Behind-the-scenes jostling was already underway before Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin announced that he would not seek a sixth term in the upper chamber. Now, the race to replace him is a full-on frenzy. At least three of the state’s Democratic incumbents — Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lauren Underwood — are each preparing to fight for his seat. Any bids by the trio, who all occupy safe Democratic districts, would open their respective seats to an additional layer of primary chaos among a bench of Democrats eager to capitalize on a rare opportunity to head to Washington.
Meanwhile, two longtime House incumbents are on retirement watch. Rep. Danny Davis already has a primary challenger after surviving his 2024 matchup thanks to split opposition, and 80-year-old Rep. Jan Schakowsky is reportedly expected to retire as soon as May 5. Republican Rep. Mike Bost could also face a tough primary rematch on the opposite end of the state.
IL-01: Jonathan Jackson (D) — South Side Chicago: Hyde Park, New LenoxSolid Democrat. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, son of the Rev. Jesse
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