Don Tracy, a Republican from Springfield, is running for U.S. Senate in Illinois in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Tracy faces Democrat Juliana Stratton and American Center candidate Whitfield Harrington Jr. He is certified for the ballot, according to Ballotpedia. Tracy's campaign platform centers on reducing regulation, lowering energy costs and supporting small businesses, according to his campaign website.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Springfield, Illinois
- Birthplace: Urbana, Illinois; raised in Mount Sterling, Illinois
- Education: Bachelor's degree in general business administration, Arizona State University (1972); juris doctor, University of Memphis (1976)
- Current employment: Partner at Brown Hay & Stephens (1995–present), according to BallotReady
Experience and public service
Tracy has held roles in law, government and Republican Party politics over several decades, according to his Winnebago County GOP profile and BallotReady.
- Illinois Republican Party chair (2021–2024)
- Chair, Illinois Gaming Board (2015–2019)
- Candidate for lieutenant governor (2010)
- President, Sangamon County Bar Association
- President, Abraham Lincoln Association
- Secretary, Illinois Bar Foundation
Tracy is an attorney. His legal career includes owning Don Tracy PC (1982–1990), serving as a partner at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen (1990–1995) and his current partnership at Brown Hay & Stephens, according to BallotReady.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Tracy's responses on his campaign website, as collected by BallotReady. They reflect the candidate's own stated views.
Economy and regulation
Tracy said he wants to lower the cost of doing business by cutting what he calls excess regulation. He said he would work to support American manufacturers and farmers by ensuring "a fair, level playing field when they compete in the global marketplace," according to his campaign website. He also said he would support small businesses, manufacturers and farmers throughout Illinois by streamlining regulation.
Energy and cost of living
Tracy said he would pursue what he describes as common-sense solutions to make life more affordable for working families. His campaign website states he would lower energy and gas costs by pursuing a reasonable energy policy that uses all available energy sources. Tracy said this approach would lower costs and protect energy independence while continuing a transition to clean energy.
Endorsements
Tracy has received endorsements from several Republican officials and organizations, according to Ballotpedia and BallotReady. They include former Illinois Comptroller and Deputy Governor Leslie Munger, former state Rep. Dan Caulkins and former Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar. Other endorsers include former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara, former Illinois Republican National Committeeman Richard Porter and state central committeeman Jeanne Ives.
Organizational endorsements include the Hanover Township Republican Organization, Wheeling Township Republican Organization, Lake County GOP, Madison County GOP and Illinois Family Action.
About this race
The U.S. Senate seat represents all of Illinois. A senator serves a six-year term and votes on federal legislation, confirms presidential appointments and ratifies treaties.
Candidate issue responses were collected by BallotReady from the candidate's campaign website. Evanston Wire presents them to help voters compare candidates. They do not represent endorsements.
