Overview
- Sen. Tammy Duckworth officially endorsed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.
- Gov. JB Pritzker had previously endorsed Stratton, solidifying her position as the early frontrunner in the Democratic primary.
- Stratton launched her Senate campaign on April 24, one day after Sen. Durbin announced his decision not to seek re-election in 2026.
- Other prominent Illinois Democrats, including Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lauren Underwood, are still considering entering the race.
- Given Illinois's strong Democratic lean, the winner of the primary is widely expected to secure the Senate seat in the general election.