The November 3, 2026, general election produced significant changes in the balance of political power in Washington, D.C., while Illinois voters selected candidates for federal and statewide offices and seats in the Illinois General Assembly. Although several contests remain subject to additional vote counting and certification, the results provide an initial picture of the political landscape heading into 2027.
Democrats Win Control of Both Chambers of Congress
Democrats secured control of both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, ending Republican control of Congress and establishing divided government for the remaining two years of President Donald Trump's term.
In the House, Democrats won the seats necessary to exceed the 218-member threshold required for a majority. Democrats also secured a Senate majority through victories in several competitive races. The final partisan composition of both chambers will depend on the completion of outstanding election results.
The change in congressional leadership will have implications for the federal legislative agenda, including federal spending, taxation, infrastructure investment, health care, and intergovernmental relations.
For counties, the new congressional balance of power could affect negotiations over federal funding, transportation programs, Medicaid, public safety grants, and other programs administered or supported by local governments. Congressional committees will also have new leadership and oversight priorities when the 120th United States Congress convenes in January 2027. A Democratic Senate majority could also have implications if a Supreme Court vacancy occurs in 2027 or 2028.
Illinois' 17-member congressional delegation will continue to consist of 14 Democrats and three Republicans, although several districts will be represented by newly elected members following retirements and decisions by incumbents to seek other offices.
Illinois U.S. Senate Election
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, a Democrat, won the election to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, defeating Republican Don Tracy, a former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.
Stratton received approximately 61% of the vote, compared with approximately 37.5% for Tracy, according to preliminary election returns.
Durbin's retirement concludes a Senate tenure that began in 1997. Stratton will join Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth in representing Illinois in the United States Senate.
The transition will also bring changes to Illinois' representation on Senate committees and could affect the state's participation in federal legislative discussions involving local government funding and federal-state relations.
Illinois Governor Election
Democratic Governor JB Pritzker won election to a third consecutive term, defeating Republican challenger Darren Bailey, a former state senator who also opposed Pritzker in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
Preliminary results showed Pritzker receiving approximately 60% of the vote, Bailey receiving approximately 37%, and independent candidate Collin Corbett receiving approximately 3%.
Pritzker's reelection means the administration will continue overseeing implementation of the state budget, infrastructure investments, economic development initiatives, and other programs involving Illinois counties.
Illinois Constitutional Officers
Illinois voters also elected candidates for Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer. Democrats retained all four offices.
Attorney General: Incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul won reelection to a third term, defeating Republican Bob Fioretti. The Attorney General's office serves as the state's chief legal office and handles litigation, consumer protection, and enforcement of various state laws.
Secretary of State: Incumbent Democrat Alexi Giannoulias won reelection to a second term, defeating Republican Diane Harris. The office administers vehicle registration, driver services, business filings, and other state programs.
Comptroller: Democratic State Representative Margaret Croke won the open election to succeed Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who did not seek another term. Croke defeated Republican Bryan Drew. The Comptroller maintains the state's financial accounts and oversees the processing of state payments, including payments affecting local governments.
Treasurer: Incumbent Democrat Michael Frerichs won reelection to a fourth term, defeating Republican Max Solomon. The Treasurer manages state investments and administers financial programs involving public funds, including programs available to local governments.
The results preserve Democratic control of all six statewide elected executive offices, including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
Illinois General Assembly Elections
Democrats expanded their supermajorities in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly after gaining several seats previously held by Republicans. All 118 Illinois House seats and a portion of the 59 Illinois Senate seats were on the November 3 ballot.
Although many legislative races were uncontested, several competitive suburban districts resulted in changes in representation. As of the morning of November 4, Democrats had gained at least four Republican-held legislative seats, with additional contests awaiting final results.
Illinois House of Representatives
Democrats expanded their supermajority in the Illinois House of Representatives, with several notable results involving suburban districts.
In the 47th House District, which includes portions of DuPage County, Democrat Erica Bray-Parker defeated Republican Robert Vrankovich. The seat was previously represented by retiring Republican Representative Amy Grant.
In the 52nd House District, Democrat Maria Peterson defeated incumbent Republican Representative Martin McLaughlin, changing the party representation of the district.
Several additional Republican-held House districts remained competitive in preliminary returns, including Districts 48, 65, 70 and 104. Final results in these contests will help determine the precise composition of the House when the new General Assembly convenes.
More than half of the House contests were uncontested, including races involving incumbents from both political parties.
Illinois Senate
Democrats also grew their supermajority in the Illinois Senate after gaining seats previously represented by Republicans.
In the 26th Senate District, Democratic State Representative Nabeela Syed defeated incumbent Republican Senator Darby Hills. The district includes portions of Chicago's northwestern suburbs.
In the 33rd Senate District, Democrat Michele Clark defeated Republican Danielle Penman. The seat was previously held by retiring Republican Senator Don DeWitte.
Other Senate contests remained unresolved in early reporting, including Districts 24, 32, 35 and 56, where Democratic candidates held preliminary leads.
The final partisan composition of the Senate will become clearer as outstanding ballots are counted and results are certified.
Implications for County Government
The composition of the Illinois General Assembly is particularly important to counties because state lawmakers establish the statutory framework governing county responsibilities, revenues, operations, and authority.
Among the issues likely to remain relevant during the next legislative session are local government funding, property taxation, transportation infrastructure, public safety, election administration, renewable energy facility siting, land use authority, and state-imposed mandates.
Changes in legislative representation may also affect committee assignments, leadership positions, and the development of legislation affecting county governments.
Looking Ahead
The election results establish the framework for a new period of federal and state policymaking beginning in January 2027.
At the federal level, Democratic control of Congress will require negotiations with the Republican administration on legislation requiring presidential approval. Federal appropriations, infrastructure programs, and other policies affecting county governments will remain important areas of attention.
In Illinois, Governor Pritzker will begin a third term, Democrats will continue to control statewide constitutional offices, and the General Assembly will convene with Democratic majorities in both chambers.
ISACo will continue monitoring developments at the federal and state levels and providing information about their implications for Illinois counties.
Editor's Note: This article reflects publicly reported election results available as of November 4, 2026. Some election results remain unofficial and may change as additional ballots are counted and results are certified. ISACo will update this article as necessary to reflect new developments, final election outcomes, and changes in the composition of Congress and the Illinois General Assembly.