Illinois Legislative News: October 12, 2026
Third Reading Consulting Group
2026 Illinois General Election Preview
Attached is a complete listing of the statewide, congressional, and state House and Senate races taking place in the November 3, 2026, general election. Under Illinois law, early voting can begin as early as 40 days before the election, meaning early voting began on September 24. There are several races to watch throughout the state, including the gubernatorial election, which will determine whether Gov. JB Pritzker is reelected to a third term; the U.S. Senate election, in which Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin; and all 17 of Illinois’ congressional seats, which are up for election. All 118 seats in the state House of Representatives will also be on the ballot, along with 39 of the 59 state Senate seats.
While the national political environment is currently viewed as favorable to Democrats, Illinois is not expected to see significant changes in its overall partisan composition. Democrats already hold supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, all statewide elected offices, 14 of the state’s 17 congressional seats, and both U.S. Senate seats. As a result, the 2026 election is likely to be more significant for individual races, open seats, and changes within the existing partisan majorities than for a broader shift in party control across the state.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 3 – Illinois General Election
November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1
December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2