What to know about the upcoming U.S. Senate debate

The Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics are hosting a debate with the three leading Democratic candidates in the March 17 primary for the open U.S. Senate seat to replace outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin.

The debate will be held on Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at the University of Chicago's International House.

Who is participating in the debate?

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton

Can I attend?

The event is free and open to the public, but registration has been capped. The event is first come, first served and priority seating will be given to University of Chicago students. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

Can I listen/watch the debate?

Feel free to tune in via the Institute of Politics Youtube livestream, the Chicago Sun-Times’ Youtube livestream, WBEZ’s Youtube livestream, or live on air at WBEZ 91.5 FM.

Who is moderating the debate?

The debate will be co-moderated by Chicago Sun-Times national political reporter Tina Sfondeles and IOP senior director Jennifer Steinhauer, and hosted by WBEZ’s In the Loop host, Sasha-Ann Simons.

How many people are running for Durbin’s seat?

In addition to Krishnamoorthi, Kelly and Stratton, Democratic candidates include Steve Botsford Jr., Sean Brown, Jonathan Dean, Bryan Maxwell, Christopher Swann, and Kevin Ryan. R. Cary Capparelli, Casey Chlebek, Jeannie Evans, Pamela Denise Long, Jimmy Lee Tillman II and Don Tracy are running in the Republican primary. Independents Austin Mink, Tyrone Muhammad and Anthony Smith are running as independents.