The 2026 midterm elections delivered significant victories for Democrats across Illinois, including the election of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton to the U.S. Senate, Gov. JB Pritzker’s reelection to a third term and victories in several congressional districts serving Chicago and its surrounding communities.
But one of the most consequential developments for Chicago residents came in the city’s public school system.
Jessica Biggs declared victory in the race to become Chicago’s first elected Board of Education president, defeating former Chicago Teachers Union political official Hilario Dominguez and attorney Victor Henderson.
With more than 95% of precincts reporting early Wednesday, Biggs held approximately 49% of the vote, compared with 31% for Dominguez and 18% for Henderson.
Her apparent victory comes as voters selected representatives for all 20 school board districts, completing the transition from a system in which the mayor appointed the city’s education leadership.
The newly elected 21-member board will oversee Chicago Public Schools, including decisions involving school funding, district leadership, academic performance, staffing and the future of neighborhood schools.
The election also reflected continuing disagreements over the influence of the Chicago Teachers Union, which supported candidates in several district contests. Although Biggs defeated the union-backed presidential candidate, union-supported candidates won or led in multiple district races.
Several school board contests remained close as votes continued to be counted Wednesday, leaving the final balance of the incoming board subject to additional tabulation.
For families across Chicago, particularly on the South and West Sides, the new board’s decisions will carry significant consequences for school resources, student achievement and community participation in education policy.
Illinois voters also selected a new U.S. senator.
Democrat Juliana Stratton defeated Republican Don Tracy and independent candidate Whitfield Harrington to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, who has represented Illinois in the Senate for three decades.
Stratton’s election carries national historical significance. She will become the second Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois, following Carol Moseley Braun, who became the first Black woman elected to the chamber in 1992.
When Stratton takes office alongside Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, three Black women will serve in the U.S. Senate simultaneously for the first time in American history.
Stratton’s victory also means Illinois will be represented in the Senate by two women of color, with Stratton joining Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
In the governor’s race, Democratic incumbent JB Pritzker defeated Republican Darren Bailey, securing a third consecutive term in office.
Pritzker’s reelection keeps Democrats in control of the governor’s office and positions his administration to continue shaping state policies involving education, taxes, transportation, public safety and economic development.
Illinois Democrats also retained key statewide offices.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul won reelection, while Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias secured another term. Their victories maintained Democratic leadership in offices responsible for legal enforcement, consumer protection, state records and essential government services.
Congressional races across the Chicago area produced several important outcomes.
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson won reelection in Illinois’ 1st Congressional District, continuing his representation of communities on Chicago’s South Side and surrounding areas.
In the 7th Congressional District, state Rep. La Shawn Ford won the election to succeed longtime Congressman Danny Davis, marking a leadership transition in a district that includes portions of Chicago’s West Side.
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller won Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, succeeding outgoing Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
Former Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss also won the 9th Congressional District, succeeding retiring Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.
Those results mean Chicago and its surrounding communities will send several new representatives to Congress at a time when national debates over health care, immigration, federal spending and economic policy remain prominent.
Nationally, Democrats secured enough victories to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives, changing the balance of power in Washington for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.
The results create the possibility of increased congressional oversight and new negotiations over federal spending and legislation, although the practical impact will depend on the final composition of Congress and the priorities of its incoming leadership. Tuesday’s election brought together major changes in local education governance, a historic Senate victory and a new generation of congressional representation.
While the winners of several major races have been projected, election-night totals remain unofficial until election authorities complete their counting and certification processes.
See the full 2026 election results
The Chicago Defender’s Election Central provides a central location to follow Chicago and Illinois election results, including key statewide races, congressional contests, national election results and continuing election coverage.
Visit https://chicagodefender.com/election26 for the latest results, race updates and election reporting.
