The race to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin has intensified ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 Democratic primary in Illinois, centering on positions about immigration enforcement, outside spending and the influence of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who has poured millions and his endorsement into his lieutenant governor, Julianna Stratton.
All three leading contenders — Stratton and U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly — say they will oppose the Trump administration on immigration and enforcement, but differ on how far to go.
ICE and homeland security
Immigration enforcement has been a flashpoint in Illinois after a monthslong ICE operation in the Chicago area, known as “Operation Midway Blitz,” produced controversial arrests and clashes with protesters. Local leaders criticized the effort as heavy-handed.
Each candidate has endorsed abolishing or fundamentally reshaping Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with varying emphases. Krishnamoorthi frames his stance as opposing the way President Trump uses ICE, saying he would not vote to fund ICE or Customs and Border Protection and pushing reforms such as banning masks, requiring identification and body cameras for agents, and third-party investigations of force. Stratton says ICE should be shuttered and calls for a “total revamp” of immigration enforcement, prioritizing immigration judges and community-based services and urging prosecution for federal agents who break the law. Kelly advocates the most far-reaching changes, calling for dismantling ICE, Border Patrol and parts of DHS, including USCIS, and rebuilding the system.
A February CBS News poll found a majority of Democratic and independent voters want ICE operations reduced. Moderate group Third Way has warned that calls to abolish ICE could be politically damaging in competitive states and argues for reforms rather than abolition. Krishnamoorthi dismissed concerns about messaging being exploited by Republicans, saying public outrage over agents’ conduct gives Democrats firm ground for pushing change.
Outside spending and crypto ties
Krishnamoorthi has led in fundraising and advertising, reportedly outspending Stratton on ads by more than $20 million. His campaign has benefited from roughly $10 million in outside spending by Fairshake, a super PAC tied to Andreessen Horowitz and Coinbase executives. Opponents have pointed to founders’ past donations to a pro-Trump super PAC in 2024.
Krishnamoorthi rejects the notion that he is beholden to crypto interests, calling instead for sensible regulation of digital assets and broader campaign finance reform, including overturning Citizens United.
Pritzker’s spending and influence
Stratton’s campaign has been buoyed by Governor Pritzker’s backing. In December he gave over $5 million to a super PAC supporting her, and Illinois Future PAC has spent more than $12 million to date. Many of Stratton’s staff and ad creatives reflect Pritzker’s influence.
Krishnamoorthi attributes Stratton’s competitiveness largely to Pritzker’s financial support and stresses his own independence from any single donor or industry. Stratton defends Pritzker’s backing as the endorsement of a longtime Democratic leader invested in Illinois communities.
Pritzker’s heavy involvement has drawn ire from members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which is backing Kelly. CBC Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke called his role “beyond frustrating,” and Rep. Jim Clyburn traveled to Chicago to fundraise for Kelly. Pritzker, who is Black and is running for reelection as governor, responded that he wants a Black woman to represent Illinois in the Senate but is focused on his gubernatorial race and not making decisions about a possible 2028 presidential run.
Political observers say the primary is a test of Pritzker’s powerbrokering; if Stratton loses despite his investment, it could undercut his standing. Stratton has said Pritzker would make a “fantastic” presidential candidate; Krishnamoorthi declined to speculate on Pritzker’s future ambitions, saying a senator must be prepared to work with leaders across parties and government for Illinois’ interests.
The primary outcome could set a template for how Democrats navigate debates over immigration enforcement, outside money — including tech and crypto-linked donors — and the influence of wealthy state leaders as national political ambitions loom.