5 takeaways from the Illinois primaries

CBS News
March 18, 2026
3 min read

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Illinois' heavily Democratic voter registration advantage means primary winners are likely to win November general elections.

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Illinois' primary elections produced five key takeaways about the state's political landscape and November prospects. The state's heavily Democratic lean means statewide candidates and those running in the Chicago area and its suburbs enter the general election as favorites. The primary results signal which Democratic nominees will benefit from the party's structural advantage in Illinois, where registered Democrats significantly outnumber Republicans. Winners in competitive Democratic races will likely advance to general election victories, barring major upsets. The outcomes provide a preview of which candidates have built sufficient support among the party's base to capitalize on Illinois' blue-state status in the fall.

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