Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton Wins Illinois Senate Primary

Stratton's victory puts her on path to become third Black woman in U.S. Senate

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:57am

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Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary race for Senate in Illinois, backed by millions in funding from Gov. JB Pritzker. Stratton's victory makes her the heavy favorite to win the general election in November, which would make her the third Black woman serving in the U.S. Senate.

Why it matters

Stratton's win is historic, as she would become one of only three Black women in the Senate if elected in November. The primary race focused heavily on identity and campaign financing, with Stratton receiving significant support from Pritzker while facing challenges from other candidates trying to split the Black vote.

The details

Stratton, 60, finished ahead of Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly in the three-way Democratic primary. A super PAC funded by Pritzker spent $12 million to help Stratton, vaulting her past Krishnamoorthi who had amassed a $20 million war chest. The contest centered more on identity than ideology, with Stratton campaigning on 'abolish ICE' while Krishnamoorthi called for 'abolish Trump's ICE'.

  • Stratton won the Democratic primary election on March 18, 2026.

The players

Juliana Stratton

The lieutenant governor of Illinois who won the Democratic primary for Senate, backed by millions from Gov. JB Pritzker.

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who provided heavy financial backing to Stratton's Senate campaign through a super PAC that spent $12 million.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A U.S. Representative who finished second in the Democratic Senate primary, despite having a $20 million war chest.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative who finished third in the Democratic Senate primary, with backing from the Congressional Black Caucus.

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What they’re saying

“The Ninth District is not for sale.”

— Daniel Biss, Mayor of Evanston

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Stratton's victory highlights the enduring power and influence of Gov. Pritzker in Illinois politics, as well as the growing importance of identity and campaign financing in Democratic primaries. Her likely election to the Senate would make her one of only three Black women serving in the chamber, a historic milestone.