Illinois General Primary Election
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 · 11 days away
U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Governor, statewide offices
What’s being decided
A primary election determines which candidates advance to the November general election. Voters in each party select their nominee, and the winners face each other in the fall.
Illinois holds an open primary — any registered voter may participate, regardless of party affiliation.
Candidates
U.S. Senate
Democratic · Incumbent since 2017
Tammy Duckworth has represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate since 2017. A combat veteran who lost both legs in the Iraq War, she served in the U.S. Army for 23 years and previously served in the U.S. House. She sits on the Senate Armed Services and Commerce committees and is the first senator to give birth while in office.
Democratic
Amy McGrath is a retired Marine combat pilot and Democratic candidate for Illinois's open Senate seat created by Senator Dick Durbin's retirement. She previously ran for U.S. Senate in Kentucky in 2020. McGrath lives in the Chicago suburbs and is emphasizing her military background and moderate Democratic positioning.
Republican
Mark Salvi is an Illinois Republican and candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Dick Durbin. A businessman and conservative activist, Salvi has built his campaign around reducing federal spending, border security, and opposition to what he calls government overreach. He previously ran unsuccessfully for Illinois attorney general.
Voter information
Registration deadline
Register through Election Day
You can register and vote on Election Day at your polling place.