Illinois 2026 Primary Elections: Bailey Secures GOP Governor Nod, Stratton Poised for Historic Senate Win
CHICAGO — Voters in Illinois turned out for the March 17, 2026, primary elections, delivering decisive victories in key races and setting the stage for a contentious general election showdown. With polls closing at 7 p.m., early results showed Republican Darren Bailey surging to the GOP nomination for governor, while Democrat Juliana Stratton claimed a commanding lead in the U.S. Senate primary, positioning her to become Illinois’ second Black woman senator.
Republican Gubernatorial Blowout for Bailey
Former state Rep. Darren Bailey dominated the Republican primary for governor, capturing 53.65% of the vote with 291,099 tallies, far ahead of challenger Ted Dabrowski’s 28.65% (155,435 votes). Bailey’s lead, which widened as results rolled in from downstate areas, marks his second consecutive GOP nomination for the state’s top office. Election night coverage highlighted Bailey’s strong performance outside Cook County, where Dabrowski initially held an edge before Bailey pulled ahead decisively around 8:30 p.m.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Percent | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Bailey | Republican | 291,099 | 53.65% | Leading |
| Ted Dabrowski | Republican | 155,435 | 28.65% | Trailing |
Bailey’s victory underscores ongoing GOP divisions, with analysts noting his appeal to conservative voters frustrated with establishment figures. “Darren Bailey is going to be the Republican nominee once again,” commentators observed during live broadcasts, pointing to his nearly 200,000-vote margin.
Stratton’s Senate Triumph
In the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, former Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton led with 39.96% (460,698 votes), ahead of U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi at 33.20% (382,796 votes). Stratton’s strong showing in Southern Illinois propelled her forward, with broadcasters noting her 39% haul in key regions. Her win paves the way for a historic milestone, as she prepares to face the GOP nominee in November.
“Juliana Stratton wins Democratic primary, set to become Illinois’ second Black woman senator.”
Other Key Statewide Races
The Republican primary for Secretary of State saw Diane Harris edging Walter Adamczyk, 52.98% (265,447 votes) to 47.02% (235,592 votes), in a tight contest that remained undecided late into the night. On the Democratic side, Comptroller hopeful Margaret Croke held a slim lead over Karina Villa, 34.71% (375,358 votes) to 32.41% (350,517 votes), described as a “close race” by observers.
| Race | Candidate | Party | Votes | Percent | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State | Diane Harris | Republican | 265,447 | 52.98% | Leading |
| Secretary of State | Walter Adamczyk | Republican | 235,592 | 47.02% | Trailing |
| Comptroller | Margaret Croke | Democrat | 375,358 | 34.71% | Leading |
| Comptroller | Karina Villa | Democrat | 350,517 | 32.41% | Close |
Congressional Districts Heat Up
In U.S. House races, incumbents and challengers advanced amid fragmented fields. Democrat Nikki Budzinski secured the IL-13 nomination with 76.01% (40,497 votes), while Mike Quigley (Democrat) and Tommy Hanson (Republican) won in the 5th District. The 7th District saw drama with state Rep. LaShawn Ford overcoming a voting glitch at his polling site.
Turnout appeared middling, with complaints about crowded ballots making it “hard to even vet everyone,” as one analyst noted. A South Side polling site, Sherman School of Excellence, briefly ran out of ballots, prompting officials to rush supplies and direct voters to machines—no systemic issues were reported.
Local Measures Reflect Tax Sentiments
Champaign County voters favored cutting services (56.26%) over tax hikes, rejecting sales tax (60.6% no) and property tax increases (76.3% no). Mixed results elsewhere: Mahomet passed library bonds, Thomasboro Schools’ tax levy failed, Fisher Library funding flopped, and Sangamon County’s mental health measure succeeded.
| Measure | Yes | No | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut services vs raise taxes | 43.74% | 56.26% | Cut services favored |
| Sales tax increase | 39.4% | 60.6% | Failed |
| Property tax increase | 23.7% | 76.3% | Failed |
Looking Ahead to November
As nominees solidify, attention shifts to the general election. Bailey faces a Democratic incumbent in a state leaning blue, while Stratton’s Senate bid carries historic weight. Live coverage from NBC Chicago, FOX 32, and others captured the night’s energy, with results still trickling in from urban precincts.
Officials reported smooth operations overall, despite isolated hiccups. Voter frustration with property taxes and ballot clutter emerged as themes, potentially influencing fall campaigns.
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