Early voting began in Illinois (primary election day March 17, 2026). It seems Kat Abughazaleh is going to need endorsements from AOC and Bernie Sanders to have a chance to win the primary. And Juliana Stratton might also needs such endorsements in the Illinois US Senate race.

KAT ABUGHAZALEH:

2026 Primary Election Calendar: All the Dates Ahead of Midterms

What's in this Post comment is what I remember, my opinions, etc.

Home Page - Kat for Illinois

She has some of the most progressive endorsements (Justice Democrats, Sunrise Movement, etc.). Politico says that US Representative Ro Khanna endorses her.

Kat Abughazaleh - Justice Democrats

But Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has the actual major endorsements so far: Endorsements — Daniel Biss for Congress

Including US Senator Elizabeth Warren, US Representative Pramila Jayapal, SEIU State Council, the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, etc.

Laura Fine is A*PAC supported and must be defeated.

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The main criticism of Kat's campaign is that while she's raised around $3Mln for the primary, she's burned through almost all of it and relatively doesn't have much cash on hand. And even more criticism is that she's used so much campaign money for mutual aid-type things and most reason that it hasn't actually helped her ability to actually win the race.

JULIANA STRATTON:

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and US Representative Robin Kelly are currently splitting the progressive vote and it's resulting in US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi currently leading the race. But Illinois Lt. Gov. Stratton is catching up.

RAJA MAINTAINS LEAD IN SENATE RACE                                                    

Juliana's Priorities | Juliana Stratton

Supports Medicare For All, a $25/hour minimum wage, etc.

Endorsements | Juliana Stratton

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, US Senator Elizabeth Warren, etc.

Overall, it seems Stratton is maybe more progressive than Kelly.