Stratton Wins Illinois Senate Primary, Pritzker's Influence Tested

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton defeats House members in marquee race, setting up potential record for Black women in Senate

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:20am

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Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) won Illinois's Senate primary on Tuesday, defeating Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) in a race that tested the political influence of Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.). Stratton, who served in the state House before joining Pritzker's 2018 bid, was buoyed by funds from the Pritzker-backed Illinois Future PAC. If Stratton wins the general election as expected, she could help set a new record for the number of Black women serving in the Senate.

Why it matters

Stratton's victory is a key test of Pritzker's political prowess, as the governor is rumored to be eyeing a potential 2028 presidential run. The race also highlighted the role of outside spending, with crypto, AI, and pro-Israel groups pouring money into several House primaries across the state.

The details

Stratton defeated Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Kelly, who both vacated their House seats to run for the Senate opening. Though Krishnamoorthi had the fundraising edge, Stratton was boosted by $5 million from the Pritzker-backed Illinois Future PAC in the final weeks. The Congressional Black Caucus had backed Kelly over Stratton, criticizing Pritzker for "putting his thumb on the scales." Pritzker also notched a win in the primary race for Illinois comptroller, where he backed state Rep. Margaret Croke (D).

  • Voters in Illinois headed to the polls on Tuesday, March 18, 2026 to weigh in on primary races.

The players

Juliana Stratton

Lt. Gov. of Illinois who won the Democratic Senate primary, defeating two House members. If elected in November, she could help set a new record for the number of Black women serving in the U.S. Senate.

JB Pritzker

Democratic governor of Illinois who threw his weight behind Stratton's Senate bid, including a $5 million donation to the Illinois Future PAC that supported her campaign. Pritzker is rumored to be eyeing a potential 2028 presidential run, making Stratton's victory a key test of his political influence.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

U.S. Representative from Illinois who ran against Stratton in the Democratic Senate primary but was defeated despite having a fundraising edge.

Robin Kelly

U.S. Representative from Illinois who also ran against Stratton in the Democratic Senate primary but was defeated. The Congressional Black Caucus had backed Kelly over Stratton.

Margaret Croke

Illinois state representative who won the Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller with the backing of Gov. Pritzker.

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What they’re saying

“We have launched our campaign in large measure as 'second chances and redemption for all.' My constituents have heard that message. We've discussed it for more than nine months.”

— Jesse Jackson Jr., Former U.S. Representative (The Hill)

“What I'm hearing is people are looking for the experience that I do bring to the table, and that's one of delivering results.”

— Melissa Bean, Former U.S. Representative (The Hill)

What’s next

If Stratton wins the general election as expected, she could help set a new record for the number of Black women serving in the U.S. Senate.

The takeaway

Stratton's victory in the Illinois Senate primary is a significant win for Gov. Pritzker, whose political influence was put to the test. The race also highlighted the growing role of outside spending from crypto, AI, and pro-Israel groups in Democratic primaries across the state.