Illinois politicians campaign for Dick Durbin's Senate seat

Jan

2026

In the News

Illinois politicians campaign for Dick Durbin's Senate seat

Source: WICS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — As Senator Dick Durbin announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, the race is on to see who will fill his U.S. Senate seat.

We sat down with three candidates to break down their potential economic plan to support the people of Illinois if they are elected.

We spoke to Democratic nominees: Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Robin Kelly. One point they all had in common is making life more affordable for Illinois families.

From unaffordable housing to high grocery prices, Stratton said something needs to be done.

“We need to raise wages,” Stratton said. “We need to make sure that we’re making healthcare more accessible and affordable, and we need to really give a tax break to middle class families.”

Stratton said that tax break could come from enforcing higher taxes on people who make $1 million or more.

Kelly agreed, stating millionaires, billionaires and corporations need to start paying their fair share of taxes.

“We can invest in affordable housing, more housing period, Diversity in housing,” Kelly said. “ The idea that people are paying more for childcare, we’re hoping to cap what people have to pay of a certain income.”

Krishnamoorthi said his plan is to restore the American dream. He said it’s slipping out of the hands of millions of people, and everyone deserves access to retirement, healthcare and education.

“To be able to realize their full potential,” Krishnamoorthi said. “We try to address different stages of life and the different challenges that come with that. Especially right now and try to do so with a little bit of detail as well.”

Stratton, Kelly and Krishnamoorthi are just three of the 17 active candidates running for Durbin's senate seat. They are also the only three who currently hold political office.

By Monique Davis