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With the 2024 elections on the horizon, Illinois Democrats are gearing up for a competitive Senate race. Senator Tammy Duckworth is up for reelection in 2024, and while she is expected to seek another term, the race could draw strong Democratic primary challengers. Illinois is a solidly blue state, so the Democratic primary is often the main event in Senate races here. Let’s take a look at some of the potential Democratic candidates who could vie for a Senate seat in 2024.
Tammy Duckworth
Senator Tammy Duckworth is considered the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination if she decides to seek reelection. Duckworth was first elected to the Senate in 2016 after representing Illinois’s 8th congressional district in the U.S. House for two terms. She is an Iraq War veteran who lost both of her legs in combat. Her personal story and political credentials make her a formidable incumbent.
As a Senator, Duckworth has advocated for veterans’ issues, healthcare reform, and environmental protections. She has called for increasing taxes on wealthy Americans and expanding healthcare coverage. Duckworth could face primary opposition from the left, but she remains popular with Illinois Democrats. At this point, the 2024 race appears to be Duckworth’s for the taking if she wants it.
Cheri Bustos
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos has been floated as a potential Senate candidate in 2024. Bustos currently represents Illinois’s 17th congressional district in the U.S. House. She previously worked as a journalist before getting elected to Congress in 2012. Bustos chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee during the 2020 election cycle.
As a moderate Democrat, Bustos could pose a challenge to Duckworth from the center. She has called for bipartisan solutions to issues like immigration reform and infrastructure. Bustos is considered a rising star among Midwestern Democrats. However, she only narrowly won reelection in 2020 in a district Donald Trump carried in 2016. A statewide Senate bid would be her first attempt at higher office.
Robin Kelly
Congresswoman Robin Kelly could also consider running for Senate in 2024. Kelly has represented Illinois’s 2nd congressional district since 2013. She previously served in the Illinois House and worked for the Illinois Secretary of State. Kelly has made gun control a signature issue during her time in Congress.
As an African American woman, Kelly would bring diversity to the Senate Democratic caucus. She is progressive on issues like immigration, healthcare access, and voting rights. Kelly won reelection by a commanding margin in 2020, proving her ability to win statewide. However, Duckworth would likely have higher name recognition in a Democratic primary.
Other Potential Candidates
A number of other Illinois Democrats could contemplate Senate bids in 2024 as well. These include State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Congressman Chuy Garcia, former Governor Pat Quinn, Congressman Bill Foster, and State Senator Cristina Castro among others. Mendoza and Garcia in particular are seen as rising political stars who could mount credible challenges.
There is also a chance that unexpected candidates will emerge closer to the 2024 election cycle. Names like businessman and philanthropist J.B. Pritzker floated a brief 2020 presidential bid. Billionaire governor candidate Chris Kennedy could also take another look at elected office. Wealthy self-funded candidates are always wild cards in Senate races.
Outlook for Democrats
Regardless of the eventual nominee, Illinois is highly likely to keep its Senate seat in Democratic hands for 2024. The last time the state elected a Republican Senator was in 1998. However, a competitive Democratic primary could heighten divisions within the party going into the general election.
Democrats will need to defend their thin Senate majority in 2024, so party leaders want to avoid a messy intraparty fight in Illinois. At the same time, primary competition can help engage voters ahead of the general election. With Duckworth appearing safe if she runs again, the race for the Illinois Democratic job will be one to watch.