5 takeaways from the Illinois primaries

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.