Stratton Launches Senate Campaign Following Durbin’s Retirement Announcement
SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has become the first Democrat to announce her candidacy for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin, who recently stated he will not seek re-election after 44 years in Congress. Strategically timed, Stratton unveiled her campaign with a video message just a day after Durbin’s announcement.
In her statement, Stratton emphasized the need for fresh voices in Washington amid ongoing challenges, asserting, “As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their relentless attack on Americans, we need new voices in Washington who will stand firm and fight fiercely.”
Stratton’s political career has seen significant progress—serving one term in the Illinois House before being selected as Gov. JB Pritzker’s running mate during the 2018 campaign. Their partnership has proven successful, with both being re-elected in 2022. Pritzker commended Stratton’s contributions to governance but refrained from endorsing her at this stage.
The 59-year-old Stratton, originally from Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, has taken a non-traditional path into politics, inspired personally by her experience as a caregiver for her mother battling Alzheimer’s. She notably defeated an incumbent in her 2016 race and has held various professional roles, including directing the University of Illinois Chicago’s Center for Public Safety and Justice.
As Durbin prepares to exit the Senate, he noted that interest in his seat is strong, with “at least a dozen” candidates considering a run. The anticipation surrounding this race continues to build as Stratton positions herself for what promises to be a competitive field.
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