Illinois Senate election: Juliana Stratton defeats Don Tracy, NBC News projects

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton has won the Democratic nomination for the state's US Senate seat, defeating a rival who significantly out-spent her. This victory supports Governor JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Additionally, NBC News projects that former Rep. Melissa Bean has won the election for Illinois' 8th Congressional District. Both results mark significant Democratic gains in the state's political landscape during the 2026 election cycle across different legislative levels.