Wednesday Open Thread: Recap of the Illinois Primary

To all our Illinois readers: Did you remember to vote before you hit the bar for St. Patrick's Day yesterday?

Let's hope the answer is yes. Because even in blue states, we're seeing the importance of turnout when it comes to primary elections. 

Yesterday, the Land of Lincoln presented a unique opportunity for Democrats as sitting U.S. Senator Dick Durbin would not be on the ballot for the first time since 1996. Durbin's April announcement set off a flurry of political maneuverings, as Illinois is one of only ten states that have a full-time legislature. That means that politicians can enter at the state level, learn the tricks of the trade, and progress up the ladder all the way to Congress if they so choose. The three leading candidates to replace Durbin all had such experience with the state's current attorney general running along with two sitting congresspeople. Of course, there was a ripple effect with there now being open primaries for those three House seats, and open seats from those vying for the House seats, etc., etc. With Illinois being a solidly blue state, those winning the Tuesday primaries would likely have the inside track to win in November in several key races.

With most races called by the time this blog went to press, here are a few nuggets for our viewing audience. The night's big winner is the current lieutenant governor and now the likely next senator from Illinois, Juliana Stratton. Stratton has a chance to make history as the second Black woman senator from Illinois after Carol Moseley Braun and would become only the third current Black senator behind Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester. There were competitive Democratic primaries in districts 2, 7, 8, and 9 to fill open seats in solidly blue districts. Candidates likely to emerge from those primaries and join the halls of Congress next January are Donna Miller, La Shawn Ford, Melissa Bean, and Daniel Biss. There was also a competitive District 15 primary to take on Republican incumbent Mary Miller, who ran unopposed in 2024. That race was won by Jennifer Todd, who now faces an uphill battle in an R+20 district. In terms of the major statewide races, incumbent Democratic Governor JP Pritzker, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul all ran unopposed and will breeze to re-election this year.

Lastly, we regret to inform you Bernie Sanders' chosen candidates lost in the 8th District as well as the race for Illinois comptroller. The curse of Bernie continues. 

This is your Wednesday Illinois primary open thread.