Democratic Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won Illinois' Senate primary, backed by $12 million from Gov. JB Pritzker's super PAC, vaulting her to the heavy favorite for November. Her victory, which would make her the third Black woman in the Senate, came despite late crypto-backed spending targeting her. The race highlighted identity politics over ideology, with Stratton campaigning on abolishing ICE while opponent Raja Krishnamoorthi moderated his stance.

Pro-Israel groups like AIPAC spent roughly $20 million across four Illinois House races, winning two but losing two. AIPAC-backed Melissa Bean won in the Ninth District, while progressive Daniel Biss prevailed in the Seventh District after AIPAC groups spent heavily against him. This split outcome follows AIPAC's earlier loss in New Jersey, showing the lobby's mixed influence.

The crypto sector invested $10 million to support Krishnamoorthi in the Senate primary, where he lost, and $2.5 million against Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss in the Seventh District, who won. AI industry super PACs backed Jesse Jackson Jr.'s comeback bid, which also failed. These results signal investors may now view Illinois as a bellwether for broader political risk in 2026.