Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton Launches Campaign for U.S. Senate Seat
SPRINGFIELD (Capitol News Illinois) – Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has officially entered the race to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin, making her the first Democrat to announce candidacy following Durbin’s decision not to seek reelection after 44 years in Congress.
Stratton unveiled her campaign via a video on Thursday, stating that "new voices" are needed in Washington to counter attacks on American values from figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Highlighting her political ascent, Stratton emphasized her partnership with Gov. JB Pritzker, who selected her as his running mate in 2018. They were both reelected in 2022. In her announcement, she cited the accomplishments of Pritzker’s administration, positioning herself as a proactive leader ready to tackle challenges.
Though Pritzker praised Stratton’s extensive contributions in governance, he refrained from endorsing her at a separate press conference. Stratton’s campaign reflects her personal journey; she was inspired to enter politics while caring for her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Stratton previously made headlines by defeating incumbent Rep. Ken Dunkin in a notable 2016 race.
With Durbin’s retirement, speculation surrounds potential contenders for the seat, with Durbin indicating that at least a dozen individuals have shown interest. “We are fortunate to have a strong Democratic bench ready to serve,” he remarked. Stratton has also established a federal political action committee to bolster her campaign efforts.
As the race heats up, Stratton aims to carve her own identity in Illinois politics while building on the accomplishments of her administration alongside Pritzker.
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