Former Illinois GOP Chairman Don Tracy is pushing forward in a crowded Republican primary field for the U.S. Senate, emphasizing the urgent need to restore political balance in a state dominated by Democrats. Tracy is campaigning for the seat currently held by retiring Democrat Dick Durbin and says Illinois must break free from one-party control.
Speaking with The Center Square, Tracy acknowledged that while his campaign is in a strong position, he is not letting up. “The primary is March 17th and right now, it looks good for us, but things can change. So we’re taking nothing for granted. We’re campaigning hard to win the March primary,” he said.
Tracy emphasized that Illinois hasn’t elected a Republican to a statewide office since former Governor Bruce Rauner, and that the political imbalance has harmed the state. “We need to make this a two-party state again,” Tracy stated. “And the way to start that is by electing an Illinois Republican for this open U.S. Senate seat. And that would be me.”
Tracy faces a Republican field that includes Casey Chlebek, Cary Capparelli, Pamela Denise Long, Jimmy Lee Tillman, and Jeannie Evans, along with CaSándra Claiborne and John Goodman, both of whom are facing petition challenges.
On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly raised eyebrows by declaring the recent federal government shutdown “worth it,” citing dissatisfaction with the funding bill passed by Congress. Tracy criticized Senate Democrats for abusing the filibuster to hold the government hostage.
“The filibuster should not be used by a minority party to try to get their way that they can’t get by voting or by negotiation,” Tracy said. “It cost the economy, stranded travelers, and cut off food stamps.”
Tracy is positioning himself as the conservative candidate who will bring common sense and accountability back to Washington, starting with a GOP win in deep-blue Illinois.
