Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton Launches Campaign for U.S. Senate Seat Following Durbin’s Retirement
Springfield, IL – Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has officially announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. Stratton, a Democrat, launched her campaign via a video on Thursday, just one day after Durbin declared he would not seek reelection after 44 years in Congress.
In her announcement, Stratton emphasized the need for new leadership in Washington amid what she describes as relentless attacks on American values by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. “We need new voices who will stand firm and fight fiercely,” she stated.
Stratton’s political rise has been rapid; after a term in the Illinois House, she became Gov. JB Pritzker’s running mate in 2018 and assumed the role of lieutenant governor in 2019. Both were reelected in 2022. During her campaign launch, she highlighted the achievements of Pritzker’s administration, asserting, "We’ve actually gotten things done," in contrast to Republican rhetoric.
While Pritzker praised Stratton’s capabilities, he stopped short of endorsing her during a news conference on the same day. “She is truly one of the most accomplished people to hold the job,” he said.
Stratton, 59, a native of Bronzeville, Chicago, drew inspiration for her political career from her experience as a caregiver for her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. She notably defeated an incumbent in the Illinois House in 2016, contributing to her rising profile.
As Durbin steps down, he indicates significant interest in the seat, noting that “at least a dozen” candidates are considering a run. "We need them now more than ever," he added.
The race to fill Durbin’s seat is shaping up to be a pivotal contest for Democrats in Illinois.
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