Senate Republicans Targeting Turner, Halpin in 2026
Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield)
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With one month before petition circulation begins for the 2026 election, sources say Senate Republicans are honing in on two Democratic seats as potential pickup opportunities.
Republicans are actively recruiting challengers to Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) and Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island), we’re told.
Turner, who was appointed to replace now-Deputy Governor Andy Manar in 2021, won a full term in 2022 defeating then-Rep. Sandy Hamilton in a tight 51%-49% race that became the most expensive legislative race in state history.
We’re told Republicans have approached Sangamon County Recorder Frank Lesko, who won the office from Democratic hands in 2024. Earlier this year, voters chose to eliminate the office, putting Lesko out of a job next year.
Lesko did not return a message from The Illinoize Monday.
We’re told Springfield Alderman Ralph Hanauer has also been approached, but his interest doesn’t appear significant.
One top Republican who isn’t seeking the seat is Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield), who confirms he’s planning to seek re-election to the House next year.
Turner’s 48th District stretches from Springfield to Decatur and includes Rochester, Chatham, and Kincaid.
In the Quad Cities-based 36th District, one of the top GOP candidates, Knox County Board member Jennifer Fredrick announced in a lengthy social media post that she wouldn’t seek the GOP nomination the race after all.
She blamed “online harassment as well as threatening phone calls and text messages and stalking” for her withdrawal.
Her current primary opponent, Patrick Harlan, is seen as a long shot to win the seat in November and has made statements previously that have led to criticism of racism.
The larger question looming over the GOP some 16 months before the 2026 election is if Republicans have the funds to compete in any pickup races.
Senate Republicans have to protect multiple vulnerable incumbents, including Senate GOP Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove), Sen. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett), Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), Sen. Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon), and appointed Sen. Darby Hills (R-Barrington Hills), who is seen as the top target of Democrats next year.
The races could cost the GOP millions to protect.
