Story perspectives

Stratton Wins Democratic Senate Primary, Aiming for Historic Seat

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for the United States Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Dick Durbin, defeating Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly.
Stratton secured about 40% of the vote.
Krishnamoorthi received roughly 33%.
Governor JB Pritzker supported Stratton, positioning her as the general-election favorite against Republican Don Tracy.
If elected, Stratton would be the sixth Black woman in the Senate.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, significantly increasing African American political representation. This legislation led to the election of Carol Moseley Braun in 1992 as the first Black woman in the U.S. Senate. Juliana Stratton's recent primary victory highlights the ongoing importance of diversity in American politics.

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Story summary

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for the United States Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Dick Durbin, defeating Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly.
Stratton secured about 40% of the vote.
Krishnamoorthi received roughly 33%.
Governor JB Pritzker supported Stratton, positioning her as the general-election favorite against Republican Don Tracy.
If elected, Stratton would be the sixth Black woman in the Senate.

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