A historic wave of retirements is hitting the Illinois congressional delegation, and every statewide office is up for election. As we settle into a new year, here are three political storylines to watch for before the March primary: U.

will be nothing short of a banner year with so many races and a bumper crop of candidates vying for what could be an unprecedented number of open congressional seats.

Bob Rita, a Democrat who has represented the Blue Island area in the Illinois house, will run unopposed in the March primary.

Central Illinois election officials are urging voters not to be discouraged by new changes to postage rules, as the USPS has issued new guidance which states the postmark date may not match the day you drop your mail into your mailbox.

CHICAGO - Early voting for the 2026 primary election in Illinois will start soon, with voters having multiple opportunities to cast their ballot for several key local, state, and federal offices. While the primary election day is set for March 17, there will also be early voting via mail and in-person available weeks beforehand.

With 2026 upon us, the new year offers Illinois voters a fresh opportunity to change Springfield. Primary elections are March 17. But early voting begins Feb. 5. The bombardment of political ads will commence this week. And so will the Republican primary voter litmus test.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Darin LaHood are up for reelection in 2026. Those races and others will have an impact around the state and locally.