Don Tracy fights to break Illinois’ Democratic stronghold in Senate race
The race for Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat is heating up as 22 candidates vie to replace Democrat Dick Durbin. Among them is Don Tracy, a former state GOP chairman aiming to secure the Republican nomination. His campaign focuses on ending Illinois’ long stretch without a statewide Republican officeholder.
Don Tracy has launched an aggressive bid for the March 17 primary, arguing that Illinois needs a Republican voice to restore political balance. He has criticised Senate Democrats, including Robin Kelly, for their role in the recent federal shutdown. Tracy claims they abused the filibuster to block funding, forcing the government to close temporarily.
Illinois has not elected a Republican to statewide office since Bruce Rauner left in 2019. Tracy’s campaign emphasises breaking the Democrats’ dominance, though he faces competition from seven other Republicans. Two of those GOP candidates, like six of the 14 Democrats, now deal with petition objections that could affect their eligibility.
Despite his push, Tracy has not yet secured the nomination. Dick Durbin remains in office as of November 2025, having not announced retirement. The eventual winner will take on a crowded field, with Democrats also battling internal challenges before the general election.
The primary race will determine whether Tracy or another Republican advances to challenge the Democratic nominee. With 22 candidates in total and legal hurdles for some, the contest remains unpredictable. The outcome could reshape Illinois’ political landscape after years of single-party control.
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