Stratton First to Enter Senate Race, More Dominoes About to Fall
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton announced her campaign for U.S. Senate Thursday morning.
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Following Sen. Dick Durbin’s announcement Wednesday he would not seek a sixth term in the United States Senate in 2026, numerous Democratic insiders predict a “flood” of Democrats to explore or enter the race to replace Durbin. And the movement of chess pieces as a result could have extensive impact on races up and down the ballot.
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton became the first candidate to enter the race, releasing a video at 5:00 A.M. Thursday.
Stratton, 59, a former one-term State Representative before being plucked as Pritzker’s running mate in 2018, has signaled her interest in the seat in recent months. She has begun fundraising in a federal PAC and has reportedly secured Pritzker’s support for a potential run.
U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Schaumburg) is expected enter the race within days.
Krishnamoorthi, 51, has long been fundraising like someone who wants to move up in Democratic ranks. He finished the first quarter of the year with around $19.4 million dollars cash on hand.
Krishnamoorthi ran for State Comptroller in 2010, losing to Democrat David Miller in the primary by under one percentage point. In 2012, he lost a primary for Congress to now-Senator Tammy Duckworth. He was elected to Congress in 2016.
Another potential candidate, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) is also said to be interested in the seat, but no imminent announcement is planned. A source close to Underwood, 38, says she is “carefully considering” her next steps.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Matteson) could enter the race as early as next week.
Congressman Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove), and Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) have also been mentioned as potential candidates, but their interest isn’t fully clear in the hours following Durbin’s announcement.
It isn’t clear what other statewide officeholders may throw their hat in the ring. Attorney General Kwame Raoul said last month he isn’t interested in running for Senate. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias ran for Senate in 2010 and is a prolific fundraiser, but he and State Comptroller Susana Mendoza both appear to be focused on running for Chicago Mayor in 2027.
State Treasurer Mike Frerichs issued a statement Wednesday leaving the door open for a potential run, claiming he is “considering how I can continue to best serve the people of Illinois. As part of that, I am having conversations with my family.”
As for Republicans, the top GOP recruit would aim to be Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Peoria). His campaign issued a statement that raised questions that he may be interested in running for the seat.
“As the 2026 election approaches, Congressman LaHood remains focused on delivering conservative leadership for all Illinoisans that offers a clear alternative to the failed liberal policies driving families and businesses out of Illinois,” the statement read.
But sources to LaHood who previously said he was unlikely to enter the race were adamant Wednesday that LaHood is not going to jump into the race in the current environment.
Another potential GOP candidate for Senate, doctor and farmer Dave Nayak, a former Democrat who had been laying groundwork for a statewide run in 2026, is considered “unlikely” to run for Senate in 2026, sources tell The Illinoize.
Here’s how other potential openings could shake out:
8th Congressional-
If Krishnamoorthi exits is House seat, as expected, it would create a potentially massive primary to replace him in a west suburban district which stretches from O’Hare Airport to Elgin, Carpentersville, Dundee, and further points into Kane County. The Cook Partisan Voting Index gives Democrats a 5 point advantage in the district.
Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) and Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine) appear to be two top Democrats for the seat, sources tell The Illinoize. Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who lives in Elk Grove Village, could also be a candidate for the seat.
14th Congressional-
If Underwood steps aside, it could lead to a massive Democratic primary and general election race. Her district runs from Joliet in the southeast to LaSalle-Peru in the west. The Cook PVI gives Democrats a 4 point advantage in the district.
Potential Democratic candidates to replace Underwood would include Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet), who previously ran for Congress, Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield), and DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes.
Republicans would view the seat as a likely pickup opportunity. GOP leaders would likely center their interest in the seat on Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris), who lives just outside of the district but nearly all of the district she represents falls within the 14th District. It isn’t clear if she’d be willing to give up her Senate seat for a run, though. Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) also lives in the district, but says he is not interested. Former Kendall County Board Chair Scott Gryder could also be a potential candidate for the seat. Kendall County GOP Chair James Marter, who lost to Underwood in 2024, has already announced he’s seeking the GOP nomination again.
Candidates would have time to test the waters before making a final decision, though. Petition circulation doesn’t begin until August.
9th Congressional-
If Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston) decides not to seek re-election, as reported by multiple outlets (and denied by Schakowsky) Wednesday, a Democratic battle could unfold in the heavily Democratic distrct.
Former State Representative and State Senator and current Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss would likely be seen as a top candidate to replace Schakowsky. Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), Rep. Kevin Olickal (D-Skokie), Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), Rep. Hoan Huynh (D-Chicago), Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview), and Chicago Alderwoman Debra Silverstein would all be seen as potential candidates for the seat. Schakowsky was already facing a primary from progressive social media personality Kat Abughazaleh.
