CBS News projections and returns on March 17, 2026, delivered results across a number of high-profile Illinois primary races, highlighted by competitive congressional contests, a crowded U.S. Senate primary to replace Sen. Dick Durbin, and rematch set-ups in statewide contests.
Major projections and winners
– U.S. Senate: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is projected to win the Democratic primary in a crowded field, with CBS News models showing her leading U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. With large shares of the vote reported, Stratton emerged as the Democratic nominee and will face Don Tracy, who CBS News projects to have won the Republican Senate primary. Tracy is an attorney and former Illinois GOP chairman; his platform emphasizes affordable energy, lower drug and insurance prices, reduced government spending, and border security.
– Governor: Gov. J.B. Pritzker ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination. CBS News projects former state lawmaker Darren Bailey as the winner of the Republican primary, setting up a likely rematch of the 2022 general election between Pritzker and Bailey.
– 9th Congressional District (open seat): CBS News projects Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has won the Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky. The 9th was one of the most-watched Democratic primaries, featuring a 15-candidate field; Kat Abughazaleh and state Sen. Laura Fine were close contenders during counting.
– 8th Congressional District: Former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean is projected to have won the Democratic primary for the seat vacated by Raja Krishnamoorthi.
– 2nd Congressional District: Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is projected to have won the Democratic primary. Early returns and models had shown Miller leading former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
– 10th Congressional District: Incumbent U.S. 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 Congressional District: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Sean Casten is projected to have won his Democratic primary decisively. Republican Niki Conforti is projected to have won the GOP primary, setting up a rematch from 2024.
– 5th Congressional District: CBS News projects incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley won the Democratic primary; Tommy Hanson is projected to have won the Republican primary.
– 7th Congressional District: Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford was declared the Democratic primary winner after Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin conceded. With a large multi-candidate field following Rep. Danny Davis’s retirement, Ford led in returns as counting advanced. In the Republican 7th, Chad Koppie is projected to have won the GOP primary.
– Cook County Board President: Incumbent Toni Preckwinkle is projected to have retained her Democratic nomination after Ald. Brendan Reilly conceded. Preckwinkle held a commanding lead in returns.
Context and turnout
– Turnout in Chicago and across Cook County was strong. As of 5 p.m., Chicago reported about 339,427 ballots cast (21.84% turnout citywide, including early and mail ballots). Earlier updates showed turnout nearing 20% by midafternoon. Suburban Cook County reported robust early voting, with more than 122,000 early ballots.
– Analysts attributed higher turnout to numerous contested primaries, especially for the U.S. Senate and multiple open House seats. CBS News’ Anthony Salvanto noted turnout could approach 2020 presidential primary levels for a midterm primary.
– Several statewide offices featured unopposed candidates on Tuesday’s ballots: Gov. JB Pritzker (D), Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul (D), and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias (D) were among those without primary challengers.
Notable races and dynamics
– U.S. Senate race: The Democratic primary to replace Dick Durbin drew 10 Democrats and major outside spending. Krishnamoorthi outraised most opponents, reporting more than $30 million raised; Stratton and Kelly raised several million each. Outside groups, including Illinois Future PAC backed by Gov. Pritzker, spent heavily to support Stratton.
– 9th District: With 15 Democrats on the ballot to replace Jan Schakowsky, analysts noted a plurality could decide the nominee. Fundraising varied: Kat Abughazaleh reported a large number of small-dollar contributions and significant outside support, while Fine and Biss also raised several million.
– 2nd District: The open race following Rep. Robin Kelly’s Senate run featured Cook County politics and name recognition dynamics; early returns favored Donna Miller over Jesse Jackson Jr.
– Administrative notes: Polls in Illinois 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 like Cook County’s Election Lens to monitor turnout and ballot processing in real time.
Procedural and local developments
– A handful of first-return snapshots showed shifting leaders in several crowded contests; models and projections adapted as larger batches of ballots were counted.
– Local incidents included a temporary voting snafu involving La Shawn Ford’s ballot at a Chicago polling place; election officials resolved the issue and Ford cast a regular ballot.
– Several races remain close in precinct-level returns, and final certifications will follow standard canvassing and certification procedures.
These results set the stage for November’s general election match-ups in competitive districts and statewide contests. Final certified results and additional details on vote counts, margins, and county-by-county breakdowns will be released as returns are finalized and canvasses are completed.