Governor JB Pritzker endorses Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for Senate

CHICAGO — Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton officially launched her Senate campaign in Bronzeville Friday morning, the neighborhood where she grew up and lives with her family.

At the event, she got an official endorsement from Governor JB Pritzker.

Pritzker released the following statement:

Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working with Juliana Stratton, one of Illinois’ fiercest fighters for working families. She is a tested and steady leader who leads from a place of integrity, pragmatism, and dedication. Juliana’s lived experience has made her a passionate and compassionate advocate able to get big things done. I’m proud to call her not just a partner in governance, but a true friend.

At this perilous moment in Washington, Juliana’s fighting spirit and dedication to improving lives is exactly the type of representation Illinoisans need, and I’m proud to endorse her for the United States Senate.
Governor JB Pritzker

During the campaign event Friday, Pritzker said that Illinois could use a “fighter” like Stratton in the U.S. Senate.

Her announcement came hours after Sen. Dick Durbin announced on Wednesday that he would not seek re-election.

Stratton used her speech to talk about what she says she’d bring to the table in Washington and what prompted her to run.

“I have a little one who, when she asked who won the election and we told her Donald Trump, she broke down in tears. And what I knew is that I have to step in, and lean in, and keep fighting,” Stratton said.

Stratton is the first candidate to officially throw her name in the race, which is expected to be highly competitive.

Potential candidates include Democratic Congressman Raja Krisnamoorthi, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

Republican Congressman Darin LaHood’s name has also come up. 

Sen. Durbin told WGN he didn’t intend to endorse any of the candidates for now.

As for Pritzker, he is throwing his support behind Stratton early before any other candidate joins the race.