Juliana Stratton Wins Illinois Democratic Primary for Senate. She Could Become the Sixth Black Woman Senator in US History

March 18, 2026

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton secured a decisive victory in the Democratic primary for an open U.S. Senate seat, overcoming a crowded field that included two sitting congressional representatives. Her win was significantly bolstered by support from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, her former running mate, who contributed $5 million to a super PAC backing her campaign and featured prominently in her advertising. Despite concerns that competition with another Black woman candidate might split the African American vote, Stratton prevailed against well-funded opponent Raja Krishnamoorthi, who had raised $30 million by late February.

Who is affected

Juliana Stratton (Democratic primary winner and Illinois Lieutenant Governor)
JB Pritzker (Illinois Governor who backed Stratton)
Don Tracy (Republican opponent in November general election)
Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly (U.S. Representatives defeated in the primary)
Sen. Dick Durbin (current 81-year-old Illinois Senator whose seat is open)
Illinois voters and Democratic Party members
Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks (potential Black woman Senate colleagues)
Congressional Black Caucus and its leader Rep. Yvette Clarke

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article beyond Stratton's campaign having concluded with her primary victory.

Why it matters

This race is significant because it demonstrates Governor Pritzker's political influence as he contemplates a presidential bid, showing his ability to shape major electoral outcomes in his home state. The victory is historically important as Stratton could become only the sixth Black woman ever to serve in the U.S. Senate and would join two others to create unprecedented representation. Unlike the heavily covered Texas Senate primary, this Illinois seat has a substantially higher likelihood of remaining Democratic for decades given the state's deep-blue political orientation, making the primary outcome essentially determinative of who will hold long-term Senate power.

What's next

Stratton will face Republican candidate Don Tracy, former Illinois Republican Party chair, in the November general election.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint