In Illinois, an open Senate seat draws a historic field of primary candidates

The retirement of Democratic Senator Dick Durbin has triggered a competitive primary race for Illinois' U.S. Senate seat, with several diverse candidates entering the field. Democratic Governor JB Pritzker has endorsed Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and is expected to financially support her campaign, while Representatives Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi are also seeking the nomination alongside longshots Awisi Bustos and Anthony Williams. The primary could make history for representation, as the election of Stratton, Kelly, or Bustos would result in a record three Black women serving in the Senate simultaneously, while Krishnamoorthi would become only the tenth Asian American to serve in the chamber.