Reilly.

Paty Hynes is also running in opposition to incumbent Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi in the primary election.

There are contested primaries for numerous positions around the Chicago area as well, including the Republican nomination for DuPage County Sheriff and multiple sheriff’s primaries in Will County.

Voters will also have a variety of state House and Senate races on their ballots, as well as circuit and appeals court judges.

You can find more information on your ballot using NBC Chicago’s ballot finder tool.