Outside Super PAC Money and Identity Fights Shape Illinois Democratic Senate and House Primaries as Voters Cast Ballots
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As Illinois voters cast ballots March 17, 2026, the marquee Democratic Senate primary — dominated by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Robin Kelly — has been transformed by massive outside spending (crypto‑funded Fairshake’s nearly $10 million, AIPAC‑linked groups’ $21 million+ statewide) and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s multimillion‑dollar backing of Stratton, a dynamic that critics including Congressional Black Caucus chair Rep. Yvette Clarke say skews the contest and would be read as a test of Pritzker’s clout. The race is also being fought over identity and policy — differing stances on ICE/DHS, concerns that Stratton and Kelly could split the Black vote (complicated by a disputed Jesse Jackson endorsement) — while competitive House primaries (notably IL‑9 and IL‑2) are likewise roiled by outside money and fierce issue fights such as over Israel.
Illinois Elections
U.S. Congress and Governorships
Illinois Politics