Illinois Primary Election 2026: Shocking Polls Reveal Top Candidate's Secret Weakness – Don't Miss This!

Updated Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 8:54 p.m.

The race for the Illinois primary has reached a turning point, with several candidates securing key nominations from both major parties. In a significant victory for the Republican Party, Don Tracy has clinched the nomination for the U.S. Senate seat, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal election cycle. Meanwhile, Darren Bailey emerged triumphant in his bid for the Republican nomination for governor, positioning himself as a leading contender in the state’s political landscape.

Also making headlines, Mary Miller has won the Republican nomination for U.S. House in Illinois’ 15th Congressional District, while Jeff Wilson claimed victory in the 13th Congressional District. On the Democratic side, Donna Miller has secured the nomination for U.S. House in District 2, further solidifying the competitive nature of this year's primaries.

As of the latest updates, with 67% of results in, Donna Miller holds a steady lead over Jesse Jackson Jr. in Congressional District 2. In District 5, incumbent Mike Quigley leads the Democratic race, while Tommy Hanson is ahead of his Republican challengers with over 70% of the results reported for both parties. The Democratic race for the U.S. Senate remains closely contested between Juliana Stratton and Raja Krishnamoorthi, who are neck and neck with 48% of the votes counted so far.

Initial reports indicated that with less than 1% of polls closed, Darren Bailey was leading the GOP candidates for Governor, while Don Tracy was in front for the U.S. Senate seat. On the Democratic side, Nikki Budzinski had a slight edge over Dylan Blaha in District 13, as Jeff Wilson was leading Joshua Loyd.

The polls closed at 7:00 p.m. on March 17, marking the end of a day filled with electoral activity. A message from the Illinois State Board of Elections emphasized the importance of every vote, urging voters still in line to remain patient as results were tallied.

As anticipation builds, many voters are reflecting on the implications of these primary results for the upcoming general elections in November. With key nominations now in place, candidates will likely ramp up their campaigns to capture the attention and support of Illinois voters.

For those looking for more information, IPM News has provided a comprehensive voter guide detailing candidates, races, and ballot proposals to aid voters ahead of the general election. This primary season has laid the groundwork for what promises to be a highly competitive political landscape in Illinois.

This is a developing story, and updates will continue as more results come in.