Illinois Senate race to fill Durbin's seat!

From Kalshi. Looks like Tracy is going down.

U.S. Senate race: Stratton vs. Tracy

By Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann and Carrie Shepherd, Axios News

Oct 8, 2026

Split image: left shows a woman in an orange-and-white striped sleeveless dress addressing reporters with microphones; right shows a man in a red polo and blazer being interviewed near patriotic bunting and a PROUD REPUBLICAN sign.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (left) and Don Tracy (right) at the Illinois State Fair in August. Photos: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

For the first time in 30 years, Illinois will not have a U.S. senator named Durbin.

Why it matters: The midterm election will determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.

The big picture: Sen. Dick Durbin is retiring after three decades in the Senate, paving the way for a new face to join Sen. Tammy Duckworth in Washington.

Zoom in: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) faces former Illinois GOP chairman Don Tracy (R).

Independent Whitfield Harrington Jr. is also on the ballot.

The issues: Voters have a sharp ideological choice: Stratton is running on several progressive national priorities, while Tracy is campaigning on a more conservative approach to government.

Immigration: Stratton supports abolishing ICE, while Tracy favors stronger borders and enforcement of existing federal immigration laws.

Trump: Stratton has made opposition to President Trump's agenda a central theme of her campaign. Tracy has defended parts of Trump's agenda, although he says he wouldn't be a "rubber stamp."

Guns: Stratton supports stronger federal gun restrictions, including an assault weapons ban. Tracy emphasizes Second Amendment protections.

What's next: The candidates are scheduled to appear together Oct. 20 for a live WTTW forum — their only planned joint appearance before Election Day.