Skip to content
elect.link
Latest
Allupdates
D Democratic · U.S. Senate, Illinois · Nov 3, 2026

Juliana
Stratton

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is the 2026 Democratic nominee for Illinois's open U.S. Senate seat.

Researched checked 7 d ago
sources
28
positions
12
endorsements
30
julianastratton.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Don Tracy R+ 1 more Compare race →

Background

Juliana Stratton is the 48th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and the 2026 Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Born and raised on Chicago's South Side—primarily in the Pill Hill neighborhood—she now lives in Bronzeville. She holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and DePaul University College of Law. 110

Before entering electoral politics, Stratton worked in mediation, arbitration, and restorative justice, and held public-sector roles including directing the Cook County Justice Advisory Council and the University of Illinois Chicago's Center for Public Safety and Justice. 15

Stratton served as an Illinois state representative for the 5th District from 2017 to 2019 before being elected lieutenant governor on the ticket with Governor JB Pritzker. She previously served as a parent representative and chair of the Kenwood Academy Local School Council. 19

Stratton won the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026, and faces Republican Don Tracy in the November 3, 2026 general election for the open Illinois U.S. Senate seat. 141518

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. Senate, Illinois
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
Website
julianastratton.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Date unknown
    news
    Gov. Pritzker spends $10 million supporting Stratton in primary via outside committee

    The Chicago Tribune reported that Gov. JB Pritzker spent approximately $10 million supporting Stratton in the primary, mostly through an outside committee.

    Illinois Senate race: Juliana Stratton, F-bomb ads behind her, leans on primary performance versus Don Tracy · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Date unknown
    controversy
    Stratton primary ads feature F-bomb lines about Trump

    During the primary campaign, ads for Stratton featured Sen. Tammy Duckworth and others using profanity about President Trump. Stratton's line was 'They said it, not me.' The ads are no longer the centerpiece of her general-election campaign.

    Illinois Senate race: Juliana Stratton, F-bomb ads behind her, leans on primary performance versus Don Tracy · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Date unknown
    endorsement
    Congressional Black Caucus PAC endorses Stratton for general election after backing Kelly in primary

    After the primary, the Congressional Black Caucus' political arm, which had backed Robin Kelly in the primary, endorsed Stratton for the general election. Reported supporters also include Gov. Pritzker, Sen. Duckworth, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

    Illinois Senate race: Juliana Stratton, F-bomb ads behind her, leans on primary performance versus Don Tracy · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 20
    debate
    Stratton and Tracy set to meet in one joint televised appearance on WTTW

    The candidates agreed to one joint televised appearance on WTTW, scheduled for October 20. Stratton said she looked forward to contrasting their positions on wages and health care.

    Illinois Senate race: Juliana Stratton, F-bomb ads behind her, leans on primary performance versus Don Tracy · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 11
    news
    Stratton holds ISU rally to boost student voter turnout

    Juliana Stratton held a rally at Illinois State University aimed at encouraging student voting ahead of the November 3 general election.

    Juliana Stratton holds ISU rally to boost student voting · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 11
    news
    Chicago Tribune reports Stratton running lower-profile general-election campaign

    The Tribune described Stratton's general-election campaign as lower-profile than her primary run, with fewer joint appearances and large rallies. Stratton said she is open to Supreme Court term limits and expanding the court, and that data centers should not raise energy costs.

    Illinois Senate race: Juliana Stratton, F-bomb ads behind her, leans on primary performance versus Don Tracy · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 10
    controversy
    Tracy TV ad attempts to link Stratton to controversial socialist streamer

    Don Tracy's campaign released a TV ad attempting to connect Stratton to a controversial socialist streamer. The report noted this is Tracy's campaign's characterization, not an established policy position of Stratton's.

    TV hit tries to connect Lt. Gov. Stratton to controversial streamer · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 9
    news
    Stratton outlines $25 minimum wage and other priorities in ABC7 interview

    In an October 9 interview with ABC7 Chicago, Stratton stated her support for a $25 federal minimum wage, Medicare for All, and abolishing ICE. She said, 'I've proposed to raise minimum wage at the federal level to $25 an hour.'

    Illinois Senate candidates outline priorities on affordability, immigration · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Oct 4
    poll
    CNW/PPP poll shows Stratton leading Tracy 49% to 36%

    A Chicago News Weekly poll conducted by Public Policy Polling, surveying 569 Illinois voters from September 30 to October 1, found Stratton at 49%, Tracy at 36%, and 15% undecided.

    CNW Poll: Pritzker Leads Bailey by 20 Points, Democrats Ahead ... · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Oct 3
    news
    Stratton gives exclusive interview on Trump, filibuster, and far-left as early voting begins

    Stratton discussed her positions on Trump, the filibuster, and her relationship with the far-left wing of the Democratic Party as early voting began in Illinois.

    Exclusive: Stratton Talks Trump, Filibuster, the Far-Left as Early Voting Begins · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Oct 1
    news
    Stratton campaign finance data shows $4.7M+ spent through June 30

    The Chicago Sun-Times reported on the race; the Tribune later noted Stratton's main campaign fund had spent more than $4.7 million through June 30, versus less than $950,000 by Tracy's campaign.

    What to know about the U.S. Senate race to replace Sen. Dick Durbin · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 28
    controversy
    Critics accuse Stratton of refusing debates and running a low-key campaign

    The Barrington Hills Observer reported that Stratton had refused multiple debate invitations and was running a low-profile general-election campaign, drawing comparisons to Carol Moseley-Braun.

    Moseley-Braun, Part II? Democrat U.S. Senate hopeful Stratton refuses debates, claims to be “dancing” her way to Washington · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Sep 28
    filing
    Stratton, Tracy, and Harrington confirmed on the November 3 Illinois Senate ballot

    CBS Chicago reported that Juliana Stratton, Don Tracy, and American Center Party candidate Whitfield Harrington were confirmed on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot for the seat held by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.

    Who is running for U.S. Senate in Illinois in the 2026 ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Sep 27
    news
    Stratton discusses Trump, filibuster, and the far-left in exclusive interview

    In an exclusive interview published by The Center Square, Stratton addressed topics including President Trump, the filibuster, and her positioning relative to the far-left wing of the Democratic Party.

    Exclusive: Stratton talks Trump, filibuster, the far-left as ... · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  15. Sep 21
    debate
    Reports emerge that Stratton is declining general-election debate invitations

    Reports said Stratton had declined multiple general-election debate invitations while Republican Don Tracy accepted several. The candidates agreed to one joint televised appearance on WTTW on October 20.

    Stratton aims to avoid too much scrutiny ahead of election · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  16. Sep 18
    news
    USA Today profiles Stratton's personal story ahead of Senate race

    USA Today published a profile of Stratton, highlighting her personal background including that her Black father could not participate in a Capitol trip she could someday represent as a U.S. senator.

    Her Black dad couldn't go on a Capitol trip. She could be a US senator · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  17. Mar 17
    news
    Stratton wins Illinois Democratic primary with 40.4% of the vote

    Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary with 40.4%, or 507,689 votes, defeating U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly and other candidates.

    Stratton seeks U.S. Senate seat in Illinois general election · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Over 100 Illinois faith leaders (Clergy for Juliana) other
    Reported by the Citizen Newspaper Group; article URL dated February 25 but retrieved October 10, 2026. citizennewspapergroup.com
  • Bobby Rush, former U.S. Representative official
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Illinois Federation of Teachers union
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • GIFFORDS PAC organization
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Various current Illinois members of Congress official
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no individual dates given. julianastratton.com
  • UNITE HERE Local 1 union
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Sierra Club organization
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Democratic Party of Illinois organization
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • EMILYs List organization
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senator official
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Rev. Jesse Jackson (posthumous, contested) other
    Stratton's campaign claimed a personal endorsement from the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, but his family disputed that the endorsement had been finalized. His son Yusef Jackson withdrew his own endorsement. The family said it does not issue political endorsements. chicago.suntimes.com
  • Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator official
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • League of Conservation Voters organization
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Tina Smith, U.S. Senator official
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • End Citizens United organization
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator official
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • AFSCME PEOPLE union
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator official
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • SEIU Illinois State Council union
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Human Rights Campaign PAC organization
    Listed on campaign endorsements page; no date given. julianastratton.com
  • Congressional Black Caucus PAC organization
    Endorsed Stratton for the general election after previously backing Robin Kelly in the primary. chicagotribune.com · Oct 11, 2026
  • Teamsters Joint Council 25 union
    Endorsed Stratton as part of a slate of pro-union candidates in Illinois. teamster.org · Oct 8, 2026
  • Actors' Equity Association union
    broadwayworld.com · Sep 29, 2026
  • AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees) union
    Described as the largest federal employee union. afge.org · Aug 7, 2026
  • Illinois AFL-CIO union
    rockfordsun.com · Jul 20, 2026
  • Reproductive Freedom for All organization
    reproductivefreedomforall.org · May 6, 2026
  • National Nurses United union
    nationalnursesunited.org · Mar 2, 2026
  • Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator from Illinois official
    capitolnewsillinois.com · Apr 28, 2025
  • JB Pritzker, Illinois Governor official
    Endorsed Stratton the day she announced her Senate campaign. chicago.suntimes.com · Apr 25, 2025

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$5.91M
Spent
$4.80M
Cash on hand
$1.11M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S6IL00458(opens in a new tab)

Sources 28

  1. [1] Illinois Senate race: Juliana Stratton, F-bomb ads behind her, leans on primary performance versus Don Tracy(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  2. [2] Juliana Stratton holds ISU rally to boost student voting(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  3. [3] Endorsements | Juliana Stratton(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  4. [4] over 100 faith leaders endorse juliana stratton for us senate(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  5. [5] TV hit tries to connect Lt. Gov. Stratton to controversial streamer(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  6. [6] Illinois Senate candidates outline priorities on affordability, immigration(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  7. [7] Stratton seeks U.S. Senate seat in Illinois general election(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  8. [8] Teamsters Joint Council 25 Endorses Slate of Pro-Union ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  9. [9] CNW Poll: Pritzker Leads Bailey by 20 Points, Democrats Ahead ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
  10. [10] Exclusive: Stratton Talks Trump, Filibuster, the Far-Left as Early Voting Begins(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  11. [11] Juliana's Priorities(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  12. [12] What to know about the U.S. Senate race to replace Sen. Dick Durbin(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  13. [13] Actors' Equity Association Endorses Juliana Stratton for ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  14. [14] Moseley-Braun, Part II? Democrat U.S. Senate hopeful Stratton refuses debates, claims to be “dancing” her way to Washington(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  15. [15] Who is running for U.S. Senate in Illinois in the 2026 ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  16. [16] Exclusive: Stratton talks Trump, filibuster, the far-left as ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
  17. [17] Stratton aims to avoid too much scrutiny ahead of election(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  18. [18] Her Black dad couldn't go on a Capitol trip. She could be a US senator(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026
  19. [19] Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Illinois' Juliana ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 7, 2026
  20. [20] Illinois AFL-CIO endorses Juliana Stratton in U.S. Senate ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 21, 2026
  21. [21] Reproductive Freedom for All Endorses Illinois Lt. ...(opens in a new tab) May 6, 2026
  22. [22] Jesse Jackson family disputes posthumous Juliana ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 16, 2026
  23. [23] National Nurses United endorses Juliana Stratton for U.S. ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 2, 2026
  24. [24] Juliana Stratton: 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate - Daily Herald(opens in a new tab) Feb 28, 2026
  25. [25] Juliana Stratton, Democratic candidate for U.S. senator(opens in a new tab) Feb 20, 2026
  26. [26] Duckworth endorses Lt. Gov. Stratton for U.S. Senate seat ...(opens in a new tab) Apr 28, 2025
  27. [27] Gov. JB Pritzker endorses Juliana Stratton for Dick Durbin's ...(opens in a new tab) Apr 25, 2025
  28. [28] Q&A: Lt. Gov. Stratton talks preventative measures to stop ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 24, 2023
Are you Juliana Stratton?
Claim this page to add a statement to voters and correct your details.
Sign in to claim
elect.link

Candidate pages are assembled automatically from public web sources. Every claim links to where it came from. Nonpartisan; no endorsements. Candidates can claim their page to add a statement and corrections.