The contest to replace outgoing Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin is officially underway, with Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi launching his campaign on Wednesday—intensifying an already crowded and competitive Democratic primary in one of the party’s most reliably blue states.

Krishnamoorthi, who has represented parts of suburban northwest Chicago since 2017, declared himself the candidate willing to "stand up to Donald Trump and stand up to bullies"—signaling a campaign likely to center on fighting extremism and pushing for economic equity.

This marks the first hotly contested Democratic Senate primary in Illinois in nearly a decade. And with several major Democratic factions backing different candidates, the race is shaping up to be both divisive and expensive.

Joining Krishnamoorthi in the primary are U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, and possibly Rep. Lauren Underwood, who is reportedly still mulling her decision. Stratton, seen as a strong contender, already has the backing of Governor JB Pritzker—bringing serious political muscle and fundraising power into the mix.

The stakes are high. While Democrats are favored to hold the seat in the general election, this primary could signal where the party’s base stands heading into 2026. The Democratic establishment faces pressure to articulate a compelling vision on the economy and middle-class security, as internal divisions continue to play out on the national stage.

“We’ve got work to do—and we’ve got to get to it right now,” Krishnamoorthi said when asked about the party’s economic message. He added, “Democrats should never be the party that defends the status quo.”

His campaign is already starting from a position of financial strength, with nearly $19 million in the bank after raising $3 million in the first quarter alone. That dwarfs Kelly’s $2 million and positions him well in what could be one of the most expensive Senate primaries of the cycle.

Stratton, meanwhile, is leaning into her executive experience and pushing the idea of fresh leadership. “Illinois needs new voices in Washington who know how to get things done and are not afraid to fight back,” she said.

Pritzker’s endorsement of Stratton has also drawn attention, as the billionaire governor is believed to be weighing a future presidential run himself. According to Senator Durbin, “The word on the street is he’s promised her some money that could make her competitive.”

Durbin, 80, is stepping away after nearly three decades in the Senate and has held the No. 2 Democratic leadership role since 2005. Though he has not endorsed any candidate yet, he hasn’t ruled it out.

Krishnamoorthi made clear he’d welcome Durbin’s support—but stressed that ultimately, voters should decide. “I like JB Pritzker. But this is about the people of Illinois choosing who they want to represent them in Washington.”

In policy terms, Krishnamoorthi has staked out a reformist position. He recently voted against a GOP-backed spending bill that split Democrats, and he declined to say whether he would support Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer continuing in his leadership role.

“I want to hear what his priorities are going to be,” Krishnamoorthi said. “I hope they reflect what I’m talking about—ensuring every American can reach their full economic potential.”

Krishnamoorthi also pointed to his national security experience, including service on the House Intelligence Committee and his support for both Trump impeachments, as qualifications for a Senate seat. “We need someone who’s ready to take Trump on, as I’ve done already,” he said.

Pressed on whether he believes Stratton is unprepared for that fight, Krishnamoorthi responded: “No—I’m saying I’m best prepared to do this job.”

Kelly, the third official candidate, is focusing her message on experience and accountability, emphasizing her work on gun reform and maternal health. “This moment requires proven leaders... I’ve never backed down—not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for what’s right,” she said in a statement.

As more candidates potentially enter the field, Illinois is shaping up to be a political battleground to watch. With big personalities, big money, and big issues on the table, the Democratic Senate primary could set the tone for what’s to come nationally in 2026.


By WafricNews Political Desk.