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Stratton Secures Senate Nomination Amid Record $55 Million Spending

3/20/2026

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On March 17, 2026, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic Senate nomination, aided by nearly $15 million from Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Stratton's nomination positions her to become the sixth Black woman in the Senate.
The primary featured unprecedented spending, with more than $55 million invested in the Senate race.
Incumbent state Rep. Jaime Andrade lost to progressive Miguel Alvelo-Rivera.
Voter turnout reached about 1.1 million.

History

Historical Context

In 1992, Carol Moseley Braun made history as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Alan J. Dixon in a surprising primary upset. Her victory coincided with Bill Clinton's presidential win and marked a significant moment in the "Year of the Woman." Today, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton's nomination could lead to her becoming the sixth Black woman in the Senate, amid record campaign spending exceeding $55 million.

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Story summary

On March 17, 2026, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic Senate nomination, aided by nearly $15 million from Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Stratton's nomination positions her to become the sixth Black woman in the Senate.
The primary featured unprecedented spending, with more than $55 million invested in the Senate race.
Incumbent state Rep. Jaime Andrade lost to progressive Miguel Alvelo-Rivera.
Voter turnout reached about 1.1 million.

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