The decision by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin not to seek reelection has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity in Illinois politics. Sixteen men and women are seeking their party nomination to succeed him: 10 Democrats and six Republicans.

Here at The 21st Show, we committed to offering a full-show interview to each of them, regardless of their experience, their standing in the polls, or their campaign fundraising. Here in alphabetical order are all the candidates to whom we've spoken, and the reasons for those to whom we haven't.

Early voting runs now through Primary Election Day, which is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. You can register to vote or find your your polling place through the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Over 100 people showed up at Love Corner Church in Champaign on February 15 to hear three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate share their top priorities and answer questions from the audience. 

There are 16... yes count ‘em... 16 candidates running for US Senate in Illinois! Republican Pamela Denise Long and Democratic candidate Awisi Quartey Bustos are two of the lesser-known people in this US Senate race. Today we hear from them.

We continue our conversations with candidates in the primary elections for U.S. senator from Illinois. Today is our tenth interview, with attorney Sean Brown, who's running in the Democratic primary.

Another conversation with a candidate for the U.S. Senate: R. Cary Capparelli is seeking the Republican nomination. He works in marketing, teaches geography, and is the son of a longtime Illinois Democratic state legislator.

He's previously run (unsuccessfully) for offices ranging from the Illinois House to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District — as both a Democrat and a Republican. We'll talk with him about domestic policy, foreign affairs, and what it's like running as a legacy in Illinois politics.