Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton Secures Democratic U.S. Senate Nomination in Upset Victory Backed by Gov. Pritzker
Chicago, IL – Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat on March 17, 2026, defeating a crowded field of contenders in a race to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin.
Stratton, who has served as lieutenant governor since 2019, captured 40.1% of the vote with 473,355 votes, according to final tallies reported by major news outlets. She bested U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who received 33.2% (391,984 votes), and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly with 18.1% (213,293 votes). Other candidates, including Kevin Ryan, Bryan Maxwell, and Sean Brown, trailed far behind.[5]
The win positions Stratton as the frontrunner for the general election in November in the solidly Democratic state, where she is poised to become the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois since Carol Moseley Braun in 1992.[5]
Pritzker’s Influence Looms Large
Governor JB Pritzker played a pivotal role in Stratton’s triumph, pouring millions into a super PAC supporting her campaign and stumping alongside his former running mate. Pritzker, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt fortune, has cultivated a reputation as a political kingmaker in Illinois, leveraging his financial resources, institutional power, and party loyalty to dominate state politics.[1]
“I’m not choosing candidates because I’ve taken a poll ahead of time and decided that I can only support a candidate that I know absolutely 100 percent is going to win,” Pritzker declared at a pre-election luncheon at Manny’s Deli in Chicago. He dismissed any risk to his own image from backing Stratton, emphasizing her qualifications.[1]
Illinois House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel praised Pritzker’s endorsement as evidence of his “coattails” and influence, noting that voters respect his judgment. Pritzker’s support extended beyond Stratton; another backed candidate, Rep. Brad Schneider, also secured the Democratic nomination in Illinois’ 10th Congressional District.[1]
An Upset Fueled by Chicago Strength
NBC News described the result as an upset, with Stratton leading Krishnamoorthi by over 50,000 votes—a margin expected to widen as Chicago votes were counted. She dominated the city by a 2-to-1 margin and showed broader geographic appeal in suburban Cook County areas.[3]
Stratton’s campaign benefited from Pritzker family funding while pledging no corporate PAC money, contrasting with Krishnamoorthi and Kelly, who accepted such contributions. Krishnamoorthi highlighted his House Intelligence Committee experience and focused on foreign policy and economic issues, but could not overcome Stratton’s momentum.[5]
Victory Speech Signals Bold Agenda
At her election night watch party on Chicago’s West Side, Stratton addressed an enthusiastic crowd, fueled in part by an open bar—a stark contrast to reports of paid drinks at Krishnamoorthi’s event.[1]
“Illinois has sent a clear message tonight. It’s time for bold ideas, big dreams, and real courage in Washington,” Stratton proclaimed in footage from Reuters. “This fight is only the beginning.”[4]
CBS Chicago called it a “come-from-behind victory,” noting Stratton’s projection to win after a heated race to replace Durbin, who held the seat for nearly three decades.[6] She is scheduled to greet commuters and speak to reporters at Chicago Union Station the following morning.[6]
Context of the Race
Durbin announced his retirement on April 23, 2025, after serving since 1997. Stratton launched her bid the next day, securing Pritzker’s immediate endorsement.[5] The primary unfolded amid national Democratic tensions, with voters showing appetite for confrontation against President Trump, according to NBC polling.[3]
On the Republican side, Don Tracy won the nomination for the Senate race, setting up a general election matchup against Stratton.[2]
Path Forward in a Blue State
Analysts project Stratton as the favorite in the fall, given Illinois’ Democratic lean. Her victory underscores Pritzker’s grip on state politics, where Democrats control the legislature and have advanced priorities like energy, infrastructure, and cost-of-living relief.[1]
As Stratton transitions from lieutenant governor—a role she has held under Pritzker—to potential U.S. senator, her campaign’s emphasis on bold action resonates with a base eager for change. The Associated Press and Chicago Tribune called the race for her on election night.[5]
Democratic Primary Results
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Juliana Stratton | 473,355 | 40.1% |
| Raja Krishnamoorthi | 391,984 | 33.2% |
| Robin Kelly | 213,293 | 18.1% |
| Kevin Ryan | 58,267 | 4.9% |
| Bryan Maxwell | 9,406 | 0.8% |
| Sean Brown | 7,644 | 0.6% |
Source: Wikipedia election results[5]
With the primary in the rearview, all eyes turn to Stratton’s general election battle and her potential to make history in Washington.