With the Illinois March primary for the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the political landscape is rapidly changing as key figures in the state’s congressional delegation prepare to step aside.
Key retirements, particularly that of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who announced he will not seek a sixth term, have sparked significant interest among politicians eager to fill the looming vacancies.
As a result, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg have both announced their intentions to run for Durbin’s Senate seat.
This development will leave their current congressional positions open for new candidates, while the impending retirement of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky—the representative for much of the north and northwest suburbs—adds to the uncertainty of the Congressional landscape.
Moreover, there is speculation surrounding whether 83-year-old U.S. Rep. Danny Davis will run for a 16th term, which could potentially open up another seat.
All four congressional districts that may have contests are currently held by Democrats, making the primary races particularly critical for both parties as Republicans aim to flip at least one seat to bolster their slim majority in the House.
The primaries for both parties are set for March 17, and while many candidates have expressed interest, time is still on the side of those considering entering the races.
### 2nd Congressional District
The 2nd Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly since 2013, stretches from Chicago’s South Side to downstate Danville along the Indiana border.
Candidates vying for Kelly’s seat as she seeks a Senate position include:
**Donna Miller, Democrat**
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is forming an exploratory committee for a potential run for the congressional seat.
Miller, who resides in Lynwood and serves as the commissioner for the 6th District on the Cook County Board, has the backing of several south suburban mayors.
Her experience includes leadership roles in organizations such as the Illinois Democratic Women and Planned Parenthood of Illinois.
“I understand the district,” Miller states. “I understand the Southland.”
**Robert Peters, Democrat**
State Sen. Robert Peters, a community organizer and South Side native, has already received an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Peters, who has been part of the legislature since 2019, is known for his work in criminal justice reform and advocacy for abortion rights, particularly following the change in federal protections.
“I have a record and I have a personal narrative that I think really touches on where we’re at right now,” Peters noted, emphasizing his experiences that resonate with local issues.
At 40 years old, Peters is a member of the Senate Democrats’ leadership and the Legislative Black Caucus.
Another candidate, Yumeka Brown, who is currently the village clerk of Matteson and a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioner, is also eyeing the race though she has yet to file official paperwork.
Additionally, Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin has created an exploratory committee to consider a run.
Other potential candidates for the 2nd District include Democrats Adal Regis, a former district office worker for Kelly, and Eric France, a management consultant, as well as Republican Ashley Ramos, who previously ran for the seat in 2024, and Calvin Coleman, a non-affiliated candidate.
### 7th Congressional District
Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, which covers areas from Chicago’s downtown to parts of the West Side and western suburbs, has been held by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis since 1997.
Despite being an incumbent, Davis’s future is uncertain as he has not announced whether he will seek reelection at the age of 83.
Should he choose to retire, several candidates are already eyeing the seat, including:
**Danny Davis, Democrat**
Davis successfully defended his seat during a competitive primary in 2022, and he is known for leveraging his seniority and connections in the district to maintain his position.
“I know that you can’t lead where you don’t go, and you can’t teach what you don’t know,” Davis shared, articulating his approach to representation.
**La Shawn Ford, Democrat**
State Rep. La Shawn Ford has registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to run for the 7th District position but will only formally campaign if Davis chooses not to run.
Ford, who has served in the legislature since 2007 and focused on education and social issues, has expressed admiration for Davis’s continued work in Congress even while considering retirement.
**Jason Friedman, Democrat**
Businessman Jason Friedman, who has not previously held public office, is now seeking to enter the race.
His tenure at Friedman Properties has positioned him within the influential development sector in Chicago, and he seeks to bring that experience to Congress.
Other declared candidates include Democrats John McCombs, Kamaria Kali, and Jerico Brown, who are positioned to potentially enter a competitive race.
### 8th Congressional District
Covering parts of the northwest suburbs and represented by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi since 2017, the 8th Congressional District is another district undergoing a transition as Krishnamoorthi runs for the Senate.
Prominent candidates stepping up to seek his seat include:
**Kevin Morrison, Democrat**
Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, previously noted for being the first openly LGBTQ+ and youngest commissioner on the Cook County Board, announced his candidacy in May.
Morrison emphasizes family support and social equity policies as a central focus of his campaign, recently gaining an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen.
**Yasmeen Bankole, Democrat**
Hanover Park Trustee Yasmeen Bankole, who previously served as a congressional aide under Krishnamoorthi, is also a candidate.
Her background includes experience with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s office, where she observed the legislative process.
“I’ve seen what’s possible when you put the people of Illinois first every day,” she remarked in her campaign announcements.
Additional candidates expressing interest in the race include Democrats Junaid Ahmed, Dan Tully, Christ Kallas, Neil Khot, Joseph Wentzel, and Sanjyot Dunung, along with Republican Mark Rice, who has previously challenged Krishnamoorthi.
### 9th Congressional District
Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky since 1999, is also set for a significant change as she retires at the end of her term.
While Schakowsky has not endorsed any candidates, multiple individuals are stepping up, including:
**Kat Abughazaleh, Democrat**
A progressive content creator, Kat Abughazaleh is leveraging her online prominence to fundraise and reach potential voters.
Her focus on mutual aid efforts and social issues, including advocating for free child care and expanded Social Security, has resonated with many supporters.
“People think that this campaign is really online, because that’s what my background is,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to ground efforts as well.
**Bushra Amiwala, Democrat**
Bushra Amiwala, a member of the Skokie School District board, has entered the race with a fresh approach, touting her professional experience working at Google and her recent educational achievements.
Amiwala aims to present her candidacy as a reflection of youthful perspectives in a seasoned political landscape.
**Daniel Biss, Democrat**
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who previously served in the Illinois General Assembly and ran for governor in 2018, has also announced his candidacy for the 9th District.
Biss quickly gained a competitive fundraising position, raising substantial amounts on the first day of his campaign.
“I think people are looking for solutions,” Biss expressed, connecting his candidacy to the public’s demand for action against perceived governmental stagnation.
**Laura Fine, Democrat**
State Sen. Laura Fine, who has represented her area since 2013, is focusing her campaign on health insurance issues, stemming from personal experience with her family’s struggles with related challenges.
In her words: “I made taking on big insurance my life’s work.”
As more candidates, including potential contenders like state Sen. Mike Simmons and state Rep. Hoan Huynh, emerge, the race continues to grow in interest.
With the primaries on the horizon, Illinois is set to witness a transformative shift in its congressional representation, further igniting the political engagements across the state.
As Democratic and Republican candidates prepare to make their cases to voters, the outcomes of these upcoming primary battles will be pivotal in shaping the state’s—and indeed the nation’s—political landscape.
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