Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
(The Center Square) – Economic issues are front and center for Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois.
Former Illinois GOP Chairman Don Tracy is the most recognizable figure on his side of the aisle after announcing his candidacy last week.
Tracy said the economy is the standout issue, but Midwestern values are also very important.
“I’m running to champion Midwestern values in D.C. I’m running to reduce the cost of living. Also, I’m running to represent all of Illinois, not just Chicago,” Tracy told The Center Square.
Author and publisher Jimmy Lee Tillman II said his campaign is focused on birthright citizenship and a basic wage, which would be less than minimum wage.
“It’s kind of hard for a child to get a basic foot on employment with this high minimum wage. Everybody agrees that a 14 or 15-year-old shouldn’t be making $18, $19 an hour, so that takes away their ability to get a foothold in the working class,” Tillman told The Center Square.
Republicans are hoping to build on President Donald Trump’s gains in the Land of Lincoln.
Tracy said Trump got 45% of the Illinois vote last November without spending money or working the state.
“But I’m going to focus not just on the voters that voted for President Trump, but also for the swing voters and even there are some Republicans that didn’t vote for President Trump. I believe in the big tent Republican Party. I believed that as state chairman, and I certainly believe it as a U.S. Senate candidate,” Tracy said.
Tillman said he is the Trump candidate and Tracy is not.
“Deep State Don, Never-Trumper Tracy is going to have a problem in Trump counties and districts,” Tillman said.
Pamela Denise Long, Doug Bennett, Casey Chlebek and R. Cary Capparelli are also running in the GOP field.
The filing period for the March 17, 2026, primary begins Oct. 27.
###
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Op-Ed: The FAA’s O’Hare decision is a win for travelers – and for competition
Bill to prevent fraud on elderly, disabled opposed by financial institutions
Legislative Committee Advances Resolution Opposing Kidney Disease Treatment Delegation Act
Cooper gets $31.4M share of $111.2M spend
Appeals court freezes tariff ruling, businesses keep paying
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas tops $5 a gallon
Pretrial Fairness Act invoked as Illinois Supreme Court hears detention case
Border crisis fallout: Midwest prosecutions of SATG crime ongoing
EXCLUSIVE: Medical watchdog urges social work accreditor to remove DEI requirements
Commission Approves Massive Lake Michigan Water Infrastructure Project for Troy Township
Committee: Capital Improvements Committee Weighs $300 Million Options for Downtown Joliet Campus
Incumbents weather challenges in Nebraska primary
