2026 midterm elections: What the next election cycle means for Illinois Democratic Party as several Congressional seats open up
Share this @internewscast.com

The political environment in Illinois is poised for a notable transformation with the upcoming election cycle, heralding a significant shift in the Democratic Party, especially within Congress.

It began when Sen. Dick Durbin announced in April that he would not pursue reelection, setting off a chain reaction. The implications for political candidates in the Chicago area are still unfolding.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Durbin’s retirement announcement earlier this year set off a tsunami that is still shaking up the political world among Illinois Democrats.

Following this, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky declared her retirement, and it is anticipated that Congressman Danny Davis will also soon announce his departure from his Congressional duties.

“And so, the real question is, in a solidly blue state like Illinois, you know, who’s going to be replacing these Clinton-era politicians, and what will that mean for the larger Democratic caucus in Congress and in the state House?” said Northwestern University Political Science Professor Alvin Tillery.

Two of the leading candidates vying to replace Durbin, Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly have to give up their House seats, creating additional openings.

“Listen, we have a deep bench in the Democratic Party of Illinois, elected officials, Congressional seats and statewide offices and legislative seats, a lot of talent, and it’s been a pent-up demand,” Durbin said.

And the Federal Elections Commission’s website indicates that demand is high with dozens of people who have already filed to run for the various House seats that will be opening up in 2026.

And current Illinois state representatives who have filed to run for Congress will have to give up their current seats, creating more openings down ballot.

“It’s a healthy thing. It happens regularly,” Durbin said.

READ MORE | Trump megabill: Who will benefit in midterms — Republicans or Democrats?

In the race to replace Durbin and fill the other openings, the ability to fundraise will be critical in helping candidates with similar views stand out.

“And so, whoever can get, get up and tell their story more effectively is going to have a chance. I also think whoever can talk to those alienated constituencies from ’24 cycle better, they’re going to stand out,” Tillery said.

Next month, candidates can begin circulating their nominating petitions, and when the primary rolls around next year, voters can expect to see a lot of names on the ballot.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Boeing settles with a man whose family died in a 2019 crash in Ethiopia

Boeing Reaches Settlement with Man After 2019 Ethiopian Crash that Killed His Family

The tragic 2019 crash claimed the lives of all 157 passengers, including…
Texas high school senior helps save family from raging floodwaters

Brave Texas High School Senior Rescues Family from Severe Flooding

A high school senior experienced a small miracle upon returning home after…
Amazon logo on a building.

Critical Amazon Recall Alert: Two Household Products Pose Fatal Risks to Children – Customers Advised to Cease Use Immediately

SHOPPERS have been issued a warning about two home items sold on…
Vladimir Putin speaking at a press conference.

West Must Overcome All Members of ‘Axis of Evil’ to Stop Putin’s Tyranny, Warns Former Top U.S. General

WESTERN nations must change their attitude to Russia and crush the war…
Top Ukrainian spy gunned down in Kyiv ambush attack: report

Senior Ukrainian Intelligence Officer Shot in Surprise Kyiv Assault: Report

A top Ukrainian spy was gunned down in Kyiv in broad daylight…
Motorcycle crash on Route 45, north of Dada Drive, leaves 1 dead in unincorporated Gurnee, Illinois: Lake County Sheriff's Office

Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Route 45 Near Dada Drive in Unincorporated Gurnee, Illinois: Lake County Sheriff’s Office Reports

UNINCORPORATED GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) — A motorcyclist was killed in a north…
'You want some? Come get some'

“Craving some? Come and get yours”

During the Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit on Saturday night, Tom…
A man placing a USB drive into a bicycle's seat post.

Russian Spy Suspected of Hiding USB Drive in Bike Seat to Leak Grant Shapps’s Confidential Information

This is the incident where a man, suspected of being a Russian…
Man holding photos of murder suspect, mistakenly identified as suspect.

Travis Decker Doppelgänger Claims He ‘Spent Night Near Murderer’ While Evading Police for Days During Manhunt

A MAN mistaken for accused child killer Travis Decker has spoken out…
It's no surprise the Trump DOJ confirmed Jeffrey Epstein killed himself — the twisted financier had lost everything

It’s unsurprising the Trump DOJ affirmed that Jeffrey Epstein’s death was a suicide— the disgraced financier had lost it all.

“It’s hard to believe that not so long ago people actually thought…
Tucker Carlson Epstein Israel: A Call for Accountability

Tucker Carlson on Epstein and Israel: Demanding Transparency and Responsibility

Tucker Carlson delivered a blistering critique at TPUSA, accusing Jeffrey Epstein of…
Lontray Clark to face murder, arson charges in court for Austin, Chicago fire that killed 4 at North and Laramie avenues

Lontray Clark to be arraigned on murder and arson charges for Austin, Chicago blaze that claimed 4 lives at North and Laramie Avenues

CHICAGO (WLS) — The suspect in a deadly fire in Chicago’s Austin…