Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Dick Durbin, defeating Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly amid record $50 million in outside spending. Stratton captured around 40% of the vote, bolstered by millions from Gov. JB Pritzker, highlighting his influence ahead of his uncontested gubernatorial primary win.
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton secured the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate on March 17, 2026, according to Associated Press calls. She defeated Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who raised $25-30 million and ran ads boosting Kelly to split the Black vote, and Rep. Robin Kelly, backed by the Congressional Black Caucus. The race saw unprecedented $50 million in outside spending on the Senate and related House races. Pritzker contributed millions directly and via Illinois Future PAC ($11.8 million supporting Stratton, opposing Krishnamoorthi), after donating $5 million to an allied group. Crypto PAC Fairshake spent ~$10 million attacking Stratton. Stratton raised $2.8 million herself. CBC Chair Yvette Clarke criticized Pritzker: “Quite frankly, his behavior in this race won’t soon be forgotten.” Kelly noted 73% of Stratton's donations from one family. At Stratton's watch party, Pritzker admitted, “A lot of people have suggested this was personal to me… They were right. It was.” He had campaigned with his former running mate, calling her "hyper-qualified." Pritzker also touted his gubernatorial primary win, blasting Trump: “For working families, the Trump presidency has been an unmitigated disaster... Tariffs have raised the price of groceries and cars." Relatedly, Pritzker-backed Brad Schneider won the 10th Congressional District Democratic primary. In her victory speech, Stratton called to “abolish ICE,” alongside Medicare for All, a living wage, and opposition to President Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (too tepid). A campaign ad featured supporters saying “Fuck Trump! Vote for Juliana.” Endorsements included Sens. Tammy Duckworth, Elizabeth Warren, Tina Smith, and Prince George's Exec. Angela Alsobrooks. Higher Heights for America praised it as "a sign of progress." Sen. Cory Booker quipped on Pritzker's billions; retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky and House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel lauded his coattails. If elected in November against Republican Don Tracy, Stratton would be Illinois's fourth Black senator and the sixth Black woman in Senate history. Illinois leans Democratic (Kamala Harris won by 11 points in 2024).
