Pritzker Endorses Stratton for Senate
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton speaks to supporters on Election Night in 2022. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton was the first candidate to jump into the race to replace Sen. Dick Durbin Thursday, with an announcement video posted to social media at 5:00 A.M. the morning after Durbin announced he would step aside in 2026.
“My story isn’t the story of a typical senator. Then again, typical isn’t what we need right now,” Stratton said in her announcement video. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are trying to distract us, to create such a mess that we don’t even know where to start. But in Washington, they’re still doing the same old things they’ve always done. And that old playbook isn’t working.”
Pritzker endorsed Stratton in a news conference and video Friday.
“She governs with a zeal that few elected leaders can match, fueled by her lived experience as her mother’s primary caregiver, as a mother herself and as a passionate advocate for people first and foremost,” Pritzker said.
It is expected Pritzker will contribute to Stratton’s campaign in some form, but details have yet to be discussed publicly.
“I intend to support her in every way that I can,” Pritzker said.
We’re expecting an announcement entering the race “soon” from Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Schaumburg) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Matteson) is expected to enter the race next week.
We’re told Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) is still considering whether or not to enter the race, as is State Treasurer Mike Frerichs.
