CBS News projections and returns reported March 17, 2026, delivered outcomes across several high-profile Illinois primaries, including a competitive U.S. Senate contest, numerous open House races, and rematch setups in statewide races.
Top projected winners
– U.S. Senate: Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is projected to have won the Democratic primary to replace Sen. Dick Durbin, according to CBS News models. Stratton led U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly as large shares of the vote were reported. On the Republican side, CBS News projects attorney and former Illinois GOP chair Don Tracy as the nominee. Tracy campaigned on affordable energy, lower prescription drug and insurance costs, reduced government spending, and border security.
– Governor: Incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Former state lawmaker Darren Bailey is projected to have won the Republican primary, setting up a likely rematch of the 2022 general election between Pritzker and Bailey.
Notable congressional results
– 9th District (open): Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss is projected to have won the crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky. The 9th drew a 15-candidate Democratic field; Kat Abughazaleh and state Sen. Laura Fine were among the closest contenders as counting continued.
– 8th District: Former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean is projected to have won the Democratic primary for the seat vacated by Raja Krishnamoorthi.
– 2nd District: Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is projected to have won the Democratic primary in the open seat that followed Rep. Robin Kelly’s Senate bid. Early returns and models showed Miller leading former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
– 10th District: Incumbent Rep. Brad Schneider is projected to have won the Democratic primary and will face Republican Carl Lambrecht, who ran unopposed in the GOP primary.
– 6th District: Incumbent Rep. Sean Casten is projected to have decisively won his Democratic primary. Republican Niki Conforti is projected to have won the GOP primary, setting up a rematch of the 2024 contest.
– 5th District: Incumbent Rep. Mike Quigley is projected to have won the Democratic primary; Tommy Hanson is projected to have won the Republican primary.
– 7th District: State Rep. La Shawn Ford was declared the Democratic primary winner after Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin conceded. The 7th, following Rep. Danny Davis’s retirement, fielded multiple candidates; Ford led as counting advanced. Chad Koppie is projected to have won the GOP primary for the 7th.
Local office
– Cook County Board President: Incumbent Toni Preckwinkle is projected to have retained the Democratic nomination after Ald. Brendan Reilly conceded; she held a commanding lead in returns.
Turnout and context
Turnout was strong in Chicago and across Cook County. As of 5 p.m. on primary day, Chicago reported about 339,427 ballots cast, roughly a 21.84% citywide turnout that included early and mail ballots. Earlier updates showed turnout nearing 20% by midafternoon; suburban Cook County reported more than 122,000 early ballots. Analysts attributed elevated participation to numerous contested primaries, especially the U.S. Senate race and several open House seats. CBS News analyst Anthony Salvanto said turnout could approach 2020 presidential primary levels for a midterm primary.
Several statewide Democratic incumbents were unopposed in primary ballots: Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias were among those without primary challengers.
Race dynamics and outside spending
– U.S. Senate: The Democratic primary to succeed Dick Durbin drew about ten major Democratic contenders and heavy outside spending. Krishnamoorthi reported raising more than $30 million, outpacing most rivals; Stratton and Kelly each raised several million. Outside groups, including Illinois Future PAC backed by Gov. Pritzker, spent significantly to support Stratton.
– 9th District: With a 15-candidate Democratic field, analysts noted the possibility that a plurality could decide the nominee. Fundraising varied: Kat Abughazaleh reported many small-dollar contributions and meaningful outside support, while Laura Fine and Daniel Biss also reported multi-million-dollar hauls.
– 2nd District: The open seat following Rep. Robin Kelly’s Senate bid featured strong local name recognition dynamics, with Cook County politics playing a large role in early returns favoring Donna Miller.
Election administration and reporting notes
Polls opened at 6 a.m. and closed at 7 p.m.; anyone in line at 7 p.m. was permitted to vote. Election officials used new tools such as Cook County’s Election Lens to monitor turnout and ballot processing in real time. A handful of early-return snapshots showed leaders shifting in several crowded contests, and models were updated as larger batches of ballots were counted.
Local incidents and outstanding items
Officials resolved a temporary polling issue involving La Shawn Ford’s ballot at one Chicago polling place; Ford ultimately cast a regular ballot. Several races remained close in precinct-level returns, and final certified results will follow standard canvassing and certification procedures.
What’s next
These projected primary outcomes set the stage for November’s general election matchups across competitive districts and in statewide contests. Final certified tallies, county-by-county breakdowns, and official margins will be released as canvassing concludes and results are certified.