In Illinois, a primary could mean a new record number of Black women in the Senate
March 13, 2026
The Illinois Democratic Senate primary features a unique three-way race where Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep.
Who is affected
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (candidate)
Rep. Robin Kelly (candidate)
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (candidate)
Senator Dick Durbin (retiring senator being replaced)
Illinois voters
Governor J.B. Pritzker (endorser and financial supporter)
The Congressional Black Caucus and its members
Black women as a demographic group regarding Senate representation
Former Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (endorsers)
Illinois Democratic Party
Communities of color in Illinois
Black voters in Illinois
What action is being taken
Stratton, Kelly, and Krishnamoorthi are actively campaigning for the Democratic primary
Krishnamoorthi is advertising and has been doing so for the longest period
Governor Pritzker is providing advertising support and millions in personal funds to Stratton's campaign
Super PACs are spending millions on digital and mail campaigns in the final weeks
The Congressional Black Caucus is criticizing Pritzker for his involvement in the race
Both Stratton and Kelly are focusing campaign messaging on immigration enforcement and Gaza
Why it matters
This race represents the only opportunity this election cycle to potentially increase the historic number of Black women serving simultaneously in the U.S. Senate beyond the current two. The contest challenges assumptions about Black women's "electability" by demonstrating a pool of qualified Black women candidates, though it also highlights persistent fundraising and donor network disadvantages that Black women candidates typically face. The outcome will determine whether Illinois continues its history as the first state to elect a Black woman to the Senate, and the race has exposed tensions within the Democratic Party establishment, particularly regarding the Congressional Black Caucus's relationship with influential donors and governors. Additionally, the winner from this deep blue state is virtually certain to win the general election, making the primary outcome decisive for Senate representation.
What's next
The Democratic primary election is taking place next week (Tuesday). The winner of the primary will proceed to the general election, where they are expected to win the Senate seat given Illinois's deep blue political lean. If Stratton wins, she hopes to join the Congressional Black Caucus in January.
