Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announces bid for U.S. Senate

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — llinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton announced Thursday that she will run for U.S. Senate.

The South Side native made her announcement in a two-minute video, a day after Senator Dick Durbin announced he will not be seeking reelection for the Senate seat he has had since 1996.

She wrote on X, “I’m Juliana Stratton, and I’m running for United States Senate.”

Stratton released the following statement:

I am running for United States Senate.

For too long, the middle class has been centered on the campaign trail but sidelined when it comes to real governance. I’ve spent the last six years serving as Lieutenant Governor of the great state of Illinois, and I’ve seen firsthand the progress that’s possible when we treat the needs of the middle class as a focal point, not just a talking point.

As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their relentless attack on Americans, we need new voices in Washington who will stand firm and fight fiercely to move us forward and protect the values we hold dear.

I am that leader, and I promise to fight everyday for the people of Illinois.”

As Lieutenant Governor, Stratton has worked alongside Governor JB Pritzker to usher in six years of progress for Illinoisans. Together, they’ve balanced the state budget, raised the minimum wage, enshrined the right to abortion into state law, expanded health care access, tackled gun violence, rebuilt Illinois’ infrastructure, and so much more. Now, Stratton is working to take that fight to Washington, where she will continue to build on her proven record of bold leadership in the United States Senate.
Juliana Stratton

Stratton is the first Democrat to launch a campaign to replace Durbin. She is expected to be one of several prominent candidates from both parties in the running for next year’s Senate primary.