Illinois Lt. Governor Stratton Wins Democratic Senate Primary

Stratton is favored to win the general election in the heavily Democratic state.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:01am

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Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton has won the Democratic nomination to run for U.S. Senate in Illinois, according to a projection by NBC News. Stratton is expected to be favored to win the November general election in the heavily Democratic state, succeeding veteran Senator Dick Durbin.

Why it matters

This race is significant as it represents a changing of the guard in Illinois politics, with a new generation of Democratic leaders seeking to take over a Senate seat that has been held by the same person for decades.

The details

Stratton, the current Illinois Lieutenant Governor, defeated a crowded field of Democratic primary candidates to secure the nomination. As a heavily Democratic state, her victory in the primary effectively makes her the favorite to win the general election in November and succeed the retiring Senator Dick Durbin.

  • The Democratic primary election in Illinois was held on March 17, 2026.

The players

Juliana Stratton

The current Lieutenant Governor of Illinois who won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat.

Dick Durbin

The veteran U.S. Senator from Illinois who is retiring, opening up this Senate seat.

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What’s next

Stratton will now focus her campaign on the November general election, where she is expected to be the favorite to win the U.S. Senate seat.

The takeaway

This race represents a generational shift in Illinois politics, with a new generation of Democratic leaders seeking to take over key positions of power in the state.