Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton Wins Illinois Democratic Senate Primary

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton secured a decisive victory in the Illinois Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on March 17, 2026.

She defeated a crowded field of ten candidates including Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly.

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Stratton emerged with 39.6% of the vote to Krishnamoorthi's 33.4% and Kelly's 18.5%, according to The Associated Press call.

The call came over two hours after polls closed with Stratton performing particularly well in Cook County, which includes Chicago.

Her victory marked a significant political triumph in a state where Democrats have dominated statewide elections for over a decade.

Governor JB Pritzker emerged as the key architect behind Stratton's victory, providing both political support and substantial financial backing.

Pritzker, considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, contributed at least $5 million to Illinois Future PAC.

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The PAC spent approximately $6.3 million on ads supporting Stratton or opposing Krishnamoorthi.

The Washington Post reported that Pritzker's backing proved decisive in a race that tested his influence within Illinois Democratic politics.

Stratton's victory strengthened Pritzker's political standing ahead of his potentially presidential ambitions.

Stratton's campaign centered on progressive policy positions that distinguished her from her rivals.

“Sen Dick Durbin, the Senate's longtime No”

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She emerged as the sole candidate to call for the complete abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Stratton pledged to push for Medicare for All, a $25 minimum wage, and vowed to 'bring this fight straight to Donald Trump's door.'

Her campaign emphasized opposition to corporate influence in politics, criticizing Krishnamoorthi for accepting donations from Palantir executives.

NPR reported that all three candidates pledged to stand up to the president, but Stratton positioned herself as the strongest fighter.

The primary featured unprecedented financial spending that transformed the race into one of Illinois's most expensive primaries.

Krishnamoorthi dominated fundraising, reporting about $30.5 million compared to Stratton's little more than $4 million.

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Outside spending dramatically altered the financial landscape with cryptocurrency PACs spending over $5.5 million attacking Stratton.

Pritzker's Illinois Future PAC spent approximately $6.3 million supporting her campaign.

Total outside spending reached more than $16 million in support of Stratton compared to $11 million in opposition.

Stratton's victory carries significant historical significance as she is positioned to become only the sixth Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate.

“Tracy was the top fundraiser among Republicans, with about $1”

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She would be the second Black woman senator from Illinois, following Democrat Carol Moseley Braun.

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If successful in November, she would join Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester as the third Black woman serving simultaneously in the Senate.

The Indianapolis Star noted that Stratton's win represents a historic moment for political representation.

Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Stratton brings a background as a lawyer who served in the state legislature before becoming lieutenant governor.