Who Is Running for Senate in Illinois in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Richard Durbin
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSenator Richard Durbin voted for a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through January 30, 2026, which fully funds SNAP, WIC, and Veterans programs, and reverses mass firings to prevent hardship for federal workers. He supports raising the minimum wage to $10.10, advocates for pro-union policies reflected by an 85% AFL-CIO rating, and has worked to increase service member pay while securing funding for Illinois defense contractors and manufacturing.
Immigration
HighRichard Durbin advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, citing his work on the 2013 "Gang of Eight" bill that sought to secure borders and provide a path to citizenship for eligible undocumented immigrants. He criticizes what he calls "cruel" and "reckless" immigration enforcement tactics by the Department of Homeland Security, demanding agents adhere to the same rules as local police, including displaying identification and obtaining judicial warrants. He supports blocking DHS funding until these reforms are implemented.
Healthcare
HighSenator Richard Durbin opposes Republican votes that would raise health insurance premiums for millions of Americans by rejecting the extension of Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits. He emphasizes that Congress must address the rising cost of healthcare and ensure Americans are not priced out of insurance, advocating for bipartisan solutions to improve the ACA.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Richard Durbin |
|---|---|
| Economy | Senator Richard Durbin voted for a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through January 30, 2026, which fully funds SNAP, WIC, and Veterans programs, and reverses mass firings to prevent hardship for federal workers. He supports raising the minimum wage to $10.10, advocates for pro-union policies reflected by an 85% AFL-CIO rating, and has worked to increase service member pay while securing funding for Illinois defense contractors and manufacturing. High |
| Immigration | Richard Durbin advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, citing his work on the 2013 "Gang of Eight" bill that sought to secure borders and provide a path to citizenship for eligible undocumented immigrants. He criticizes what he calls "cruel" and "reckless" immigration enforcement tactics by the Department of Homeland Security, demanding agents adhere to the same rules as local police, including displaying identification and obtaining judicial warrants. He supports blocking DHS funding until these reforms are implemented. High |
| Healthcare | Senator Richard Durbin opposes Republican votes that would raise health insurance premiums for millions of Americans by rejecting the extension of Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits. He emphasizes that Congress must address the rising cost of healthcare and ensure Americans are not priced out of insurance, advocating for bipartisan solutions to improve the ACA. High |
| Climate & Energy | Richard Durbin has actively supported environmental protection, evidenced by his 89% pro-environment rating from the League of Conservation Voters. He has led efforts to protect the Great Lakes, including securing funding for restoration and introducing legislation to prohibit plastic pellet discharge. Durbin also worked to reduce emissions, phase out non-essential uses of PFAS, and secured funding for electric vehicle infrastructure in Illinois. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Senator Richard Durbin supports reproductive rights, including the right to abortion, while personally opposing abortion. He voted to support cloture on the Right to IVF Act and the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, which aimed to establish statutory rights for access to reproductive technologies and health care decisions. Durbin opposed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, characterizing it as targeting healthcare providers, and stated that government should not intrude on a woman's reproductive choices with her doctor, family, and conscience. High |
| Foreign Policy | Richard Durbin has strongly supported the NATO alliance, advocating for the accession of Poland and the Baltics and securing funding for their security. As a leader on the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, he directed funding for defense contractors and strengthened military bases. Durbin opposed a military attack on Iran in 2026, citing concerns about an interminable war, deadly consequences for troops, and an impulsive commander-in-chief. High |
| Education | Senator Richard Durbin has actively supported college affordability initiatives, including negotiating the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act and securing $61 million for the Open Textbook Pilot Program, which aims to reduce textbook costs for students. He opposed efforts to halt federal funding for Minority-Serving Institutions. Additionally, he has advocated for reauthorizing the READ Act to promote global basic education and cosponsored the Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026, which proposes significant investments in school infrastructure. High |
| Gun Policy | Senator Richard Durbin supports strengthening the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and making gun trafficking a federal crime, aiming to keep firearms from prohibited individuals. He is open to red flag laws and has advocated for increased funding for school safety and mental health. Durbin also challenged changes to firearm export rules, stating concerns they could aid violent cartels and drug traffickers. High |
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