Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Democratic primary for US Senate

In short: Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for the US Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin.

What happened

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for Illinois’ open US Senate seat on March 17, 2026. The seat is opening up because Senator Dick Durbin is retiring.

With about 80% of votes counted in major news projections, Stratton led with 39.4% to Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi’s 33.6%. Representative Robin Kelly was also in the race, along with other candidates.

Stratton now advances to the November general election, where she is expected to face Republican nominee Don Tracy. Tracy is an attorney and a former chair of the Illinois Republican Party.

Why it matters

This race helps decide who represents Illinois in the US Senate for the next six years. It also shows how campaign support can work in different ways. Krishnamoorthi raised far more money, over $30 million, while Stratton raised about $4 million and Kelly about $3 million. Stratton still won, helped by endorsements, on-the-ground organizing, and outside spending from groups such as Illinois Future PAC, which spent more than $10 million.

If Stratton wins in November, she would become Illinois’ second Black woman US senator, after Carol Moseley Braun.

Source: NYTimes