Illinois heads to elect next senator and five congressional district candidates

Illinois voters head to the polls Tuesday for a competitive special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by longtime Senator Dick Durbin's retirement. The Democratic primary field includes two U.S. representatives and the state's lieutenant governor, with the race drawing substantial outside spending from major donors including those affiliated with pro-Israel advocacy groups. The election also determines nominees for five open congressional seats across the state. Illinois's Senate race has become one of the most expensive midwestern contests this cycle, reflecting both the seat's significance and the crowded primary field competing to succeed Durbin. Whoever emerges from Tuesday's Democratic primary will face the general election in a state with a substantial Democratic advantage.