How often is State Senator elected?

The position of State Senator is typically elected every 4 years, 2 years, 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Illinois?

Filing fee is $0; signature requirements for established party candidates 1,000-3,000, for independent and new party candidates not less than 5% of the total number of persons who voted at the last regular General Election within the congressional district.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Illinois Board of Elections' office.

Where is the filing office?

2329 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62704

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 217-782-4141.

How do I get started running for State Senator?

You can start running for State Senator by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for State Senator does not include a primary or runoff election.

State Senator in Illinois

Candidates for State Senator

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for State Senator.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in Illinois.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for Illinois's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

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Find your polling location

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Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

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About State Senator

About this position

State Senators are members of the state's upper chamber, as part of the state's bicameral legislature. State senators are responsible for voting on: bills related to public policy matters, levels for state spending, raises or decreases in taxes, and whether to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 4 years, Every 2 years, Every 4 years
Typical salary: $69,464/year + 151/per diem
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for State Senator

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
A candidate must be a United States citizen, at least 21 years old, and for the 2 years preceding his election or appointment a resident of the district which he is to represent
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee is $0; signature requirements for established party candidates 1,000-3,000, for independent and new party candidates not less than 5% of the total number of persons who voted at the last regular General Election within the congressional district.
Filing period
June 15, 2026 - June 22, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Illinois Board of Elections' office.
Where to file
2329 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62704
Filing phone
217-782-4141
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

State Senator in Illinois

On the ballot

Candidates for State Senator

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Illinois's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About State Senator

About this position

Election type

How to run for State Senator

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for State Legislature

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About this guide

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